Nearly four months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton displaced thousands of residents along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the City of St. Petersburg has partnered with the Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) to provide housing solutions for those affected.

The partnership will host a Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair on Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 3 to 7 p.m. at The Coliseum (535 4th Ave. N) in St. Petersburg.

What Attendees Can Expect

The event aims to connect individuals displaced by the hurricanes with housing providers in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and surrounding areas. Highlights include:

• Hands-On Application Support: Representatives from over 40 housing communities affiliated with the BAAA will assist attendees with applications for short-term (6 months) and long-term (12+ months) rental opportunities.
• Q&A with Housing Providers: Attendees can ask about apartment availability and explore housing options in the St. Petersburg area.
• Rental Assistance Guidance: Staff will be available to discuss financial challenges and options for rental assistance, helping attendees navigate post-disaster recovery.

Amy Foster, St. Petersburg’s Housing and Neighborhood Services administrator, described the event as “a significant step towards housing stability and recovery for those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.”

Event Open to All Affected by Hurricanes

Although the event takes place in St. Petersburg, households outside the city are encouraged to attend. Organizers emphasized that the event is designed to be a comprehensive resource for all displaced residents in the Tampa Bay region.

“Surrounding areas will benefit from the guidance and assistance provided,” stated a city news release.

Additionally, many participating housing providers are offering discounted leases, flexible terms, and other concessions for hurricane-impacted individuals.

For more details about the Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair, visit: BAAA News.

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