Pinellas County residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton can now apply for recovery funds through the People First Hurricane Recovery Programs, which began accepting applications Monday.

The initiative provides assistance to homeowners, renters, and landlords with home repairs, repair reimbursements, home buyer assistance, and disaster-related expenses including rent, mortgage, and utilities.

At least 70 percent of the funding will be directed toward residents with low to moderate incomes, according to county officials.

County Commission Chair Brian Scott noted the program is moving faster than typical government recovery efforts, with applications being processed and funds expected to reach residents by Christmas — approximately one year after the hurricanes.

People First Help Centers opened Monday at two locations to assist residents with documents, eligibility, and applications. The centers, located in Clearwater at 2600 McCormick Dr., Suite 10, and St. Petersburg at 5000 Park Street N, Suite 4, will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents in the city of St. Petersburg cannot apply through this program yet, as the city will launch its own similar program with separate funding in November.

Applications and additional information are available at the Pinellas recovery website.

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(Image credit: Pinellas County)

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