The City of St. Petersburg will soon start accepting applications for a nearly $160 million federal grant to help homeowners recover from Hurricanes Idalia and Helene.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant is available to homeowners affected by Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and Hurricane Helene in 2024 who earn 80% or less of the area median income, approximately $83,450 for a family of four. HUD sets the eligibility guidelines.

Homeowners impacted only by Hurricane Milton are not currently eligible for the program, called Sunrise St. Pete. City officials have contacted HUD for guidance on including Milton victims, as many residents were affected by multiple storms.

The funding can cover home repairs, rebuilding, or elevation work. Homeowners who have already completed repairs can be reimbursed up to $50,000 if the work was fully permitted and code-compliant. The money can also provide disaster relief payments for rent, mortgage, and utility costs.

Applications will open in the coming weeks via an online portal or through city caseworkers. Two informational webinars are scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, at noon and 5:30 p.m.

Some residents say the help is arriving too slowly. Former Shore Acres homeowner Liane Jamason, who sold her flood-damaged home after Hurricane Helene, said many people have already had to make difficult decisions or sell their homes while waiting for assistance.

Aubrey Phillips, the city’s Strategic Initiatives and Grants Director, said HUD has guidelines for prioritizing applications.

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(Image credit: Tony Salazar)

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