People in Manatee County and at least 10 other Florida counties can apply for federal assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, 800-621-FEMA (3362) and also by using the FEMA app for smartphones.
Also, federal Small Business Administration disaster loans are available to businesses, homeowners, renters and nonprofit organizations in Manatee and the other Florida counties approved for individual assistance.
Applicants can apply at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov under declaration #17644.
For help with the process, people can call 800-659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
About 1.6 million Floridians carry flood insurance and they are advised to report any loss immediately to their insurance agent or carrier.
FEMA advises people to be sure to ask them about advance payments.
To learn more about filing a flood insurance claim, go online to floodsmart.gov.
Mental health resources also are available. Survivors experiencing emotional distress can call or text the federal Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
The hotline provides free 24/7 crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster.
Florida residents who need to leave their home due to damage can visit www.floridadisaster.org/shelter-status for addresses of general and special needs shelters.
Medically dependent residents who need electricity to operate medical equipment, transport services to evacuated due to a medical condition or need help getting medication during a disaster can register for assistance at FloridaDisaster.org/SNR.
Also, visit Hurricane Ian | FEMA.gov for information and resources available for Florida residents affected by the storm.
How to Help
To volunteer as part of the Hurricane Ian recovery, visit Florida’s official volunteer portal at volunteerflorida.org.
There can be volunteer opportunities for months, often years, after a disaster. So also look to a list of agencies with volunteer opportunities on the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster website at www.nvoad.org.
Donating cash can be the best way to help after a disaster.
When people support voluntary organizations with financial contributions, it helps ensure a steady flow of important services to the people in need after a disaster.
People can find ways to donate at www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf or text DISASTER to 20222.
Before donating any supplies, people should connect with organizations working in an affected area to identify what is needed, how much is needed and when it is needed.
Clothing donations are not an option. Used clothing is never needed in a disaster area and unwanted donations can overwhelm charities on the ground because they need to be received and sorted.
— Lisa Neff
Assistance sought on AMI
- Moonracer Animal Rescue seeks volunteers to offer foster and forever homes for rescued animals, as well as assist with technology. Information: 941-345-2441.
- Roser Food Bank seeks donations. Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, administers the pantry, supported by All Island Denominations. Information: 941-778-0414.
Assistance offered on AMI
- Roser Food Bank welcomes applicants who live and/or work on Anna Maria Island for food assistance, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Information: 941-778-0414.
- AID offers financial help to those who live on the island, go to church on the island, attend school on the island and work on the island. Information: 941-725-2433.