Dear Pastors and Clerks,
I pray this message finds you well and that you and your families are safe. As we continue to navigate these challenging times, we want to ensure that our churches and communities have access to crucial disaster relief resources.
Below is a comprehensive list of agencies offering a range of services including shelter, food, cleanup assistance, emotional support, and financial aid. This list was provided by VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) and includes services available across the state. Please feel free to share this information with your congregations and anyone in need.
Disaster Relief Agencies and Resources:
• American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter Emergency shelter, food, and disaster relief Phone: 813-348-4820 • Boricuas de Corazon Disaster relief supplies (food, water, hygiene products, etc.) Phone: 954-496-1463 • Crisis Clean Up Cleanup services after Hurricane Helene Phone: 844-965-1286 • Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 emotional support for those affected by hurricanes Phone: 1-800-985-5990 • Duke Energy Power outage and restoration assistance Phone: 1-800-228-8485 • Feeding Tampa Bay Emergency food distribution services Phone: 813-254-1190 • FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Financial assistance for home repairs, temporary housing, and other needs Phone: 1-800-621-3362 • Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Statewide disaster recovery updates and resources Online recovery resources and storm updates available • Hillsborough County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) Assistance with FEMA applications, insurance claims, and more Find the nearest DRC after the hurricane • Hillsborough County Emergency Management Updates on recovery services, debris removal, and shelters Phone: 813-272-5900 • Hillsborough County Emergency Shelters Shelter for displaced residents Locations include local schools and community centers • Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management Storm debris removal services Instructions on curbside pickup of storm debris available • Metropolitan Ministries Food, shelter, and financial assistance Phone: 813-209-1000 • South Bay Hospital (Sun City Center) Emergency medical care Phone: 813-634-3301 • Sun City Center Emergency Squad Emergency medical transport and assistance Phone: 813-634-3800 • TECO Energy (Tampa Electric) Power restoration updates and bill relief programs Phone: 1-877-588-1010 • Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) – FEMA Temporary lodging for hurricane survivors Check eligibility and apply • U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses Apply online for disaster loans • United Way Suncoast (UWS) Disaster Resiliency 211 HELPLINE for assistance and resources
We encourage you to share these resources with your church members and communities as needed. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if additional assistance is required.
May God continue to guide and protect us all.
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