The ECCL has been working hard to assist families suffering hardship and heartbreak following hurricane Ian. The ECCL, which relies on donations to continue its work, has donated $5,000 of its funds to assist those in need and has supported mayor Katy Errington by getting the word out to Estero residents together with the Estero Forever Foundation and the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce. The initial wave of contributions totaled $30,000, and we hope a second communication will add more.
In addition to monetary support, we appreciate that many are struggling to know what might or might not be possible when knowing to whom they can turn for help, financial or otherwise, from FEMA and other organizations. To assist those who need answers to these questions, the ECCL has compiled the latest information below. This will be updated when new information becomes available.
Residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can sign up at BlueRoof.us or call toll-free at 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Homes eligible for Operation Blue Roof include primary residences or a permanently occupied rental property with less than 50% structural damages, excluding vacation rental properties.
For the roof to qualify, you must remove all storm debris, and flat roofs, metal, clay, slate, or asbestos tile do not qualify. PLEASE NOTE – all applications need to be with Blue Roof by November 1st.
You can find out if you may be eligible for a FEMA award by Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY) or by applying online at DisasterAssistance.gov. FEMA assistance does not, unfortunately, make you whole again, but it can help you to recover.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not usually compensate you for your entire loss. If your total damage costs amount to 50% of your home’s total value, you may be required to demolish your home and then you will have to consider rebuilding – but please find out more from FEMA directly first.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians can file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance – FloridaJobs.org and select “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visiting a local CareerSource Career Center, or calling 800-385-3920.
It is the case with many, but not all insurance companies that cover hurricane damage, that a 2% deductible is required. Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is awarding $5 million to local housing partners to help Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian pay their home insurance deductibles in the six hardest hit counties.
Funding assistance is available to individuals, families, and seniors living in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, and Sarasota counties who apply and qualify through Florida Housing’s local housing partners. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their local SHIP office directly for more information: Local Government Information (floridahousing.org). Here is the link https://www.floridahousing.org/programs/special-programs/ship—state-housing-initiatives-partnership-program/local-government-information
A mobile home, travel trailer, or park-trailer may be parked on a single-family lot and utilized as temporary housing during the rehabilitation of the original residence or construction of the new residence. The maximum duration of use is until March 22, 2024, which is 540 days after the disaster declaration.
The temporary housing unit must be removed from the property, or cease utilizing as a residential temporary housing unit, within ten days after the certificate of occupancy of the home is issued. PLEASE NOTE: A temporary permit will be required to be approved through Lee County Department of Community Development.
Water and sanitary facilities must be provided, and the temporary mobile home, travel trailer, or park-trailer must comply with floodplain management regulations.
Department of Community Development’s normal permitting business hours are being expanded to assist its customers. The hours of operation will be Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Due to both public and private damage generated by Hurricane Ian, Unincorporated Lee County is temporarily altering routine construction permitting and inspections for rebuilding.
For those in Estero Village:
Building Repairs not requiring a permit:
Building Repairs requiring a permit:
A key place to start for temporary housing is registering for FEMA individual assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. It can provide temporary rental assistance. Other federal programs will be made available.
Lee County will work with the federal government as well as state and local partners to support displaced residents. Lee County departmental staff, such as Human & Veteran Services, are already actively making plans to help residents in shelters transition to housing.
