As Milton leaves our communities, our homes and businesses' damage and recovery needs will vary. 

→ FEMA ASSISTANCE

Photograph your damages, if any. If you have experienced damage to your home, business, or vehicle, your first step is to file a claim with your insurance company. After contacting your insurance company, you can also apply for disaster relief through FEMA. Below are links to the FEMA website and their mobile app, where you can access the application for disaster assistance:

• disasterassistance.gov

• The site includes a local resources search option

• 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

• TTY: (800)-462-7585

• Get the FEMA Mobile App

Regarding Crisis Cleanup, this hotline is for people who need help cleaning up damage from Hurricane Milton and connects people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups, and faith communities who may be able to assist with jobs such as mucking (cleaning up), trees, tarp, and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed if there’s high demand. This hotline will remain open through Friday, October 25, 2024.

• Website: https://crisiscleanup.org/disasters/171 

• Hotline: (844) 965-1386

→ SMALL BUSINESSES

For business owners, the Small Business Association (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery & equipment, inventory, and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster. See below:

• SBA (Small Business Administration)

•  Small Business Association (SBA)’s Office of Disaster Assistance

→ PERSONAL RELIEF

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) provides financial assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted due to a major disaster and who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits. If you require DUA, visit this website: https://oui.doleta.gov/unemploy/disaster.asp 

We are fortunate to have both the Red Cross and Salvation Army chapters serving our communities, providing a wide range of resources and disaster assistance, whether medical supplies or food. See below:

• American Red Cross

• 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

• American Red Cross Services for Veterans:

• https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans.html 

• Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Chapter:

• Can provide emergency medical assistance/medications, disaster recovery planning, meals and water

• West Palm Beach Office: (561) 833-7711

• Vero Beach Office: (772) 562-2549 

• Salvation Army Local Chapters:

• West Palm Beach Command: (561) 686-3530

• http://www.salvationarmypalmbeachcounty.org/ 

• Palm Beach Area Command: (561) 686-3530

• http://www.salvationarmypalmbeachcounty.org/ 

• Martin County Corps: (772) 288-1471

• http://www.salvationarmystuart.org/ 

• St. Lucie County Service Unit: (772) 288-1471

• StuartFL@uss.salvationarmy.org

• Very Beach Corps: (772) 978-0265

• https://salvationarmyflorida.org/verobeach/ 

→ DISASTER SERVICES FOR VETERANS

If you or a veteran you know need immediate housing assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, call the 24/7 National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline: (800) 424-3838

• If you cannot receive a benefit payment after a disaster, contact the VA National Call Center at 1-800-827-1000 to request a special one-time payment.

• If you’re a displaced Veteran and receive VA employment services, you may qualify for two additional months of Employee Adjustment Allowance. Contact your local VA regional office to speak with a Veteran Readiness & Employment specialist to learn more.