Hurricane Relief Resources

Hurricanes can be a stressful time – not only for you but your family as well. Post-hurricane, there can be a lot of things out of your control, from lack of power to limited food and water. However, there are steps you can take to make things a little bit better. At First 1,000 days, we wanted to share some resources, specifically for those affected by Hurricane Milton, that help relieve a little bit of stress.

211 United Way 

2-1-1 operates nationwide and connects callers to human services information. This service operates 24/7, even during disasters.  Information and resources may be provided for a variety of needs including shelter, cell phone power stations, rent/utility assistance, and disaster response programs. 

Activate Hope 

833-GET-HOPE

Florida State Agency connected to DCF. HOPE Navigators can help with direct referrals and connecting Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more.

American Red Cross 

1-800-RED-CROSS  

During a disaster, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, emotional support, health services, clean-up supplies and comfort items.

Contractor Interest: If interested in assisting with cleanup, please complete the Contractor Interest form. 

Cooking and Food Site

Locations can be found mapped here: Cooking & Feeding Sites (arcgis.com)

Crisis Cleanup

844-965-1386

Connect with organizations for muck out, tree removal, tarping, and debris cleanup. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed.

Disaster Legal Aid (Bay Area Legal Services)

833-514-2940

Free legal aid services. 

Disaster Recovery and Relief Fund – United Way South Sarasota County 

United Way of South Sarasota County is raising funds to provide direct assistance to those affected after  the devastation of Hurricanes Helene, Debby and Milton in Sarasota County.  The impacts of those storms have led to significant flooding across the county, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of individuals and families.  You can help by donating today!  All funds raised here stay here in our local community. 

FILL OUT THE SELF ASSESSMENT FOR NEEDS in Manatee County

The county wants to ensure that every community member gets the support they need. Please take just a few minutes to complete the Self-Assessment Survey. By sharing your immediate needs—whether it’s food, water, medical assistance, or other essentials—you’ll help them respond faster and prioritize resources where they’re needed most.

Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline 

833-514-2940

Survivors of any natural disaster seeking free civil legal assistance may apply from anywhere in the state. The number is live during business hours and switches to a message-based system outside of business hours - 24/7 availability.

Florida Price Gouging Hotline 

866-966-7226

The Florida price gouging hotline accepts reports of extreme price increases on essential commodities.

Fraud Hotline 

866-966-7226

Report if you have been scammed or report fraud.

GAS: FL Department of Emergency Management has opened public fuel depot locations to support residents in Milton-impacted counties. Fuel is ONLY for cars & only 10 gallons per car.  Sites will remain open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. every day:

* Tom Bennett Park, 280 Kay Rd., Bradenton, FL 34208 
* Suncoast Technical College, Northport 4445 Career Lane, North Port, FL 34289

Manatee County Points of Distribution

Set up at four locations to provide water, food, cleaning supplies, and/or tarps for those impacted by Hurricane Milton.  Sites are open daily from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. or while supplies last.

* Bethany Baptist Church – 26604 State Road 64 E, Myakka City
* GT Bray Park – 5502 33rd Ave Dr W
* Kingfish Boat Ramp – 752 Manatee Ave, Holmes Beach
* Blackstone Park – 2112 14th Ave W
* Pride Park – 6032 9th Street East
* Tom Bennett Park – 280 Kay Road
* Ace Hardware – 7028 US 301 North
* Duette Fire & Rescue District – 35800 FL-62, Duette

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) 

To limit the number of spontaneous, unaffiliated volunteers, individuals may visit the NVOAD to view a list of possible responding agencies.

Sarasota County Supply Points of Distribution

Set up at four locations to provide water, food, cleaning supplies, and/or tarps for those impacted by Hurricane Milton.  Sites are open daily from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. or while supplies last.

* Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave., Venice
* San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail,
* North Port Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S. River Road, Englewood
* Glebe Park, 1000 Glebe Lane, Sarasota Follow @SRQCountyGov on social media for updates. For more info https://evbg.co/0c848z
* NEW: Youth Athletic Complex, 2900 17th St., Sarasota
* NEW: Bayside Community Church, Bee Ridge Campus, 8200 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
* See full list of all six sites by following @SRQCountyGov on social media, call 311 or 941-861-5000. For more info https://evbg.co/472y40

Sarasota County Volunteer Opportunities  

800-342-3557

If interested in volunteering post-storm, please complete the Disaster Recovery Volunteer Interest Form  

Southshore Community Church

Distributing supplies such as generators, water, non-perishable food, water, tarps, hygiene, products, dog food, cat food, diapers, formula.

They are also serving hot meals from 4:30-7:00 every day this week.

Streets of Paradise Warehouse Open for Hurricane Relief

We are opening our warehouse at the Airport Mall (8251 15th St East, Sarasota, FL) for anyone affected by the recent hurricanes who needs household items, including furniture like sofas, chairs, tables, and bedding.

 Dates and Times:
* Thursday: 10 AM - 4 PM
* Sunday: 10 AM - 2 PM

If you or someone you know has been impacted and can pick up what you need, please come by. We're here to help you get back on your feet with essential furniture and supplies.

State Assistance Information Line (SAIL)  For Hurricane Milton  

A toll-free hotline activated at the time of an emergency to provide an additional resource for those in Florida to receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding an emergency or disaster situation impacting the State of Florida. 

The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service Referral to legal aid services. 

800-342-8011

UBER  

Offering free rides to and from shelters.  Use promo code:  Miltonrelief

Volunteer Connect

Florida’s official volunteer opportunities platform.  Volunteer Connect serves as an intermediary between  Floridians who are interested in engaging in community service and 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental entities that mobilize volunteers.  Volunteer Connect is your source for service in Florida.

For existing SNAP Recipients: (NOTE: This is NOT DSNAP – that has not been turned on yet for either H. Helene or H. Milton)

Hot foods approved with SNAP EBT benefits: Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Volusia counties.  Available at participating retailers in the eligible counties until November 15, 2024. Recipients should check with retailers before making purchases to ensure participation. Examples of foods that may be purchased include hot deli foods, salad bars, prepared sandwiches, and fountain drinks.

Individual SNAP replacements open for Milton:

SNAP Recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Milton can apply for food replacement. To apply, individuals must:

  • Be a current SNAP Recipient

  • Complete the form by October 19th, 2024.

  • Households are required to provide verification of having a power outage of 4 or more hours or damage that caused food loss to their MYACCESS Account, except for households located in Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Desoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, and Volusia.

  • For households in the following counties, complete the online replacement form and upload supporting verification of food loss to your MyACCESS Portal using “Other” as the document type.

    • Brevard, Clay, Duval, Glades, Hendry, Indian River, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, and Sumter.