The entire state has been declared a disaster area. That means that you have a variety of ways to obtain assistance, NO MATTER WHAT COUNTY YOU LIVE IN. Your union is prepared to help. NYSUT & AFT have funds available for members. The AFL- CIO is willing to help; and of course, the federal government has made help available. If you were fortunate enough NOT to be in need of assistance, please consider donating through NYSUT, AFT, AFL-CIO or an approved agency.
FEMA Disaster Assistance can help support your recovery from a major disaster. FEMA can provide housing assistance to individuals and families who have lost their homes or experienced significant damage as a result of Hurricane Irma. If you are a renter or homeowner you may qualify for assistance. By law, FEMA assistance cannot duplicate the assistance you receive from your insurance company, BUT you may receive assistance for items not covered by insurance.
The items that can be covered include:
- Temporary housing
- Lodging expenses reimbursement
- Home repair
- Home replacement
- Disaster-caused child care expenses.
- Disaster-caused medical and dental expenses.
- Disaster-caused damages to essential household items
- Fuel for the primary heat source
- Clean-up items
- Disaster-caused damage to an essential vehicle.
- Moving and storage expenses caused by the disaster
If you need disaster assistance from FEMA, you can apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or register on the phone at 1-800-621-3362.
You will receive a call from FEMA within approximately 10 days of submitting your application to schedule an appointment for a home inspector to visit you. If you qualify for a grant, FEMA will provide you a check by mail or a direct deposit into your bank account along with a letter describing how you are able to use the money. If they determine that you do not qualify, you will have the opportunity to appeal the decision.
NYSUT Disaster Relief - https://www.nysut.org/resources/special-resources-sites/disaster-relief/apply-for-relief
AFT Disaster Relief - https://www.aft.org/our-community/disaster-relief-helpful-resources
AFL-CIO Disaster Relief - http://flworkersfund.org
Food For Florida - http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/fff/index.shtml
Utility Companies from all over the country are working to restore power across the state. For additional updates on Power Restoration from
Florida Power and Light, please click here.