HOMEOWNERS can get a $20,000 payout to fix up their houses as part of a new $3.2 million relief fund.
But how much you get depends on your income level and what repairs are needed.
The fund will assist residents in Tampa, Florida, whose homes were damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.
The area was hit hard during the 2024 hurricane season by the back-to-back storms.
Mayor Jane Castor announced the Homeowner Disaster Relief Program last Friday.
It offers up to $20,000 per household to cover repair costs, mortgage payments, and insurance deductibles, reported Fox local affiliate WTVT.
“We are very excited to announce today that we are providing $3.2 million,” Castor said.
“This funding is coming from the state, and it’s a part of a funding stream that we get for affordable housing.
“So we’re redirecting this towards assistance for those individuals that have incurred damage to their homes because of Helene and/or Milton.”
The program includes three types of aid.
Residents can get up to $10,000 for insurance deductibles, $5,000 to assist with mortgage payments, and as much as $20,000 for home repairs.
To qualify, applicants must own homes within Tampa’s city limits and earn no more than 140% of the area’s median income, around $133,000 for a family of four.
City officials say they’re prioritizing lower-income households.
Thirty percent of the funds are reserved for those earning 50% or less of the median income, while another 30% is earmarked for those making 80% or less.
Some homeowners won’t be eligible.
Those who own manufactured or mobile homes, have properties outside city boundaries, second homes, or homes with liens or judgments won’t qualify.
You also need proof of damage from either storm. Without that, you’re out of luck.
For those who get approved, the wait for cash won’t be long.
Officials estimate once an application is accepted, the money should arrive within about a month.
The city is now accepting applications, but with limited funds, homeowners are urged to act fast.
“While it is $3.2 million, it’s not going to solve all of the needs of our community, and for that, we apologize,” the mayor said.
Who is eligible?
To qualify for the Homeowner Disaster Relief Program, applicants must:
- Own a home within Tampa city limits
- Earn no more than 140% of the area’s median income (approximately $133,000 for a family of four)
Priority will be given to:
- Households earning 50% or less of the median income
- Households earning 80% or less of the median income
Applicants must provide proof of damage from Hurricanes Helene or Milton.
Those who own manufactured/mobile homes, second homes, properties outside city boundaries, or homes with liens/judgments will not qualify.
Source: City of Tampa
“We are doing everything that we can to help those individuals, families, businesses that have been devastated by these two events to get back up on their feet.”
District 7 City Council member Luis Viera said residents in the city’s hardest-hit areas are struggling with increasing challenges, reported Bay News 9.
“I’ve met with so many of these families,” Viera said.
“I’ve had about a dozen community meetings and town halls in the north Tampa area just to talk to people.
“I visit people at their homes, talk to them about what is happening in their lives, and we are still not done with the hell that these families are going through.
“They are going through terrible things right now and we need to be there for them.”
The program is being funded by the State Housing Initiatives Partnership.
The City of Tampa didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment by The U.S. Sun.
