In the wake of Hurricane Milton, we know that the task of cleaning up and rebuilding can feel overwhelming. The physical and emotional toll is real, but even in these challenging times, we are reminded of the hope we have in Christ. His presence is with us in every storm, and together, as a church community, we can lean on each other and the strength He provides.
Whether you are caring for your families, supporting your neighbors, or addressing the damage to your church buildings, please remember that you are not alone. We are the body of Christ, and we walk this path together. There are resources available to help. Some organizations, like the Synod/LDR, American Red Cross and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD), are focused on supporting people with immediate needs like food, shelter, and emotional care.
Other organizations, such as FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Florida Community Loan Fund (FCLF), are here to help you restore and rebuild your church buildings. As we move forward, may we hold onto the hope of Christ and continue to do church together, offering love and support to one another.
People Resources
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA provides disaster recovery assistance to individuals and households, including grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other needs.
- 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA Helpline)
- https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual
Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM): FDEM provides disaster recovery resources, including emergency services, housing assistance, and information on local recovery centers.
- 850-815-4000
- https://www.floridadisaster.org/
American Red Cross: The Red Cross provides shelter, food, relief supplies, and emotional support to individuals affected by disasters. They also assist with medical needs and connecting families.
- 1-800-733-2767
- https://www.redcross.org
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans: SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters for rebuilding and repair. They also offer loans to businesses affected by disasters.
- 1-800-659-2955
- https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
United Way: United Way helps connect individuals to community resources like food, housing, employment assistance, and emotional support. United Way’s 2-1-1 service is a free hotline for connecting people to local services.
- 850-488-8276 (United Way of Florida)
- https://www.uwof.org/
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP): D-SNAP provides food assistance to individuals and families affected by disasters who may not qualify for regular SNAP benefits.
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD): NVOAD coordinates volunteers and donations from various organizations to assist in recovery efforts, including cleanup, rebuilding, and providing basic needs.
- 703-778-5088
- https://www.nvoad.org/
Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity can help with rebuilding homes damaged or destroyed by hurricanes. They often organize volunteers to assist with construction and repairs.
- 1-800-422-4828
- https://www.habitat.org/impact/our-work/disaster-response
Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC): FHFC provides assistance to individuals who need housing after a disaster, including rental assistance and home repair programs.
- 850-488-4197
- https://www.floridahousing.org/
Mental Health and Counseling Support: After a disaster, emotional recovery is important. Many local agencies and national hotlines provide counseling services and emotional support.
- Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
- https://988lifeline.org/
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): NFIP provides flood insurance claims assistance for individuals affected by flooding due to hurricanes. Filing claims quickly can speed up recovery.
- 1-877-336-2627
- https://www.floodsmart.gov/
Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps): AmeriCorps deploys volunteers to disaster areas to help with recovery, including debris removal, rebuilding, and community support.
Florida Disaster Fund: The Florida Disaster Fund provides financial support for recovery efforts. Individuals and communities can apply for funding to help rebuild and recover.
- 850-414-7400
- https://www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf/
Florida-Bahamas Synod / LDR: Small emergency grants to individuals and families $500-$1,000. Contact a local ELCA pastor and they will review and submit the request to Bishop’s office. Checks are sent to the congregation for distribution.
Building Resources
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA Helpline)
- www.fema.gov/assistance/public
Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)
- 850-815-4000
- https://www.floridadisaster.org/
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans
- 1-800-659-2955 (SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service)
- https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
American Red Cross
- 1-800-733-2767
- https://www.redcross.org
Florida Disaster Fund
- 850-414-7400 (Volunteer Florida)
- https://www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf/
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD)
- 703-778-5088
- https://www.nvoad.org/
Habitat for Humanity
- 1-800-422-4828 (Habitat for Humanity International)
- https://www.habitat.org/impact/our-work/disaster-response
United Way of Florida
- 850-488-8276
- https://www.uwof.org/
Florida Community Loan Fund (FCLF)
- 407-246-0846
- https://fclf.org/
Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps)
- 1-800-942-2677 (AmeriCorps National Service Hotline)
- https://americorps.gov/about/what-we-do/disaster-services-unit
Contact your insurance company asap.
