NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Pasco County officials say millions of dollars in federal disaster recovery funding is still available to help homeowners repair or rebuild homes damaged by recent hurricanes.
The county’s Better Future housing program was created to help residents recover from damage caused by Hurricane Idalia, Hurricane Helene, and Hurricane Milton.
WATCH: Pasco County says millions still available in hurricane housing recovery program
George and Margaret O’Connor said Hurricane Milton badly damaged the roof of their home in Wesley Chapel.
“It was just overwhelming,” George O’Connor said.
The couple said roof damage also caused leaks inside the home and created months of stress.
“We had to get the roof fixed. There was no choice,” George said.
The O’Connors had insurance, but said they still faced a large deductible they had to pay out of pocket. They later learned they could apply for help through the county program.
In December, Pasco County launched the Better Future initiative using $585 million in federal disaster recovery funding to help homeowners with repairs, reimbursements, and rebuilding.
The first check from the program went to a family in New Port Richey just before Christmas.
Chuck Lane, director of the county’s Office of Disaster Recovery Resources, said 281 households have received assistance so far, totaling nearly $22 million.
“We are seeing people that are still displaced. We are seeing people that are still just in really difficult situations,” Lane said.
Lane said many residents started the application process but never finished it.
“The application is not easy. There are 17 steps. We ask for a lot of stuff. But I want to encourage people out there, if you put in an application, don’t give up,” Lane said.
Just before St. Patrick’s Day, the O’Connors received a reimbursement check covering the money they spent replacing their roof.
They said the key to applying is keeping paperwork organized.
“It just takes organization, especially with a storm or any sort of major event in your life, you keep receipts. You keep documentation,” Margaret O’Connor said.
To help residents complete applications, Pasco County is hosting online webinars with case managers who can guide homeowners through the process.
The English-language webinar is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at mypas.co/IHPEnglish. The Spanish-language webinar is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at mypas.co/IHPSpanish.
UPDATE: Pasco County’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resources is expanding support and accepting applications for their Better Future Individual Housing Program from households that have a higher income threshold.
The office said applications will take priority if income is between 80% and 120% AMI and one of the following conditions applies:
- A child (age 5 or younger) lives with you
- A senior (age 62 or older) lives in the home
- A person with disabilities lives in the home
- You’re still not able to live in your home
Residents can apply online or call 727-228-4936 for assistance.
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For more than 15 years, Erik Waxler has called Pasco County home. He’s dedicated to helping his neighbors from New Port Richey to Dade City solve problems and celebrating those who help others. Share your ideas and tips with Erik below.
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