Resources to help our community members in the wake of a disaster.
After any disaster, United Way Charlotte County focuses on mid- and long-term recovery, but we also recognize that some community members may need immediate relief. Our Disaster Recovery Services Resource Page provides information to those in need of help.
In times of disaster, every United Way works diligently to organize resources and connect those in need with those who can help, coordinate volunteer efforts, bridge communication and leverage relationships to ensure our neighbors have the support they need to recover. We’ll work with our partners on mid- and long-term recovery. 
If you’re in need of support, please call 211 or search here. You can find additional information on this page. Stay connected with us on our social media platforms for the latest information.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY RESIDENTS
Use the Charlotte County Disaster Guide to help you MAKE A PLAN, BUILD A KIT, and STAY INFORMED.
Make a plan. As you make your disaster plan, consider all types of disasters and your family’s needs. Begin by identifying how you and your family will contact each other and where you will go if you need to evacuate. Know your evacuation zone and route before disaster strikes.
Build a kit. Put together an emergency essentials kit, including:
• Food that will not spoil and requires no cooking
• Enough water for seven (7) days (one gallon per person per day)
• First-aid kit and medications
• Emergency tools, such as a battery-powered radio, cell phone charger, flashlight and batteries
• Personal items, including toilet paper and plastic garbage bags
• Change of clothing for each person
Learn how to prepare for disaster with pets.
Stay Informed. Collect and share info. Print, fill out, and include this list of important numbers and family contacts in your disaster kit. Make a copy for everyone in your family.
Charlotte County has an online self-reporting damage system to help collect damage assessments.
Assessment is currently closed.
Information Hubs - CLOSED
To help residents get information about available resources after the storms, Info Hubs will be available after noon on Friday, October 11th at the following locations. The Info Hubs are white newspaper stands clearly marked and will contain printed flyers of updated information on recovery efforts, relief programs, and resources available to assist residents and businesses impacted by the storm.
• South County Regional Park Recreation Center, 670 Cooper St., Punta Gorda
• Englewood Charlotte Public Library, 3450 North Access Rd., Englewood
• Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park Recreational Center, 6961 San Casa Dr., Englewood
For life-threatening emergencies, call or text 9-1-1.
For local non-emergencies, call 941-833-4161
• Alert Charlotte - Get alerted about emergencies by signing up HERE.
• For additional storm information, visit Emergency Management or call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000.
• For the most current County updates and press releases (insurance, mold, boil water notices, curfews, shelters, etc.)
DISASTER SHELTER & COMFORT STATIONS
Shelter locations:
All emergency disaster shelters are currently CLOSED.
Charlotte County has opened comfort stations with restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities at three locations. The comfort stations will be available for use from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily until further notice.
Locations:
All comfort stations are CLOSED.
DISASTER CLEAN-UP | RECOVERY SERVICES
No available resources at this time.
No available resources at this time.
No available resources at this time.
RELIEF & RESOURCE DISTRIBUTION SITES
Designated sites providing Water, MREs, tarps and muck kits while supplies last.
All distribution sites are currently CLOSED.
Disaster recovery centers (DRCs) provide disaster survivors with information from Florida agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Individuals can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.
Located at:
All DRCs are currently CLOSED.
Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) provide various local and state resources to support recovery efforts.
All MARCs are currently CLOSED.
LONG-TERM RECOVERY | UNMET NEEDS
United Way Charlotte County has created a program to help strengthen the local workforce following disaster. United at Work was established to assist employees of Charlotte County businesses with unmet needs that are identified after other funds have been depleted or are no longer available. Funds will be distributed to fill unmet, hurricane-related needs for those who qualify. Click here to apply.
Long-Term Recovery for Charlotte County Residents with Unmet Needs
For Charlotte County, completing the Long-Term Recovery Assistance Application is the first step in determining your eligibility to receive financial assistance, repair assistance, or case management. These may help in your recovery from the damage caused by Hurricane Ian, and most recently Hurricane Idalia. Our goal is to connect you with all the services available to you.
Visit, COAD to complete an application. Resources Provided
Charlotte County businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Milton and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits can apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
Florida Commerce is accepting applications from eligible residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to Hurricane Milton are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.
DUA is available to those who are ineligible to receive federal or state Reemployment Assistance benefits and the individual meets one of the following requirements:
• Is unemployed as a direct result of the major disaster;
• Was scheduled to start employment but was unable to as a direct result of the major disaster;
• Is unable to reach their job or self-employment location because the individual has to travel through an affected area and is prevented from doing so as a direct result of the major disaster;
• Has become the primary breadwinner because the head of the household died as a direct result of the major disaster; or
• Is unable to work because of an injury that was a direct result of the major disaster.
DUA is available for weeks of unemployment beginning October 6, 2024, through April 12, 2025, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster in the designated disaster areas. The deadline to submit a claim for DUA benefits is no later than December 10, 2024.
To file a claim, go to www.FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim”, visit a local CareerSource Career Center, or call 1-800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For DUA claims information, call 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) to speak with a representative.
United Policyholders is a nonprofit consumer advocacy group that offers guidance on navigating claims and purchasing appropriate insurance.
They do not sell insurance or take money from insurance companies.
Visit www.uphelp.org/Helene or contact Julitza Perez, the United Policyholders Florida Local Liaison and attorney, at julitza.perez@uphelp.org or call 787-454-3353.
Florida Rural Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals, families, and vulnerable populations including the elderly, Veterans, and victims of crime.
Services include assistance with insurance claims, proof of ownership, property disputes, disaster benefits, and legal papers lost in the storm.
Visit frls.org or call 1-888-582-3410.
STATE & NATIONAL RESOURCES
When can I apply for FEMA?
• To apply for assistance, the president must make a major disaster declaration for your state. The declaration must also name the county or place you live in for Individual Assistance.
Can I apply for FEMA assistance if I have insurance?
• Yes. You may qualify for FEMA assistance even if you have insurance. By law, FEMA can't provide benefits for losses covered by your insurance. So, you need to file an insurance claim as soon as possible.
Applying for FEMA -
• Disaster survivors may apply for the Individual and Household Program or check their application status at https://www.disasterassistance.gov, or calling 1-800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (in your time zone), 7 days a week.
Local FEMA locations -
• Representatives are available in person at the following locations: closed
Low-Interest Disaster Loans -
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in Florida following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration. For help, call 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
Denied and Need Help?
• If you have been denied or under-awarded FEMA assistance, there is FREE help for a FEMA appeal. Call 1-800-267-9511 or email FEMAhelp@sbpusa.org
Serving as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits and government resources to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs and more. Fill out the form to request help today, click here.