St. Petersburg will begin taking applications on Dec. 15. The city has nearly $160 million available to help residents hit by Hurricane Helene in 2024 and Hurricane Idalia in 2023. These funds arrived through community development block grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Sunrise St. Pete Disaster Recovery is the name of this program. It provides help with home repairs, rebuilding projects, reimbursement for expenses, and raising homes higher. Some disaster payments can go toward rent, mortgage bills, and utility costs if you qualify.
Low-to-moderate income families take priority. You must earn up to 80% of the area’s median income because of HUD rules. City leaders think many people will apply.
“It looks like a lot of money, but once it’s broken down, once people start to apply, it’s gonna go very, very quickly,” said Council Member Brandi Gabbard, according to WTSP.
Michele Knight survived the storm. She lived in the Edgemoor neighborhood for at least ten years. Her home became unlivable after Hurricane Helene struck. Sewage water wrecked her house and everything she owned when city officials shut off the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility because of storm surge.
“I’m very, very sad that I’m no longer in my home city. I miss it,” Knight said. “There’s not going to be a Christmas.”
Knight’s savings disappeared. The last hurricane season forced her to buy replacements and pay higher rent at an apartment building. This assistance might be her final chance to get back on her feet.
“We have to, or else we’re going to end up homeless,” Knight said. “Unfortunately, without the savings, that dream is kind of busted.”
City council members voted yes on the grant during an Oct. 2 meeting. They talked about ways to inform residents but also discussed limitations from federal guidelines or other problems that might come up.
You can apply at Sunrise St. Pete’s website. In-person applications happen at 1914 4th St. N, Suite 1920, and at the Enoch D. Davis Center at 1111 18th Ave. S. Both places stay open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday hours run from 9 a.m. to noon.
A call center operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 727-591-2990 or sunrise@stpete.org.