TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County is expanding access to its Rebuilding for Tomorrow Storm Damage Assistance Program, bringing application help directly to residents in communities outside of Tampa.

Since the program launched on May 1, about 1,000 applications have been submitted by homeowners seeking financial assistance for storm-related damages. The program is available to households earning up to 120% of the area median income, which is roughly $135,000 annually for a household.

To make the application process more accessible, the county has opened several pop-up assistance sites throughout the county. In addition to the main office on Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa, residents can receive in-person application assistance every Tuesday at the Plant City Community Resource Center and every Monday this month at the Wimauma Community Resource Center.

County officials said the outreach effort is designed to help residents who may face transportation challenges or need assistance completing the application process.

One of those residents is Reinaldo Marcano, who learned about the program while visiting the Wimauma Community Health Center for an unrelated appointment.

Marcano’s Ruskin home sustained significant damage during Hurricane Milton, including repairs to their roof, flooring, and air conditioning system. While they received some federal assistance through FEMA, it was not enough to cover the full cost of repairs.

“Still not enough,” Marcano said. “FEMA did help, but we had to pay out of pocket.”

The family ultimately spent about $13,000 to complete repairs, money they never expected to recover.

Now, the Rebuilding for Tomorrow program may offer an opportunity for reimbursement.

Mirla Cabrera, a human services supervisor with Hillsborough County Social Services, said the pop-up locations are intended to remove barriers for residents who might otherwise struggle to apply.

“Maybe they are not able to complete the application online by themselves,” Cabrera said. “Maybe it is a burden for them to drive to Tampa. If it’s easier for them to come here, then they can complete the application here.”

County officials have allocated $211 million in assistance funding for homeowners impacted by recent storms. The program will remain open until available funds are exhausted.

Applicants must provide proof that they were living in the home at the time Hurricane Milton struck, along with documentation of household income. Additional requirements vary depending on whether applicants are seeking reimbursement for completed repairs or funding for work that still needs to be done.

Officials acknowledge that the application process can be complicated, particularly for residents unfamiliar with assistance programs. They encourage anyone needing help gathering documents or completing forms to visit one of the pop-up locations.

For many homeowners still recovering from storm damage, county leaders hope the expanded outreach effort will make it easier to access much-needed financial relief.

Pop-up sites available include:

Every Monday in June

Wimauma Community Health Center

16621 Lagoon Shore, Blvd. Wimauma

8am – 5pm

Every Tuesday in June

Plant City Community Resource Center

307 N. Michigan Avenue, Plant City

8am – 5pm

For more information, or to fill out an application online visit here https://rebuildingfortomorrow.hcfl.gov/en-US/