Residents affected by Hurricanes Idalia and Helene may apply and receive funds from the federal government.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The city of St. Pete will soon accept applications for residents affected by Hurricane Helene in 2024 and Hurricane Idalia in 2023.

The city received nearly $160 million to help residents in the form of community development block grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program dubbed Sunrise St. Pete aims to help residents rebuild, repair, be reimbursed for expenses, and elevate their homes.

However, the funds will be prioritized for low-to-moderate income families earning up to 80% of the area’s median income due to HUD guidelines.

For storm survivors like Michele Knight, it may be her last hope to financially rebuild.

“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 said her home of at least ten years in the Edgemoor neighborhood of St. Pete was no longer livable following Hurricane Helene. The sewage water had ruined her home and her belongings.

Hurricane Helene prompted city officials to shut off the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility due to the storm surge. In May, the city announced it would fast-track a $70 million, three-year project to bolster the facility’s resilience. 

However, for Knight, the impact of the last hurricane season has drained her of her savings due to all the replacements and higher rent she’s now paying at an apartment building.

“It did come back for human feces,” Knight said of her belongings.

The city said different types of assistance include rehabilitation, reconstruction, as well as elevation assistance. In addition, reimbursement for repairs.

Disaster relief payments may also come in the form of rent, mortgage, and utility payments for qualifying applicants.

City council members voted to approve the grant during an Oct. 2 meeting. Council members discussed ways to ensure residents were informed, but also of the limitations due to federal guidelines or other potential setbacks. 

Officials are expecting high demand from applicants.

“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. 

Discussions also centered around the need for education and transparency, citing reaction from some in the public regarding the state’s Elevate Florida program. 

Knight said she doesn’t have a lot of hope that she may receive help, but said it may be her last line to find financial stability. She dreams of someday living in a home again. 

“We have to, or else we’re going to end up homeless,” Knight said. “Unfortunately, without the savings, that dream is kind of busted.”

Residents may apply on Sunrise St. Pete’s website.

The city is also offering in-person applications at the following locations:

Primary site: 1914 4th St N, Suite 1920, St. Petersburg, FL 33704Satellite site: Enoch D. Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

The city states that a call center is available for anyone with questions. It’s open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents may reach the center at 727-591-2990 or sunrise@stpete.org.