Post-storm recovery: Resources and assistance for the UF community

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton has left many Florida communities, including members of the UF community, in need of support. From housing repair assistance to mental health services and more, explore our list of UF, local, state and national resources to help you navigate recovery.

UF resources

The UF Employee Assistance Program offers free therapy sessions to UF faculty, staff, graduate assistants, non-student OPS employees, housestaff/residents, and postdoc associates, and their spouses or domestic partners. Employees can benefit from six free sessions per year per issue with one of three dedicated therapists, who are available for both in-person and virtual sessions.

The Aid-a-Gator Program was activated and offers support to UF employees experiencing a temporary financial hardship due to a catastrophic event such as the impact of a natural disaster or a public health emergency. University of Florida employees can click here to learn more and submit an application. Students, graduate assistants and fellows can click here for their respective aid fund.

The Aid-a-Gator fund is completely dependent on donations. The number of employees that can be helped, the amount of funds that can be distributed and even how long the program lasts solely depend on the amount of donations received. By making a donation, even a small one, you can help more members of the Gator Nation who may find themselves in need today or tomorrow. Click here to donate.

The Hitchcock Field & Fork Pantry is a free resource for members of the UF community. The Pantry offers supplementary pantry staples such as bread, nonperishable canned items, frozen meats and seasonal produce from the Field & Fork Farm and Gardens.

Explore the UF/IFAS Disaster Preparation and Recovery website to find resources for your home and health. IFAS has also published various articles to assist with the recovery process, below are a couple to help you get started. You can find the full list on the IFAS website.

Alachua County resources

Alachua County residents can report damages to their homes or businesses by visiting the Alachua County Ready website.

Regular yard waste size and weight restrictions are temporarily waived. Visit the Alachua County website for guidelines on how to place your debris for pickup.

State resources

Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs and more. Submit the Activate Hope form to request assistance.

Mercy Chefs, a non-profit organization, deployed volunteers to Asheville, North Carolina, and Newberry, FL, to provide hot meals to those in need. Visit the Mercy Chefs website or Facebook page for the latest information.

SNAP Recipients who lost food due to the hurricanes can apply for food replacement by visiting the Florida Department of Children and Families website and submitting the application form.

Your local 211 agency has the most up-to-date information about local assistance that may be available to you. Call 211 from a cell phone or landline to speak with a live service professional, or visit the 211 Disaster Recovery webpage to explore additional resources.

United Way Suncoast has set up a page with resources for receiving assistance. Visit its Disaster Recovery Services Resource Page for more information.

Visit the Florida Disaster Hurricane Helene and Hurrican Milton webpages for the latest updates and a list of recovery resources for Florida residents.

National resources

Crisis Cleanup has activated its hotline to connect you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able to assist. All services are free but not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. Call 1-844-965-1386 for assistance. The hotline will remain open through Friday, Oct. 25, 2024.

Visit USA.Gov to find resources to help you recover from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

Visit the FEMA Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton webpages for a list of post-storm resources available to people in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program provides disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance. Visit its website for help applying for FEMA assistance and to get connected with more resources.

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Category Community Focus, Feature, OneUF, Wellness, Worklife, Your Money