St. Petersburg Secures $800,000 for Hurricane Relief Efforts

News Summary

St. Petersburg is stepping up its support for residents, small businesses, and city employees affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The city council has approved the We Are St. Pete Fund, which will distribute over $800,000 in financial assistance starting this March. Immediate relief has already begun, with grants earmarked for home repairs, rent assistance, and support for small business owners. This initiative, led by Mayor Ken Welch, aims to provide critical help in the recovery process post-hurricanes.

St. Petersburg Rallies to Recover with Over $800,000 for Hurricane Relief!

Hey there, St. Petersburg! It’s time to come together as our lovely city prepares to offer vital financial support for residents, small business owners, and city employees impacted by the recent scourges of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. That’s right, starting this March, more than $800,000 will be disbursed from the freshly minted We Are St. Pete Fund. This is fabulous news as we continue to bounce back from the double whammy these storms delivered!

City Council Takes Action

Just last Thursday, the city council members came together, and in a show of solidarity, they unanimously approved several parameters for the fund. It’s heartwarming to see local leaders stepping up to support their community. The We Are St. Pete Fund has earmarked a hefty $400,000 in disaster assistance grants specifically for residents affected by the hurricanes. Additionally, small businesses will receive $200,000, while non-resident city employees—who are often overlooked—will also be eligible for $200,000 in assistance.

Immediate Relief Already in Action

The fund isn’t starting from scratch either! A cool $100,000 from the initial seed donation has already gone out to provide immediate relief to storm victims, giving a little financial breathing room to those hardest hit. It’s all part of the response spearheaded by Mayor Ken Welch, tackling the devastation left behind by the storms that damaged nearly 16,000 homes across St. Petersburg.

Why We Are St. Pete Fund is So Important

The We Are St. Pete Fund was created to fill in those financial gaps that federal and state aid can sometimes miss, allowing for a more holistic recovery. Grants will be administered through the Pinellas Community Foundation, providing homeowners the flexibility they need to address rebuilding or to invest in storm-hardening measures to prepare for any future weather mishaps.

Specific Assistance Available

The city council’s discussions highlighted the necessity to extend support not only to homeowners but also to renters, small business owners, and city employees. For homeowners, there’s up to $30,000 available for tree removal and structural repairs. Tenants don’t miss out either, with the potential to receive up to $10,000 to cover three months’ worth of rent payments.

Mark your calendars! The housing assistance program is set to launch on March 11, and small business owners can look forward to applying for their part of the $200,000 in grants starting the last week of March. Note that eligible businesses must be independently owned, reflect fewer than 50 employees, and show proof of eligible losses.

A Little Help for Everyone

Home-based businesses are included too! They can secure up to $2,500 for equipment and inventory damage, and even up to $15,000 for structural repairs or relocation within our beloved St. Petersburg. What a relief for so many!

Community Spirit Still Needed

It doesn’t stop there, as any unspent administrative funds can be redirected to continue aiding storm victims. The city is still welcoming donations to the We Are St. Pete Fund and encourages everyone to get involved in the recovery efforts. Every little bit counts as we come together as a community!

So, St. Petersburg, let’s work hand in hand and embrace this much-needed support! Together, we’ll rebuild and make our city stronger than ever.

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Additional Resources

• St. Pete Catalyst: How the We Are St. Pete Fund Will Aid Storm Victims
• Fox 13 News: St. Pete Families Left With High Water Bills After Hurricanes May Get Relief
• WTSP: Winn-Dixie Relief Event in St. Pete for Hurricane Milton
• St. Pete Rising: St. Petersburg Launches the We Are St. Pete Fund
• Fox 13 News: St. Petersburg Approves Additional Hurricane Relief
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
• Google Search: Hurricane relief funds
• Google Scholar: Hurricane relief programs
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
• Google News: St. Petersburg hurricane relief