Disaster Document Preparation Services for the "People First" and "Sunrise St. Pete" Programs
If you were affected by Hurricane Idalia, Helene or Milton, you could be eligible for grants provided by the CDBG-DR Program funded by HUD and administered by Pinellas County and the City of St. Pete.
Renters Assistance Program
Purpose / Benefits
Financial reimbursement for essential household costs already paid due to Idalia, Helene, or Milton for up to six consecutive months, including rent, mortgage, and utility payments; maximum award $15,000 to LMI renters or owners under this program.
Eligibility
Resident of Pinellas County (excluding St. Petersburg).
Documented financial hardship from the qualifying disasters and unmet need after FEMA, insurance, or SBA assistance.
Costs incurred prior to applying and within two years of January 21, 2025.
Income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
Required Documents (+ typical costs)
Photo ID(s): $0–$31 replacement cost.
Proof of residence/lease: $0–$25.
Proof of payments for rent/mortgage/utilities: $0–$10 per bank statement.
FEMA determination and insurance letters: $0.
Proof of income (pay stubs, W-2s, or tax returns): $0–$40.
Optional: Hardship narrative with supporting documents: $0.
Strategic Relocation & Revitalization Program (SRRP)
Purpose / Benefits
Supports relocation or replacement when rehabilitation is impractical or unsafe in mobile home communities. May include site acquisition, resilient housing, and community-led redevelopment. Income cap 80% AMI.
Eligibility
Mobile home residents or owners impacted by Idalia, Helene, or Milton.
Located within Pinellas County (excluding St. Petersburg).
Income at or below 80% AMI.
Proof of displacement or uninhabitable conditions.
Required Documents (+ typical costs)
Proof of ownership or lot lease: $75–$85 for duplicate titles.
Displacement verification or URA notice: $0.
Damage or risk evidence (photos, flood/surge maps): $0.
Relocation plan/estimates: $0–$300.
Local Landlord Program
Purpose / Benefits
Repair or rebuild small rental properties to maintain affordable housing supply; maximum award $375,000 per property; five-year affordability term, forgivable at 20% per year.
Eligibility
Property in Pinellas County (excluding St. Petersburg).
Unrepaired disaster damage; taxes and mortgage current.
Property unoccupied at time of application; agreement to maintain affordable rent.
Required Documents (+ typical costs)
Deed or proof of ownership: $0–$10.
Rent rolls/leases pre-disaster: $0.
Damage documentation and contractor scopes: $250–$750 if new assessment needed.
Affordability agreement and recording fees: $10–$100.
Insurance/FEMA/SBA letters: $0.
Homebuyer Assistance Program
Purpose / Benefits
Provides down payment and closing cost assistance up to $80,000 for first-time or displaced buyers; supports purchase of safe housing outside flood zones.
Eligibility
First-time or displaced buyers affected by Idalia, Helene, or Milton.
Income at or below 120% AMI.
Pre-approval from lender with fixed-rate mortgage.
Home must meet safety and flood zone requirements.
Required Documents (+ typical costs)
Lender pre-approval and Loan Estimate: $0.
Homebuyer education certificate: $0–$75.
Proof of income and assets (pay stubs, bank statements): $0–$10 per statement.
Purchase contract, inspection, appraisal: $350–$600 inspection, appraisal per lender.
Small Business Assistance Program (Pinellas Recovers)
Purpose / Benefits
Provides grants and forgivable loans to support working capital, rent, utilities, inventory, equipment, and repairs; maximum award $500,000.
Eligibility
Small businesses operating in Pinellas County (excluding St. Petersburg).
Documented loss or damage due to hurricanes.
Demonstrated unmet need after insurance or SBA loans.
Required Documents (+ typical costs)
Sunbiz registration or FEIN: $0–$25.
Financial statements and bank records: $0–$10 per printout.
Payroll reports (941, payroll exports): $0.
Lease/mortgage and utility bills with proof of payment: $0.
Insurance/SBA/FEMA determination letters: $0.
Bridge Loan Program
Purpose / Benefits
Zero-interest, short-term bridge capital for small businesses affected by disasters; loans up to $50,000, used for working capital, payroll, and repairs until insurance or long-term funding arrives.
Eligibility
For-profit small business operational at time of event.
Located in a declared disaster county and demonstrate physical or economic injury.
Provide repayment plan to transition to longer-term financing.
Required Documents (+ typical costs)
Driver license and FEIN: $0–$25.
Tax returns, interim financials, bank statements: $0–$10 per printout.
Proof of loss, lease/mortgage, and utility bills: $0.