Across this state, public employees worked countless hours preparing their towns, schools and communities for Hurricane Irma. We worked double shifts in hospitals, slept in conference rooms or at desks and we never quit on our neighbors. We hope you and your family are safe but many of us are in need of assistance, big and small. This sheet contains some information that may help. In no way is this a complete list but hopefully at least a starting point as we rebuild our state. Please know that your union is standing here with you because, like you, we never quit.
Financial Assistance
- The Florida AFL-CIO has established the Florida Workers Relief Fund to provide direct support to union members, community allies, their families, and neighbors in the wake of Irma. To apply for relief, visit bit.ly/AFLCIODisasterForm
- FEMA: Floridians who sustained losses from Hurricane Irma can apply for FEMA’s individual and household programs. To apply, visit www.disasterassistance.gov. The process can also be started via phone by calling toll free to 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
- AFSCME ADVANTAGE / Union Plus: Disaster Relief Grants of $500 are available to help eligible participants in the AFSCME Advantage/Union Plus Credit Card, Insurance or Mortgage programs who are facing financial hardship due to the disaster. To apply for a disaster relief grant, AFSCME members who participate in any of the following programs may call the numbers below or visit www.unionplus.org/hardship-help/disaster-relief-grants
- Union Plus Credit Card: 1-800-622-2580 (please have your credit card number available)
- Union Plus Insurance: 1-800-472-2005
- Union Plus Mortgage: 1-800-472-2005
Food Assistance
Individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Irma are eligible to receive one or more food packages. These are available in the following counties: Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Pinellas and Sarasota. For information about how to access food and distribution site locations, visit www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Food-Nutrition-and-Wellness/Hurricane-Food-Packages or dial 2-1-1 from your phone.
Damage to Home/Roof
The “Blue Roof” program sends licensed contractors out to homes to cover the damage with fiber-reinforced plastic sheeting (tarp) until homeowners can arrange repairs. Visit www.saj.usace.army.mil/BlueRoof/ or call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888- 766-3258).
Flood Insurance
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders may contact their insurance agent directly to find out if they are eligible for reimbursement for actions taken to protect their property. To file a flood insurance claim under the NFIP, contact your insurance agent immediately. You can also call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) – select option 2 – to learn more about your policy, and be directed to the appropriate claims resource.
If you have any questions you can contact our Tallahassee office at (850) 222-0842
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