Hurricane Ian Housing Resources

Housing is a critical aspect of Hurricane Ian recovery. Lee County is working closely with FEMA, HUD, FDEM, FHFC and many other agencies to advocate for housing needs. A phased housing plan is being designed to support Lee County residents.

To connect with state and federal resources, follow these steps:

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Phased Housing Plan

Housing Recovery Objectives

Retain workforce
Rehouse displaced households
Increase overall housing stock
Guide redevelopment to diversity housing stock near employment centers
Increase homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income households
Create renewal financing mechanisms to fund future housing needs

Housing Recovery Strategies

Immediate (1–3 months)
Objective: Provide resources to help repair or replace damaged or destroyed homes
Strategies	Funding Sources
FEMA Transitional Shelter Assistance (Hotels) Mortgage/ Rent Assistance & Rapid Rehousing Homebuyer Counseling & Down Payment Assistance Insurance Deductible Assistance Owner-occupied & Rental Rehab	FEMA, State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), Home Investment Partnership, and Community development Block Grant (CDBG)
These programs have more than $10 million that have been allocated to funding the repair of Lee County homes to allow residence to remain in their homes if possible while working towards the short and long-term goals.

Short Term (3-12 months)
Objective: Provide interim housing options for displaced households while funding is secured, and programs are developed for increasing housing stock and affordability
Strategies	Funding Sources
FEMA Direct Housing New Construction & Acquisition/ rehab Increase Housing Stock & Resident Retention Secure Funding to Develop Affordable Housing	FEMA, SHIP – Hurricane Housing Recovery Program and Rental Recovery Loan Program
FEMA Direct Housing allows livable trailers to be placed on property owners’ lots so owners may stay co-located to their lot and oversee repairs. Another option is FEMA’s Multifamily Repair and Lease Program which allows multifamily properties with minor repairs to be fixed by FEMA then leased to provide people temporary housing while they are locating other housing or rebuilding their homes.

Resources

		FEMA Assistance Programs
FEMA has several Individual Assistance programs designed to support disaster survivors through financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. FEMA assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet your basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts. FEMA Assistance may include: Temporary housing such as rental assistance, reimbursement for hotel costs, or a temporary housing unit Funds to support the repair or replacement of your primary residence, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges Funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, or funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care, or funerals. If you have applied for FEMA assistance and have been denied or need additional information related to your case you may call 1-800-621-3362.

		Unite Florida
If you are unable to remain in your home due to damages caused by Hurricane Ian, the State of Florida may be able to assist you with temporary sheltering and temporary or permanent repairs to your home. Unmet needs, such as transportation, senior services, or household supplies, can also be fulfilled through Unite Florida. Unite Florida assists you in connecting to recovery resources in your local community. The information entered on this website is completely confidential. For those who need more assistance filling out an application, please call 1-800-892-0948.

		Fannie Mae Disaster Assistance for Homeowners & Renters
Fannie Mae provides a case manager to homeowners to assist with navigating insurance, mortgage, FEMA assistance and more homeowner related challenges caused by Hurricane Ian. To speak to a counselor call 1-877-542-9723.

		SBA Loans for Homeowners & Businesses
The Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to help homeowners, as well as businesses, recover from declared disasters. These loans can be used for losses not covered by insurance or funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for both personal and business needs.

		Lee County BoCC Recovery Resources for Homeowners & Renters
Various Lee County Government departments offer assistance that may be useful as the community recovers and rebuilds from Hurricane Ian. Programs include home repair, insurance deductible and utility assistance programs as well as the coordinated entry program which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and assists those who are precariously housed.
Home Repair Assistance		Insurance Deductible Assistance
Coordinated Entry (239) 533-7996 Available 24/7 Clients who are precariously housed as a result of Hurricane Ian may call for information and assistance locating resources.		Utility Assistance Programs Applications for electric and/or water bill assistance are available for pick up at 2440 Thompson St., Fort Myers, FL 33901.