Local Resources for Finding Temporary Housing After a Hurricane

A hurricane can be a life-changing experience in multiple ways. If you're a Southwest Florida resident, you may be going through challenging times right now. If you're forced to evacuate your home, knowing where you can find temporary housing can help ease your mind and make the whole experience less difficult for you and your family. These are some local resources that you can use to find temporary shelter after a hurricane.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Since FEMA's main purpose is to help people hit by various emergencies and disasters, they're naturally the main point of assistance for hurricane victims. They offer a wide variety of assistance services for those hit by hurricanes, including housing assistance for people who had to evacuate their primary residence. You can apply for FEMA assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov. After entering your exact location, you'll be directed to a separate page that shows the possible sheltering and housing assistance programs that may help you. Some that you may be eligible for are:

  • Lodging expense reimbursement: If you've needed temporary housing in a hotel, motel, or other form of short-term lodging as a result of a hurricane, you may be eligible for reimbursement.
  • Rental assistance: If your house suffered major damage as a result of a hurricane and you need to rent another place while it's repaired, you may be eligible for funds.
  • Transitional sheltering assistance: If you've taken refuge in an emergency shelter location, such as a hotel, as a result of your house being damaged by a hurricane, the costs may be covered by FEMA.
  • Direct temporary housing: If the situation requires it, FEMA may also issue temporary transportable housing units, such as trailers, near your location.

Airbnb.org Temporary Housing

Airbnb has partnered with the  Florida United Methodist Conference (FLUMC), United Way, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), and 211 contact centers in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia to provide temporary housing for hurricane victims across these states, free of charge. This program is partially funded by the above-mentioned organizations but also by generous Airbnb hosts who offer their houses and apartments for free or at a major discount.

If you're looking for temporary housing in Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, or Glades, go to 211.org or call 211. For Sarasota county, you should reach out to FLUMC at 863-688-5563 or 800-282-8011 (toll-free). These are the only areas where Airbnb.org is offering free temporary housing but it's possible that new counties will be added.

American Red Cross Shelters

If you've been left without a home and have no immediate place to go, you can use a free Red Cross shelter until you get back on your feet. You'll get a place to stay and other services like food and health care completely free of charge, regardless of who you are and where you come from. All you have to specify is your full name and where you were living before the disaster. They're also prepared to help people with special needs, including seniors, children, or those with physical or mental challenges.

The three American Red Cross shelters in southwest Florida are in Lee County. Their exact locations are:

  • Island Coast High School: Located in Cape Coral.
  • Dunbar High School: Located in Fort Meyers.
  • Estero Community Recreation Center: Located in Estero.

Other Public Shelters

There are several other emergency public centers in southwest Florida, besides those provided by the American Red Cross. You can count on these shelters to keep you and your loved ones safe. They also provide access to necessities like food, water, and basic health care. Each person who shelters here will also get up to 20 square feet of space for their belongings. Here is the list of open public shelters in Lee County. If you need shelter in another Florida county, you can find more information here. 

It's important to remember that shelters are only available until the storm passes, which is typically 12-72 hours. If you need a place to stay for a longer period, you can use post-storm shelters. Local officials and Red Cross personnel will help you transition from public or Red Cross shelters to post-storm shelters. 

FloridaHousingSearch.org

This is a free search platform for affordable Florida-based rental properties. It's sponsored by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, which works directly with state authorities to help those impacted by hurricanes. If you're in urgent need of a place to rent, you can count on their platform to be constantly updated with accurate listings. They also have a toll-free number, 1-877-428-8844, that you can call to get more info on available and affordable rental properties in your area.

They also partner with local State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) offices. If your home suffers major damage and you're in need of long-term accommodation and/or home repair assistance, you can use their website to see the type of assistance you qualify for.

Staying in an RV

Another way to secure temporary housing after a hurricane is to use a recreational vehicle that you own, borrow, or rent. Since they're designed to provide all the basic necessities of a home in a compact space, you'll have everything you need to get by until the weather clears. If you own the RV prior to the storm and are required to evacuate, it can be a great way to take your 'home' with you and enjoy a small amount of normalcy while staying clear of the cone of uncertainty. 

Finding Temporary Housing After a Hurricane

In the aftermath of a hurricane, finding safe, temporary housing is crucial for stability and peace of mind. Thankfully, there are a variety of resources available to help residents of Southwest Florida. From federal aid through FEMA, including rental and sheltering assistance, to community-driven programs like Airbnb.org, many options exist to assist those displaced by storms. Shelters provided by the American Red Cross, along with other public facilities, also offer immediate refuge. Meanwhile, platforms like FloridaHousingSearch.org help connect those in need with affordable rental properties. No matter the situation, these resources offer essential support during stressful days following a hurricane. 

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