Homeowners in Tampa who took a hit from hurricanes Helene and Milton now have a new lifeline of financial support for repairs, courtesy of the city. The Homeowner Hurricane Assistance (HHA) program kicked off today with a $2 million fund set to help residents whose homes are still in need of repair one year post-storm. Applications to receive funding started being accepted at 9 a.m. this morning.
The cash infusion, a collab between Tampa City Council and Mayor Jane Castor, looks to not only fix up storm-battered homes but also make them tougher against future weather threats. Castor emphasized the city’s "unwavering" support for homeowners and their commitment to "explore innovative ways to strengthen the resilience of our housing stock," in a statement obtained by tampa.gov. But to get a slice of the aid, there are some hoops to jump through: applicants must reside within Tampa city limits, earn no more than 140 percent of the Area Median Income—plus a 10% wiggle room—and not have already received HDAP assistance earlier.
Allocation of funds will favor those in the hardest-hit zip codes, such as Forest Hills, Palmetto Beach, and South of Gandy/Port Tampa. With the maximum award capping at $30,000, the money can go towards a range of repairs—from roofing to interior restoration. Councilman Luis Viera threw in his two cents, pointing out the importance of the aid for Tampa’s "north Tampa neighbors and others in the hardest hit areas who have been working tirelessly to rebuild." According to Viera's comments on tampa.gov, these residents are essential pillars in the community including " teachers, our first responders, our small business owners."
For those eager to get started, approval hinges on having the right paperwork in hand—which means showing proof of income and having a government-issued photo ID among the documents. The city’s site has the full breakdown of what's needed. From now until December 12th, applicants can either sign up online or reach out to the Housing Information Line from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. by calling (813) 307-5555.
