CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2024) – In the wake of Hurricane Milton, more resources are available from nonprofit agencies for Floridians and Charlotte County residents:
Insurance Help
The Florida Division of Consumer Services assists insurance consumers in the aftermath of a disaster. https://myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers/storm/resources or call the insurance consumer helpline: 1-877-693-5236, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
United Policyholders is a nonprofit consumer advocacy group that offers guidance on navigating claims and purchasing appropriate insurance. They do not sell insurance or take money from insurance companies. Visit http://www.uphelp.org/Milton or contact Julitza Perez, the United Policyholders Florida Local Liaison and attorney, at julitza.perez@uphelp.org or call 787-454-3353.
Legal Services
Florida Rural Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals, families, and vulnerable populations including the elderly, Veterans, and victims of crime. Services include assistance with insurance claims, proof of ownership, property disputes, disaster benefits, and legal papers lost in the storm. Visit frls.org or call 1-888-582-3410.
Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization connecting older adults (age 60-up), adults with disabilities, and caregivers to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity: www.aaaswfl.org or call 866-413-5337.
Center for Independent Living of Gulf Coast is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities regardless of age: https://www.cilgulfcoastflorida.org or call 855-260-4575.
Behavioral Health
Charlotte Behavioral Health Care is a nonprofit community-based behavioral health care provider offering a full range of mental health services and substance use disorder treatment in Charlotte County. Visit www.cbhcfl.org or call 941-639-8300.
Cleanup Assistance
Samaritan’s Purse is providing assistance to homeowners affected by Hurricane Milton. Volunteers are available to help with moving personal belongings and furniture to the curb, flood cleanup, sanitizing, roof tarping, and chainsaw work. This service is provided free of charge. Call 833-747-1234 to speak with a Samaritan’s Purse representative.
Crisis Cleanup connects you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups, and faith communities who may be able to assist with cleanup after a storm, such as mucking out trees, tarps, and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. Call 844-965-1386 to ask for help. This hotline will remain open through Friday, Oct. 25, 2024
For additional resources and assistance from community organizations involved in disaster relief, please visit www.coadfl.org.
For storm information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday or go online to www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/storm. Follow Charlotte County Emergency Management at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/em, www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty, and www.x.com/ccoem.