People First Hurricane Recovery Programs
Hundreds of Pinellas families are already getting help… have you applied?
Recovery by the numbers, as of July 1, 2026
Program updates
- HUD increased max income limits for our recovery programs. See New Income Chart.
- Case management staff has tripled to better serve applicants. Contact us about your case.
Recovery stories
Since launching last fall, Pinellas Recovers has helped hundreds of families impacted by hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton with rebuilding homes, disaster reimbursement and homebuyer assistance. Here are a few of their stories:
“The Pinellas Recovers program actually is doing the work and I’m so happy and excited about getting my home back together again.”
Martha, East Lake
Home Rehab
“The process was fairly easy. We were able to upload a lot of the documents… It’s definitely worth it!”
Christian, Seminole
Disaster Reimbursement
“When you’ve been dealing with recovery for so long, you become cautious about promises. But the process was straightforward, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like there was a path forward instead of another obstacle.
Patricia, Pinellas Park
Home Rehab
Five programs to serve Pinellas County
The majority of our $813 million+ Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program funds are devoted to lifting up vulnerable individuals and families still struggling with unmet needs from Hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton. The five People First programs include: Homeowner Rehabilitation/Reconstruction, Homeowner Reimbursement, Homebuyer Assistance, Disaster Relief Reimbursements and a Local Landlord Program to support affordable rental housing.
Do you live in St. Petersburg?
The People First programs serve individuals and families based on household income, with priority to those with the biggest unmet financial needs. Programs are open to all Pinellas residents except those who live in the City of St. Petersburg, which has its own funding allocation. St. Petersburg’s programs are not currently taking applications, but you can learn more at Sunrise St. Pete. If you have a St. Petersburg mailing address but you’re not sure if you’re in the city limits, put in your address to see which program serves you.
Type your address like the sample below then click the button.
Pinellas Recovers Resources
See all current programs and resources for Pinellas residents and businesses impacted by hurricanes Idalia, Helene, or Milton.
About the CDBG-DR Grant
Emergency Declarations & Orders
View all emergency declarations and orders for hurricanes Milton, Helene and Idalia.
Have Questions?
First, read the details about all five People First programs then review our Frequently Asked Questions.
Meet with a case worker
Both full-time People First Help Centers are open:
Mon. to Fri.: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Clearwater
2600 McCormick Dr.
Suite 100
Clearwater, FL 33759
St. Petersburg
5000 Park St. N.
Suite 4
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
Call our Help Center
727-606-3307
Mon. to Fri.: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At times, we have a high number of calls and you may experience a long wait time. When you call, you’ll have the option to leave your name and number and get a call back from a case worker within two business days.
Questions via Email
You can email us with general questions that aren’t addressed on the website and the FAQs. If you have application-specific questions, your best bet is to call us or visit our help centers. Once you have submitted an application, don’t use this email; a case worker will reach out to you by direct email to discuss your application.
Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or visit one of our help centers.