People First Programs FAQs 

Last Updated: October 13, 2025

How do I apply?

There are three ways to apply:

  1. Visit an intake center (see locations)
  2. Complete the online application after October 20.
  3. Call the call center at 727-606-3307. Applications can be initiated via telephone but homeowners may need to utilize a computer or smart device or visit an intake center to complete certain actions and provide documentation

What services will the People First Hurricane Recovery Program provide?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery funding to Pinellas County, Florida to address the disaster recovery needs of residents impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton in 2023 and 2024. Funding is available to eligible residents through one of five programs: Homeowner Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Program, Local Landlord Program, Homeowner Reimbursement Program, Homebuyer Assistance Program and the Disaster Relief Reimbursement Program.

If I rented my home at the time of the Hurricane, but purchased the home after the storm, and it has storm damages, can I apply?

Unfortunately, you are ineligible to apply for the Homeowner Rehabilitation/Reconstruction program, however, you may apply and be eligible for Disaster Relief Reimbursement program for any financial hardships experienced from the hurricane(s).

Can this program help me purchase a new home if I lost my home due to the Hurricane(s)?

Yes, the program offers Homebuyer Assistance for those looking to purchase a home in Pinellas County.

Is the assistance a loan or a grant?

This program provides grant funding. However, eligible homeowners who are awarded are expected to remain in the house for 5-years, and as part of the grant agreement will sign a 5-year forgivable mortgage and promissory note. If the house is sold or used as collateral prior to the 5-year anniversary, a prorated amount may be due back to the County.

Will my information provided over the phone be stored in a secure location?

Yes.  The program takes the security of personal private information very seriously and has controls in place to safeguard personal information.

I was asked for copies of my personal information.  What format should I provide?

The program can accept your information in the way that works best for you, e.g. via hard copies or electronic copies.

If I have questions for a program intake specialist or case manager, how can I contact them?

If you have any questions, please call 727-606-3307 and you will be assisted by one of our available Customer Service Representatives.

If I have health related or mobility concerns and cannot attend in person, can I mail my information?

Yes. You can mail your information to our Customer Service Center at 2600 McCormick Dr., Suite 100, Clearwater, FL 33759 or email your information directly to your case worker.  If you have mobility issues that prevent you from utilizing the methods previously mentioned, please notify your customer service representative and we can coordinate appropriately.

Please do not email personal information or documents to the general contact email, recover@pinellas.gov. Emails to recover@pinellas.gov are not exempt from the Florida Sunshine Law and any information sent to that account is subject to a public records request.

How long does the process take from completing the application to getting my home repaired or a new home?

All homeowner situations are unique, and range and severity of damages are also distinguishing variables, but the program will process applications as efficiently as possible to review documentation and work with homeowners to complete the eligibility process. Timelines for successful complete application submission, eligibility review, and award determination may advance in as soon as 45 days of application if all homeowner documents provided and validated within requested deadlines.

Once the award has been determined and the homeowner signs the grant agreement and the work is assigned to a contractor, the contractors are given up to 150 days for the construction period, allowing for unforeseen circumstances and/or acts of God (natural disasters). While all circumstances of homeowners and properties are unique, as conservative forecast, if all deadlines are met, a homeowner may have a new home within six months of submitting a complete application for reconstruction projects, while repairs and replacements (mobile homes) would typically require less time due to less significant scope of work.

Is there a deadline to apply?

Funding for the program is allocated on a first eligible, first served basis, and in accordance with HUD-approved prioritization criteria to serve the most at-risk and vulnerable residents first. We recommend that you submit a completed application as soon as possible in order to have the best chance for receiving assistance.

How can I check the status of my application?

If you have any questions, please call your case manager at his/her direct number or the program general number 727-606-3307 and you will be assisted by one of our available Customer Service Specialists. You can also check the status in the application portal.

After notification that my home will be repaired or reconstructed, how long can I expect to be out of my home?

While all property circumstances and scopes of work are unique, and depending on the scale of the project, a conservative forecast for the estimated timeline of construction for a reconstruction for example will be approximately 150 days. A rehabilitation type of project would typically require less time out of your home due to a smaller scope of work.

Will you help me move my furniture and belongings out of my home?

Moving and Storage Assistance are not offered for the program.

Will my property taxes increase if you build me a new home?

Your property taxes will most likely increase; however, your electricity and energy bills may decrease due to the use of energy efficient construction materials.

I own my home, but I do not own the land it sits on. Is that ok?

Applicants in this situation are encouraged to apply. Because of the complexity of the situation, each case must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

My home has been passed down to me, but my name is not on the deed. Can you assist me?

Yes. Our team works to gather ownership records from the county to minimize the number of documents you are required to provide. If we cannot verify ownership status via county and/or state records, we may ask you to submit other documentation, including property tax records.

Where can I obtain a copy of my deed/ownership documents if they were damaged in the disaster?

Your deed should be on file at the Pinellas County Clerk of the Court

I do not receive income of any kind. Can I still apply?

Yes. Income is calculated based on combined household income. If anyone in your home (18 and over) earns income, we must collect documentation. We must also collect documentation for unearned income (from all household members). If a homeowner has no income but receives cash on a regular basis from a friend or family member, this may be considered as income and should be documented.

I received assistance from FEMA, and I did not use it on repairing my home. Can I still apply?

Yes. Each application will be reviewed to determine if previous assistance awarded to the applicant was used as intended, and if any funds were received for the same purpose. Your application must demonstrate that a “duplication of benefits” would not occur based on the assistance you are qualified to receive, and this is determined on a case-by-case basis.

I am disabled and in a wheelchair. Can you accommodate my disability when you build my new home?

Yes. During the intake and eligibility process we will work with all homeowners with unique circumstances to understand special needs such as disabilities or mobility or sensory impairments. Program homes are constructed in compliance with accessibility standards, when a homeowner completes required documentation in this regard.

I receive SNAP benefits/food stamps. Will that hurt my application?

Being a recipient of public assistance does not impact your opportunity to receive assistance. If you are a recipient of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), your monthly benefit will be calculated as income.

I did not file an income tax return this prior year, due to not working. Is there anything else I can submit in lieu of that?

Yes. If you are currently employed, you may submit your last 3 months of pay stubs or a signed statement from your employer. For a list of all acceptable documents of income, please review the application document checklist.

I do not currently have a job, but I may have one soon. Will I need to submit anything?

Applications should be made based on current, verifiable information. Please make your Case manager / Customer Service Representative aware of any changes from what you reported on your application.

Can I select my own contractor to rebuild my home or complete the repairs.

No. We will have a list of contractors that have been contracted to perform repair and reconstruction on damaged homes.

Do you provide translation services?

Yes, translation and interpretation services will be provided as needed or requested. Several of our CSRs are fluent in Spanish, and translators for additional languages are also available to applicants with limited English proficiency.

How much time do I have to fill out my application?

Assistance is provided on a first eligible, first served basis. We recommend that you complete your application as soon as possible.

Do I need to pay anything to participate in the program?

The homeowner must find a place to live during construction, move, and store all possessions. In addition, they are responsible for paying the increase in property taxes and obtaining all necessary insurance after the home is complete. One year of insurance may be paid for with program funds in certain circumstances.

What can the People First Hurricane Recovery Program do for those who live in mobile homes?

Mobile homes may be eligible for rehabilitation or replacement under this program depending on the level of damage. The program may offer to provide a new mobile home at a different location, if land is obtained by the applicant.

What is a Duplications of Benefits (DOB) review?

The Stafford Act requires federal agencies providing disaster assistance to ensure that individuals and businesses do not receive disaster assistance for losses which they have already been compensated. Duplication of Benefits (DOB) occurs when compensation from multiple sources exceeds the need for a particular recovery purpose.

What are common assistance types that cause a Duplication of Benefit (DOB)?

FEMA Individual Assistance, SBA loans, Private insurance settlements, legal settlements, other grants or cash donation designated for same eligible work (even if it is non federal).

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