Tornado recovery: What resources are available for Big Bend residents still picking up the pieces?

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - It’s been a month since a trio of tornadoes took two lives, knocked out power for over 100,000 people and destroyed homes and businesses.

Many people in and around Leon County are still picking up the pieces.

After the devastating storm last month, officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) came out to survey some areas of the capital city, including some Leon County Schools campuses. But FEMA has yet to declare a disaster zone in Leon County or offer any relief to the people who were impacted. That’s left people who had trees crush their homes in what they describe as a frustrating waiting period.

Leon County Housing Services Manager Jelani Marks said there is relief available for low to moderate-income homeowners through SHIP (State Housing Initiative Partnership). SHIP is an affordable housing program in Leon County, but soon after the tornadoes, the state allotted $600,000 for disaster recovery.

The fund provides up to $30,000 per household for things like structural repairs and temporary location costs, according to the manager. He said there are times when funds can be provided upfront and other circumstances where funds can be reimbursed.

“In that week following the tornados, somebody may have purchased a tarp or somebody may have bought some boards to board up their windows that were damaged, they could get a reimbursement for that,” Marks said.

The deadline to apply for the SHIP disaster recovery program is Monday, June 17. Click here to check the requirements and apply.

There are other options for those in need. Mat Guse, the CEO of 211 Big Bend, said they have helped connect people with tree and debris removal services and support with utility concerns.

“By far and away food is the number one resource that people were reaching out to us about, tree removal, other things but food was about half the calls we received,” Guse said. “We just hope for the community, regardless of what they need or what they’re trying to find, cause that’s often the hardest thing finding it. It may be out there but navigating a system can be difficult.”

The CEO said those needing help, can dial 211 to reach the support agency.

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