Hurricane Relief Resources for Volusia County, Florida


These resources can help ease the burden on those impacted by natural disasters, providing much-needed support in the recovery process.


Emergency Shelter and Temporary Housing:


• AMERICAN RED CROSS

redcross.org

Provides temporary shelters, emergency relief, and basic needs.

Emergency contact: Call your local Red Cross chapter or 1-800-RED-CROSS.

• FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)
fema.gov
Offers temporary housing assistance, including hotel stays, rental assistance, and emergency shelters.
Apply for disaster assistance at: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

• SALVATION ARMY
salvationarmyusa.org
Provides emergency shelter, meals, and support during natural disasters.

• VOLUSIA COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
volusia.org/services/public-protection/emergency-management/
Coordinates local shelters, evacuation orders, and emergency resources. Provides information on shelter locations and special needs shelters for residents during natural disasters.
Emergency contact: (386) 254-1500 (East Volusia) or (386) 736-5980 (West Volusia).

• VOLUSIA COUNTY SCHOOLS (EMERGENCY SHELTER INFO)
volusia.k12.fl.us
Provides information on schools that double as emergency shelters during hurricanes and other disasters.

• THE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER OF WEST VOLUSIA
nhcwv.org
Offers temporary shelter, food assistance, and other emergency support services for those affected by disasters, particularly in the West Volusia area.
Contact: (386) 734-8120.

• LOCAL CHURCHES AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Many local religious organizations and charities provide shelter, food, and other forms of support for disaster victims.

 



Rental and Mortgage Assistance:


• FEMA – RENTAL ASSISTANCE

FEMA offers rental assistance for temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable due to disaster. You can apply through DisasterAssistance.gov.


• US DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) – DISASTER ASSISTANCE

hud.gov

Offers foreclosure relief, mortgage forbearance, and rental assistance for those affected by disasters.


• MORTGAGE RELIEF PROGRAMS

Contact your mortgage provider to explore options for mortgage payment forbearance or deferral after a disaster. Many mortgage companies work with disaster-affected borrowers to provide relief.

 



Financial Assistance – Grants and Loans:


• FEMA – INDIVIDUAL & HOUSEHOLD PROGRAM (IHP)

Provides financial assistance for housing, home repairs, and disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.

Apply at: DisasterAssistance.gov.

• SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) – DISASTER LOANS
sba.gov
Offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses for repairing or replacing damaged property. Even non-business owners can apply for assistance.

• DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE (DUA)
CareerOneStop.org
Provides temporary unemployment benefits to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted due to a major disaster.

• VOLUSIA COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES
volusia.org/services/community-services/community-assistance/
Offers assistance with rent, mortgage payments, and utility bills for families affected by natural disasters. They also provide referrals to state and federal disaster assistance programs. Contact: (386) 736-5956.

• VOLUSIA FLAGLER COUNTY COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS
vfcch.org
Provides temporary housing assistance, outreach services, and financial aid to those displaced or impacted by natural disasters.
Contact: (386) 279-0029.

• CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF CENTRAL FLORIDA – VOLUSIA COUNTY
cflcc.org
Offers financial assistance, housing support, and food resources for individuals affected by disasters in Volusia County.
Contact: (407) 658-1818.



Food and Basic Needs Assistance:


• FEEDING AMERICA

feedingamerica.org

A national network of food banks that can help provide meals for those affected by natural disasters.

• SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) – DISASTER ASSISTANCE
fns.usda.gov/disaster/disaster-assistance
Provides emergency food assistance for those affected by a natural disaster. Eligibility criteria and application processes may be temporarily modified after a disaster.

• HALIFAX URBAN MINISTRIES
halifaxurbanministries.org
Provides emergency food, hygiene products, and other essentials for those affected by hurricanes and floods in Volusia County.
Contact: (386) 252-0156.

• VOLUSIA COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING (MEALS ON WHEELS)
coaiaa.org
Delivers emergency meals to seniors affected by natural disasters and supports elderly residents who may be homebound or unable to access shelters. Contact: (386) 253-4700.

• JERRY DOLINER FOOD BANK
jewishdaytona.org/foodbank
Provides emergency food distribution for disaster victims in the Daytona Beach area and surrounding communities within Volusia County. Contact: (386) 672-0294.



Utility Assistance:

• LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)

liheap.org

Helps with heating and cooling bills, and may offer emergency energy assistance after a disaster.


• LOCAL UTILITY PROVIDERS

Many utility companies offer emergency relief programs or bill deferment for customers affected by disasters. Contact your utility provider directly for assistance.



Mental Health and Crisis Support:


• DISASTER DISTRESS HELPLINE

samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

Offers 24/7 crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural disasters.

Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.

• NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI)

nami.org

Provides support and resources for individuals facing mental health challenges during and after natural disasters.

• VOLUSIA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

volusia.floridahealth.gov

Provides disaster-related health services, including disease prevention, medical care for displaced residents, and vaccinations during emergencies.

Contact: (386) 274-0500.

• STEWART-MARCHMAN-ACT BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE (SMA HEALTHCARE)

smahealthcare.org

Offers mental health crisis intervention, counseling, and emotional support for disaster survivors in Volusia County.

24-hour crisis line: (800) 539-4228.



Insurance Claims and Legal Assistance:


• NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM (NFIP)

floodsmart.gov

Offers flood insurance coverage and claims processing for homeowners, renters, and businesses affected by flood disasters.

• DISASTER LEGAL SERVICES (DLS)

americanbar.org/groups/committees/disaster_response/

Provides free legal assistance for low-income individuals who are affected by disasters, including help with insurance claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and FEMA appeals.



Animal Care and Shelter Assistance:


• VOLUSIA COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES

volusia.org/services/public-protection/animal-services/

Provides shelter and care for pets during evacuations and helps reunite lost pets with their owners after a disaster.

Contact: (386) 248-1790.

• SOUTHEAST VOLUSIA HUMANE SOCIETY

sevhumanesociety.org

Offers temporary housing and care for pets displaced by natural disasters. They also provide food and supplies for pet owners in need.

Contact: (386) 428-9860.



Local Disaster Recovery and Cleanup:


• VOLUSIA COUNTY VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN DISASTER (VOAD)

volusiacountycitizenscorps.org/voad

Coordinates volunteer efforts for disaster response and recovery, including cleanup, debris removal, and home repair services for residents affected by hurricanes and flooding.

Contact: (386) 740-5201.

• UNITED WAY OF VOLUSIA-FLAGLER COUNTIES

unitedwayvfc.org

Provides disaster recovery assistance, including food, financial aid, and help with accessing services for those affected by natural disasters in the Volusia area.

Contact: Dial 2-1-1 or call (386) 253-0563.

• TEAM RUBICON
teamrubiconusa.org
A volunteer-led organization that provides disaster response services, including home repairs, debris removal, and rebuilding efforts for homeowners in Volusia County.



Transportation Assistance:

• VOTRAN – VOLUSIA COUNTY TRANSIT
votran.org
Provides emergency transportation services during evacuations and can assist residents with mobility needs. Check their website for updates during disaster events. Contact: (386) 761-7700.

• COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR (CTC) VOLUSIA COUNTY

votran.org/special-services/

Assists disabled and elderly residents with transportation needs during evacuations and emergencies.

Rental Market Settling in Most Florida Cities

Rents across the state are trending down. South Florida rents are among the highest in the state. Researchers said the days of rapidly rising rents are probably over.

BOCA RATON – Just a year ago, nearly all the measured Florida metros were at double-digit premiums, but now renters in Florida could see cheaper rents as most of the measured cities are showing signs of rents trading either at a discount compared to long-term pricing trends or premiums of less than 1%, according to researchers at Florida Atlantic University and two other schools.

Rents in Palm Bay and Jacksonville are below their long-term pricing trends, end of April data from the Waller, Weeks and Johnson Rental Index shows. In Palm Bay, rents are at a -.39% discount with the typical unit in the area renting for $1,979.10. For Jacksonville, rents are at a -.15% discount with the average unit renting for $1,743.66.

“While these measures are small, they are a positive sign of where the rental market could be heading in the future,” said Ken H. Johnson, Ph.D., real estate economist with FAU’s College of Business. “These Florida cities are renting at a discount compared to their historical averages and others appear to be heading in that direction, suggesting that rental markets around the state are stabilizing.”

The Waller, Weeks and Johnson Rental Index, a part of FAU’s Real Estate Initiative, examines where the average rent is in the 100 most populated metropolitan areas in the United States and compares it to where rents should be based on statistical modeling of historical rental prices. Johnson, along with fellow researchers, Shelton Weeks, Ph.D., of Florida Gulf Coast University, and Bennie Waller, Ph.D., of the University of Alabama, also measure average yearly increases, monthly increases, and how much money the typical household needs to make to avoid paying more than 30% of their income toward rent.

Premiums in other measured Florida cities are edging back toward historical norms. Rents are at a .34% premium in Deltona; .35% premium in Orlando; .48% premium in Cape Coral; .66% premium in Lakeland; .79% premium in North Port; and 1.01% premium in Tampa.

“South Florida, however, remains a problem child in the state in terms of rent growth,” Weeks said. “Premiums in the Miami metro area are the highest among measured metros in the state at 4.19%.”

All three researchers agree that the days of rapidly rising rents are probably over.  However, the new higher rents will cause affordability issues for quite some time to come as incomes race to catch up with the new rent levels.

“Overall, 18 metropolitan areas around the country are trading at a rental discount, and it appears much of the country is heading in the same direction,” Waller said.

© 2024 Florida Atlantic University

Source: https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2024/06/rental-market-settling-most-florida-cities?utm_campaign=6-5-24+Florida+Realtors+News&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email

Exciting Opportunity for Tenants: Explore Our Home Purchase Program!

If the thought of homeownership has crossed your mind, we’re excited to share that we have a special program in place to assist tenants like you in making that dream a reality. Our Home Purchase Program is designed to provide support and guidance to tenants interested in purchasing a home.

If you’d like to learn more about this exciting opportunity or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to provide information, answer queries, and offer assistance as you explore the possibility of homeownership.

Your satisfaction and success in your housing journey are important to us. Thank you for choosing us as your home provider, and we look forward to assisting you further.

 

Enhance the Longevity of Your Property with Preventive Maintenance

As your property management team, we’re committed to ensuring the optimal condition and longevity of your property. To that end, we recommend implementing a preventive maintenance schedule for key aspects of the property. Here’s a suggested plan:

  1. Exterior Paint:
    • Schedule a professional exterior paint job every 5-7 years, considering weather exposure.
    • Regularly inspect for peeling or chipping and address touch-ups promptly.

  2. Lawn Fertilizer and Weed Control:
    • Plan for fertilization 3-4 times a year (spring, early summer, late summer, and fall).
    • Apply weed control 2-3 times a year, adjusting based on weed growth.

  3. HVAC Service:
    • Arrange professional HVAC service twice a year, ideally in spring and fall.
    • Encourage tenants to change air filters every 1-3 months.

  4. Pressure Washing Sidewalks and Driveways:
    • Schedule pressure washing annually or biannually to maintain cleanliness.
    • Consider more frequent washing in areas with high humidity or heavy foliage.

  5. Termite Treatments:
    • Schedule annual termite inspections to catch issues early.
    • Conduct treatments as necessary based on inspection results.

  6. Roof Soft Wash:
    • Plan for a roof soft wash every 2-3 years or as needed to remove algae and debris.
    • Regularly inspect the roof for signs of damage.

  7. Trimming Trees:
    • Arrange for annual tree pruning, ideally in late winter or early spring.
    • Promptly address overhanging branches, especially after storms.

Implementing this preventive maintenance plan will not only enhance the property’s lifespan but also contribute to tenant satisfaction and curb appeal. We recommend discussing these measures with your tenants and coordinating the necessary services. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out: 386-236-0746.

 

Exclusive Opportunity: Explore Selling Your Property with Our Support

As a valued client of CLB Property Management, we want to bring to your attention an exclusive opportunity regarding your property.

If you’ve ever considered selling, we have a unique advantage to offer:

  1. Investor Database: We maintain a database of investors actively seeking rental properties. Your property could be an excellent match for their investment criteria.

  2. Special Program with RE/MAX: As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive services, we’ve established a special program and partnership with RE/MAX, the Number One Brand in Real Estate. This collaboration ensures that you receive top-notch support when selling your property.

If you are interested in exploring the possibility of selling your property, please let us know. We’re here to provide further details, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the process: 386-236-0746.

Your satisfaction and success with your property are our priorities, and we’re excited about the potential opportunities that selling your property may bring.

 

HVAC Maintenance Reminder – Enroll in Our Air Filter Program!

To ensure the optimal function of your heating and air conditioning system, we’d like to remind you to change your air filter every month or two.

For your convenience, we have a special program in place that makes this maintenance task hassle-free. By enrolling in our Air Filter Program, you’ll receive a new air filter every other month, reducing the chance of unexpected problems with your HVAC system.

To take advantage of this program and enjoy worry-free HVAC maintenance, please contact your property manager for more information and enrollment details: 386-236-0746.

Your comfort and the proper functioning of your home are our priorities.

October Fire Safety Month: Ensure Your Home’s Safety

As we observe Fire Safety Month in October, your safety is our top priority. To contribute to the safety of your home, we recommend taking a moment to replace all the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Regular maintenance of your smoke detectors is a simple yet crucial step in ensuring the early detection of any potential fire hazard. This small effort can make a significant difference in protecting you and your loved ones.

Here are a few quick steps to follow:

  1. Check Each Smoke Detector: Ensure you have smoke detectors in key areas of your home, including bedrooms, hallways, and common areas.
  2. Replace Batteries: If it’s been a while since you replaced the batteries, now is the perfect time to install fresh ones.
  3. Test Detectors: Press the test button on each detector to confirm they are functioning correctly.

Your commitment to fire safety aligns with our dedication to providing a secure living environment. Thank you for taking this proactive step in safeguarding your home.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your smoke detectors, feel free to reach out. Your safety is of utmost importance to us.

 

Proactive HVAC Maintenance Opportunity for Your Property

Our goal is to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your property while minimizing unexpected maintenance expenses.

We’ve found that property owners who perform an AC service in March and October of each year experience a significant reduction in unexpected HVAC issues. To support you in this proactive approach, we are offering the opportunity to schedule this service for your property.

Details of the AC Service:

  • Frequency: Twice a year (March and October)
  • Cost: Typically $165 per AC Unit

Please contact us if you would like us to schedule this service for you. Our team will coordinate the service at a time convenient for you. Taking this preventative measure not only contributes to the optimal performance of your HVAC units but also helps in avoiding potential costly repairs down the line.

Thank you for entrusting us with the management of your property. We look forward to assisting you in maintaining the health and longevity of your HVAC systems.