Henderson Franklin is committed to supporting our clients and community during the recovery and rebuilding process. The aftermath of major hurricanes requires time, and it’s essential that we support one another as a community. In the long run, we will emerge stronger together.

As Southwest Florida works through the challenges posed by the storm, we’ve compiled a list of resources aimed at helping both businesses and individuals in their recovery efforts. Below, you’ll find information about state and federal resources available for assistance.

Our team may be reached by their direct phone number or by email (firstname.lastname@henlaw.com). Please click here for the directory.

State and Federal Resources

FEMA Assistance – Homeowners and renters may apply for FEMA disaster assistance by going to DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 from 7a.m. to 11p.m. Eastern Time, or by using the FEMA mobile app. When applying for assistance, have the following information available:

A current phone number
Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are staying now
Social Security Number
General list of damage and losses
Banking information if you choose direct deposit
If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

Shelter Assistance – Individuals who need shelter may visit FloridaDisaster.org/shelter-status to find a general population shelter, special needs shelter, or pet-friendly shelter.

Assignment of Benefits (“AOB”) Fraud – if you have questions about an AOB you are being asked to sign, call the Florida CFO office at 877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236). To report AOB fraud, call the Florida CFO Consumer Hotline at 800-378-0445.

Small Business Administration Disaster Loans – are available for businesses, homeowners, renters and nonprofit organizations in Florida counties approved for individual assistance. Once an area is declared a disaster, applicants may apply at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov. For help, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

Operation Blue Roof – a free service to assist eligible homeowners with temporary roof repairs. The program is for primary residences or a permanently occupied rental property with less than 50 percent structural damage. Vacation rental properties are not eligible for this program. Residents can sign up at Blueroof.us or call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258).

Disaster Unemployment Assistance – provides temporary financial assistance to individuals whose employment has been either lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster. Visit https://floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Center/reemployment-assistance/claimants/disaster-unemployment-assistance or call 1-800-385-3920.

Emergency Bridge Loans – Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program helps companies deal with temporary operational gaps. To learn more, visit: https://deosera.force.com/RebuildFloridaBusinessLoanFund/s/.

Florida’s Disaster Contractors Network (DCN) – this network has been activated to provide support to homeowners in need of home repairs. This is a free service founded in part by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations and can be utilized by visiting https://www.dcnonline.org/.

State Updates – Find the most recent information from the state on businesses offering services and assistance, including accommodation and lodging partners, major retailers offering assistances, state partnerships, including updates from DBPR by visiting https://floridadisaster.biz/currentdisasterupdates.

Local Resources

For the most up-to-date information on local resources, including food and water distribution, shelters, medical services, debris pick-up, essential services, and volunteer opportunities, please visit the following sites for:

Lee County: https://www.leegov.com/hurricane/storm
Collier County: https://www.colliercountyfl.gov/home
Charlotte County: https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/public-safety/emergency-management/storm.stml

United Way

United Way 2-1-1 is a United Way program that provides free information and referral to human/social service agencies within Lee, Hendry, and Glades. Clients can call and receive information and referrals appropriate to their needs, https://www.unitedwaylee.org/what-is-united-way-211/.