Pinellas Recovers People First programs will host a series of pop-up events this month to help residents impacted by the 2024 hurricanes get connected with application assistance for recovery grants.
The next event will take place April 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at City Hall in Treasure Island, where residents can receive in-person assistance with applications.
In 2025 Pinellas County was awarded $813 million in Community Development Grant- Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These grants are to address disaster recovery needs that were unmet following the storms.
"We opened applications for our Pinellas Recovers People First programs on Oct. 20, 2025. This includes grant assistance for homeowners, renters and local landlords. Applications remain open for all type of assistance," said Erica Henry, disaster recovery program manager.
The People First program is dived into five programs:homeowner rehabilitation/reconstruction, homeowner reimbursement, local landlord program, homebuyer assistance and disaster relief reimbursement.
The homeowner rehabilitation will fund repairs, rebuild or replace hurricane-damaged homes. Homeowner reimbursement will reimburse repair work homeowners already completed.
The local landlord program will support property owners with repair or rebuild rental properties to rest as affordable housing. Homebuyer assistance will help income-eligible homebuyers to purchase a home outside flood zones.
Disaster relief reimbursement will reimburse essential disaster-related expenses like rent, mortgage or utilities.
"We have started distributing awards to residents, including $2 million so far with numerous applications moving through the approval and award process each day," Erica Henry said.
To apply, residents will need to check income eligibility and gather required heck documents before starting a program application. More information is available online.
The current CDBG-DR grant must be used before July 30, 2031.
"If you aren't sure whether you qualify or feel hesitant to apply, we encourage you to call, come visit one of our help centers or visit one of our pop-up events this month," Erica Henry said. "Out case managers can walk you through each of the programs, explain requirements and help you complete your application."
Future pop-up events are scheduled for:
April 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 400 S. Walton Ave., Tarpon Springs
April 9 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 400 S. Walton Ave., Tarpon Springs
April 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 127 State St. W., Oldsmar
April 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 127 State St. W., Oldsmar
"We look forward to connecting with the community and answering any questions folks have about the programs," said Erica Henry.
The People First program is open to all Pinellas County residents, except those living in the City of St. Petersburg, who has their own disaster recovery grant program.