After the Storm: Resources & Ways to Help Florida’s Impacted Communities – Hurricane Ian

At the Melbourne Regional Chamber, our dedication to excellence for the Space Coast Business community and the public good is inseparable from our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is central to our mission to ensure that each member of our community has the full opportunity to thrive in our environment, for we believe that diversity is key to individual flourishing, professional excellence, and the advancement of economic opportunity.

Melbourne, Fla. [September 30, 2022] –As we all know by now, Hurricane Ian made landfall Wednesday afternoon as a powerful Category 4 storm, hitting the southwest coast of Florida at Cayo Costa near Fort Myers and Cape Coral. This devastating storm has caused loss of life, left 2.5 million Floridians without power and countless communities under water. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected. As a business community we are uniting to ensure we can get Floridians and Florida communities and businesses through this and eventually back on their feet.

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, Florida’s business community always stands ready to support one another. Thank you to all of our partners who are on the front lines as well as those in communities not directly impacted who are helping other Florida communities when it is needed most.

Below are resources for those who have been impacted by Hurricane Ian as well as ways to help either by donating funds or volunteering in the communities in need.

1. Take the FDOE Business Damage Assessment Survey HERE>

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FDEO) and the Florida Division of Emergency Management have activated a Business Damage Assessment Survey to learn more about how Hurricane Ian is impacting local Florida businesses. If you have been impacted, please take the survey HERE> as it will help state officials with understanding the recovery resources needed for those communities.

2. Donate to the Florida Disaster Fund to Help with Hurricane Ian Recovery Efforts HERE>

If you or your business is interested in making a donation to the Florida Disaster Fund – the State’s official private fund that assists Florida communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster, please click HERE>. or text DISASTER to 20222 to make donation. Donations to the Florida Disaster Fund are made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and are tax deductible.

3. Hurricane Ian Volunteer Opportunities HERE> 

As Florida communities recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian, we have heard from many partners who want to help and get their companies and employees involved in recovery efforts. Volunteer Florida has a variety of opportunities via its Volunteer Connect platform. If you are interested in learning more, click HERE> 

4. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity HERE>

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian. Survey responses will allow the state of Florida to expedite Hurricane Ian recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses. Businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey. Click HERE>

5. U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Resources HERE>

Find resources related to low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters. click HERE>

6. Stay up-to-date with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection HERE>

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship, protecting our air, water and land.

7. FEMA Continues Ian Response HERE> 

Thousands of FEMA and federal personnel are working alongside Florida National Guard and other state response and emergency managers to support recovery from Ian.

Individuals affected by Hurricane Ian in Florida now can apply for assistance.

Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362

If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

8. Click HERE> to receive the most accurate announcements from Florida Departments. 

We are all in this together and want to thank you in advance for your interest in helping us secure Florida’s future.

 

The Melbourne Regional Chamber, founded in 1925, represents more than 800 partner businesses around the Space Coast. It develops and promotes the business interests of its partners through representation, advocacy, education, and support, while contributing to the growth and prosperity of a diverse and vibrant business community. For more information, visit www.melbourneregionalchamber.com.