Shelter
First Contact Partners with Airbnb.org to Provide Housing for Disaster Survivors
In the aftermath of two back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton, which swept through our region in just 13 days, many first responders and disaster response staff found themselves in a devastating situation—they lost their own homes while helping others. At First Contact, we are proud to announce our partnership with Airbnb.org to provide temporary housing solutions for these incredible individuals and other disaster survivors.
Through Airbnb.org, we’ve been able to secure credits for stays at Airbnb properties, offering a safe, secure, and comfortable place for families who are facing homelessness in the wake of these unprecedented disasters in the Tampa Bay Region. To date, we’ve successfully housed 66 families, including 138 adults, 46 children, and 67 pets, thanks to this partnership. Beyond providing shelter, this initiative gives families a much-needed sense of stability during an otherwise overwhelming time.
The Power of Partnership: First Contact and Airbnb.org
Airbnb.org, a nonprofit organization that focuses on emergency shelter for people displaced by disasters, has been an incredible partner in this endeavor. Their global reach and commitment to supporting communities in crisis are truly inspiring. By working together, we’ve been able to respond quickly and effectively, ensuring that those who’ve lost their homes can find comfort, even in the midst of chaos.
At First Contact, we’ve always been committed to helping those in need during challenging times, and partnering with Airbnb.org has allowed us to expand that mission. With their support, we’re able to provide first responders and disaster recovery staff—who are often overlooked despite their crucial role—with a safe haven where they can rest and recover while they continue to help others.
We’re honored to work alongside Airbnb.org and to play a part in helping these unsung heroes and their families. “Thank you to Airbnb.org and the Airbnb hosts for providing this incredible opportunity to help the helpers needing help themselves” said Micki Thompson, President/CEO of First Contact. “Together, we’re not only providing shelter, but also hope, security, and a sense of community.”
As we continue our disaster recovery efforts, we’re reminded of the resilience and strength of our community. With partners like Airbnb.org, we know that even in the face of once-in-a-lifetime challenges, we can rise, rebuild, and recover together. For more information on our services and how we can assist, please visit us at FirstContact.org.
Shelter for Displaced Residents
The Ross Norton Recreation Center offers space for general population, including pets, and the Lealman Exchange can accommodate those with special medical needs, including oxygen dependent people. We are not publicizing shelter locations, but residents can call the CIC 8-6 for information on these shelters. If you’re looking for hotel accommodations in non-evacuation zones, use the Hotel Evacuation Zone Look-Up Tool.
Housing Options for Storm Displaced Residents
If you have been displaced due to Hurricane Helene, here is a list of resources to help you search for short-and long-term housing options.
State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) Disaster Program
SHIP Disaster grant funds may be awarded to income eligible applicants in need of home repairs and/or rental assistance caused directly by a disaster declared by the Governor. This is a grant program requiring no repayment. Maximum award per qualified household is $25,000.00.
Eligibility Requirements
2. Elderly (62 years of age and older) Households: Very low and low income
3. Essential Service Personnel: Very low, low, and moderate income
4. All other very low, low, and moderate income residents of
Pasco County
In the aftermath of two back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton, which swept through our region in just 13 days, many first responders and disaster response staff found themselves in a devastating situation—they lost their own homes while helping others. At First Contact, we are proud to announce our partnership with Airbnb.org to provide temporary housing solutions for these incredible individuals and other disaster survivors.
Through Airbnb.org, we’ve been able to secure credits for stays at Airbnb properties, offering a safe, secure, and comfortable place for families who are facing homelessness in the wake of these unprecedented disasters in the Tampa Bay Region. To date, we’ve successfully housed 66 families, including 138 adults, 46 children, and 67 pets, thanks to this partnership. Beyond providing shelter, this initiative gives families a much-needed sense of stability during an otherwise overwhelming time.
The Power of Partnership: First Contact and Airbnb.org
Airbnb.org, a nonprofit organization that focuses on emergency shelter for people displaced by disasters, has been an incredible partner in this endeavor. Their global reach and commitment to supporting communities in crisis are truly inspiring. By working together, we’ve been able to respond quickly and effectively, ensuring that those who’ve lost their homes can find comfort, even in the midst of chaos.
At First Contact, we’ve always been committed to helping those in need during challenging times, and partnering with Airbnb.org has allowed us to expand that mission. With their support, we’re able to provide first responders and disaster recovery staff—who are often overlooked despite their crucial role—with a safe haven where they can rest and recover while they continue to help others.
We’re honored to work alongside Airbnb.org and to play a part in helping these unsung heroes and their families. “Thank you to Airbnb.org and the Airbnb hosts for providing this incredible opportunity to help the helpers needing help themselves” said Micki Thompson, President/CEO of First Contact. “Together, we’re not only providing shelter, but also hope, security, and a sense of community.”
As we continue our disaster recovery efforts, we’re reminded of the resilience and strength of our community. With partners like Airbnb.org, we know that even in the face of once-in-a-lifetime challenges, we can rise, rebuild, and recover together. For more information on our services and how we can assist, please visit us at FirstContact.org.
Shelter for Displaced Residents
The Ross Norton Recreation Center offers space for general population, including pets, and the Lealman Exchange can accommodate those with special medical needs, including oxygen dependent people. We are not publicizing shelter locations, but residents can call the CIC 8-6 for information on these shelters. If you’re looking for hotel accommodations in non-evacuation zones, use the Hotel Evacuation Zone Look-Up Tool.
Housing Options for Storm Displaced Residents
If you have been displaced due to Hurricane Helene, here is a list of resources to help you search for short-and long-term housing options.
State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) Disaster Program
SHIP Disaster grant funds may be awarded to income eligible applicants in need of home repairs and/or rental assistance caused directly by a disaster declared by the Governor. This is a grant program requiring no repayment. Maximum award per qualified household is $25,000.00.
Eligibility Requirements
- First qualified, first served priority shall be given to applicants as outlined below:
2. Elderly (62 years of age and older) Households: Very low and low income
3. Essential Service Personnel: Very low, low, and moderate income
4. All other very low, low, and moderate income residents of
Pasco County
- Homeowner applicants must provide proof of homestead;
- Must be victims of the active declared disaster, which may be certified by an outside party or by the Community Development Department;
- Eligibility shall be determined in an expedited manner and may include alternative forms of documents such as:
- Current pay stubs, benefit letters, oral verification of employment wages, other income, and assets;
- Duplication of federal aid not permitted.
- Please note of mobile homeowner applicants:
- If the applicant owns the mobile home and the land, the mobile must be June 1994 or newer to be eligible for repair (pending property inspection). If it is older, then the applicant is eligible for rental assistance to move into a new rental property.
- If the applicant owns the mobile home, but not the land under the mobile home, then it is not eligible for repair, but applicant is eligible for rental assistance to move into a new rental property.
- Disaster recovery/emergency repairs to remedy accessibility or health and safety deficiencies;
- Purchase of emergency supplies for eligible households to weatherproof damaged homes;
- Interim repairs. Examples include: One-time septic tank pumping to avoid further damage; tree and debris removal to make the individual housing unit habitable.
- Construction of wells or repair of existing wells where public potable water is not available;
- Payment of insurance deductibles for rehabilitation of homes covered under homeowners’ insurance policies;
- Security and utility deposit for recipients that have been displaced from their homes;
- Rental and utility assistance (for a maximum of 12 months) for eligible applicants;
- Mortgage and utility payment assistance for eligible applicants;
- Strategies included in the most current approved Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) that benefit applicants directly affected under the Executive Order;
- Hotel costs for those who have been displaced and have no other housing options;
- Other eligible activities as approved by Florida Housing and/or through the Executive Order or any accompanying Supplemental Order, or activities proposed by the BCC and approved by FHFC.