In the wake of the impacts caused by Hurricane Idalia, the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce has been in direct communication with Citrus County Administrator Steve Howard and Crystal River City Manager, Doug Baber.

Damage assessments are currently underway, marking the first step towards community recovery. Additionally, businesses and residents in affected areas are authorized to make necessary repairs needed to protect their structures within the next 72 hours, beginning today, with no initial City or County permits issued.

FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Idalia. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Idalia recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting http://www.FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Idalia” from the dropdown menu.

Information on Recovery and Assistance Programs in the Wake of Hurricane Idalia

 SBA Opens Disaster Relief:

President Biden has granted a major disaster declaration, which includes Citrus County. Small businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters in declared disaster areas can apply for assistance through the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help recover and rebuild.

**To apply for SBA assistance:**
1. Visit: [https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov](https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov)
2. New applicants will need to create a Login.gov account and use an authenticator app.
3. For assistance with the application, call 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Individual Assistance Programs:

1. **Mass Care and Emergency Assistance (MC/EA)**
2. **Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP)**
3. **Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)**
4. **Disaster Legal Services (DLS)**
5. **Disaster Case Management (DCM)**

Details of these programs are available on FEMA’s website and in the attached fact sheet.

**To apply for FEMA Individual Assistance or check the status of your application, visit [www.disasterassistance.gov](https://www.disasterassistance.gov/).**

Individual and Households Assistance Programs:

– Housing Assistance Provision:
1. **Rental Assistance**
2. **Expense Reimbursement**
3. **Home Repair Assistance**
4. **Replacement Assistance**

– Other Needs Assistance (ONA) Provision:
1. **SBA-Dependent Types of ONA**
2. **Non-SBA Dependent Types of ONA**

Eligibility:

Applicants must meet general conditions including citizenship status, identity verification, and have needs directly caused by a declared disaster.
Full details about these provisions and their limitations are available in the attached fact sheet.
**For more information on appealing FEMA decisions, contact the FEMA Disaster Helpline at 800-621-3362.**

The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce is actively processing incoming information regarding recovery efforts, assistance, and funding opportunities for businesses and individuals in affected areas. Attached are the fact sheets for the Individual Assistance Programs and Individuals and Households Assistance Programs. We are making efforts to contact all our members in the affected areas to assess your status and needs.

For immediate questions or concerns, please reach out to your Member Relations Manager, Corrine, at Corrine@CitrusCountyChamber.com, or our President/CEO, Josh Wooten, at Josh@CitrusCountyChamber.com.

We understand that the journey to recovery may be long and complex. Know that we are here to support you every step of the way. Together, we will rebuild stronger than before.

Click for attachments on the links below:

Individual Assistance Programs Fact Sheet

Individuals and Households Assistance Programs Fact Sheet