Housing is a critical aspect of Hurricane Ian recovery. Lee County is working closely with FEMA, HUD, FDEM, FHFC and many other agencies to advocate for housing needs. A phased housing plan is being designed to support Lee County residents. 

To connect with state resources:


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LeeCountyStrongLogo.pngHousing Recovery Objectives

  • Retain workforce
  • Rehouse displaced households
  • Increase overall housing stock
  • Guide redevelopment to diversity housing stock near employment centers
  • Increase homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income households
  • Create renewal financing mechanisms to fund future housing needs


Housing Recovery Strategies

Immediate (1–3 months)

Objective:  Provide resources to help repair or replace damaged or destroyed homes

Strategies

Funding Sources

  • FEMA Transitional Shelter Assistance (Hotels)
  • Mortgage/ Rent Assistance & Rapid Rehousing
  • Homebuyer Counseling & Down Payment Assistance
  • Insurance Deductible Assistance
  • Owner-occupied & Rental Rehab
  • FEMA, State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), Home Investment Partnership, and Community development Block Grant (CDBG)
These programs have more than $10 million that have been allocated to funding the repair of Lee County homes to allow residence to remain in their homes if possible while working towards the short and long-term goals.

Short Term (3-12 months)

Objective: Provide interim housing options for displaced households while funding is secured, and programs are developed for increasing housing stock and affordability  

Strategies

Funding Sources

  • FEMA Direct Housing
  • New Construction & Acquisition/ rehab
  • Increase Housing Stock & Resident Retention
  • Secure Funding to Develop Affordable Housing
  • FEMA, SHIP – Hurricane Housing Recovery Program and Rental Recovery Loan Program


FEMA Direct Housing allows livable trailers to be placed on property owners’ lots so owners may stay co-located to their lot and oversee repairs. Another option is FEMA’s Multifamily Repair and Lease Program which allows multifamily properties with minor repairs to be fixed by FEMA then leased to provide people temporary housing while they are locating other housing or rebuilding their homes. 

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FEMA has several Individual Assistance programs designed to support disaster survivors through
financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who 
have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. FEMA assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet your basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.

FEMA Assistance may include:
  • Temporary housing such as rental assistance, reimbursement for hotel costs, or a temporary housing unit
  • Funds to support the repair or replacement of your primary residence, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges
  • Funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses, such as repair or 
  • replacement of personal property and vehicles, or funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care, or funerals.

If you have applied for FEMA assistance and have been denied or need additional information related to your case you may call 1-800-621-3362.


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If you are unable to remain in your home due to damages caused by Hurricane Ian, the State of Florida may be able to assist you with temporary sheltering and temporary or permanent repairs to your home. Unmet needs, such as transportation, senior services, or household supplies, can also be fulfilled through Unite Florida.

Unite Florida assists you in connecting to recovery resources in your local community. The information entered on this website is completely confidential.

For those who need more assistance filling out an application, please call 1-800-892-0948.

PLEASE NOTE: All applications must be submitted prior to Tuesday, October 31. 

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Fannie Mae provides a case manager to homeowners to assist with navigating insurance, mortgage, FEMA assistance and more homeowner related challenges caused by Hurricane Ian.

To speak to a counselor call 1-877-542-9723.

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The Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to help homeowners, as well as businesses, recover from declared disasters. These loans can be used for losses not covered by insurance or funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for both personal and business needs.

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Homeowners can apply for free Wind Mitigation Home Inspections through the My Safe FL Home Program. This program is offered for owner occupied single-family built homes. If the home qualifies, then a Wind Mitigation Grant may also be possible. For more information and an application go to mysafeflhome.com. There is no income limit for this program.

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Habitat for Humanity’s Hurricane Recovery Home Repair Program is designed for low-income residents who own their homes in Lee County. Examples of repairs may include – but are not limited to – roof repair or replacement, siding, drywall, painting, windows and doors.

For more information and an application go to habitat4humanity.org/hurricanerecovery. Call 239-652-0434 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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The American Red Cross is providing opportunities for emergency financial assistance to Florida residents whose primary home suffered major structural damage or was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. For more information visit  www.redcross.org/ian

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The Florida Department of Environmental (DEP)’s Hurricane Restoration Reimbursement Grant Program helps Floridians in the hardest hit counties offset costs associated with addressing coastal beach erosion from Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole. The online grant application portal will accept applications beginning at 9 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2023. Projects may include construction projects for sand placement and temporary or permanent coastal armoring. 

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The Lee County Property Appraiser (PA) now provides a letter for homeowners of single family homes and mobile/manufactured homes which is helpful in determining if the repairs needed on the home will exceed the amount allowed by the 50% Rule.

The household can use the letter provided by the PA or use an appraisal done by a private property appraiser. This only applies to properties in a flood zone. To access the letter for your property, use the Quick Property Search on leepa.org to find your parcel, and select Parcel Details from the links on the search results page. From the Property Data page, create the Tax Roll Value Letter using the yellow link in the Current Working Values section.

Please Note: Some properties will not have a Tax Roll Value Letter. For more information, please see the question: “Why doesn’t this parcel have a Tax Roll Value Letter" in the Property Appraiser’s FAQs.

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Various Lee County Government departments offer assistance that may be useful as the community recovers and rebuilds from Hurricane Ian. Programs include home repair, insurance deductible and utility assistance programs as well as the coordinated entry program which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and assists those who are precariously housed. 
(239) 533-7996 Available 24/7
Clients who are precariously housed as a result of Hurricane Ian may call for information and assistance locating resources.
Applications for electric and/or water bill assistance are available for pick up at 2440 Thompson St., Fort Myers, FL 33901.

Lee County Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated $1.1 billion in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding directly to Lee County in May 2023. This funding will assist with the county's long-term recovery following Hurricane Ian. 

All funds must be spent on HUD eligible activities related to  housing, infrastructure, public  facilities, economic revitalization, public services, planning,  and administration. 

More information on the grant, and how the program will be administered by Lee County, is available on the county's CDBG-DR website

Tools to Spread the Word


Share through community newsletters, social media, homeowner associations, etc.

​Community Recovery Resources Flyer



View BoCC Discussions on Housing Recovery

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11/1/22 - BoCC Meeting - Post Ian Housing Discussion

11/15/22 - BoCC Meeting - Post Ian Housing Discussion


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