Dawn Buley of Zephyrhills, Florida, experienced significant damage to her mobile home during Hurricane Milton. Concerned about potential further damage from future storms, she sought assistance through Pasco County’s Better Future Individual Housing Program since her insurance would not cover a new roof. To her surprise, her application was approved for help with repairs or replacement of her damaged home. The program, launched in December using federal disaster recovery funding, has already approved 459 applications and distributed nearly six million dollars to affected residents. Recently, Pasco County officials increased the income eligibility threshold to 120 percent of the area median income, allowing more homeowners to qualify for assistance. This expansion means single-person households earning up to ninety-six thousand three hundred sixty dollars and four-person households earning up to one hundred thirty-seven thousand six hundred forty dollars may now receive support. The program specifically helps residents repair, rebuild, or replace homes damaged by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton. Buley is currently moving into her new home while recovering from heart surgery, expressing gratitude for the assistance despite the lengthy application process.
Key Points:
- Pasco County’s Better Future Individual Housing Program has approved 459 applications and delivered nearly $6 million in assistance.
- The program uses federal disaster recovery funding to help homeowners repair, rebuild, or replace homes damaged by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton.
- Income eligibility for the program was recently increased to 120% of the area median income.
- A one-person household earning up to $96,360 or a four-person household earning up to $137,640 may now qualify for assistance.
