ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Residents of St. Petersburg will soon have the opportunity to apply for financial assistance aimed at helping them recover from the effects of Hurricanes Idalia and Helene, with applications for the Sunrise St. Pete program set to open on December 15. The initiative offers nearly $160 million in funding, sourced from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
However, uncertainty looms among residents of the Shore Acres neighborhood, as many express doubts about the program’s ability to provide relief due to stringent income requirements. HUD stipulates that at least 70% of the program’s funding must be allocated to assist low-to-moderate-income households, leading to concerns among residents who may not meet these criteria.
Resident Barry Rubin noted the challenges posed by the income-based restrictions. Having witnessed flooding for the first time in his nearly 30 years at Shore Acres, he shared that substantial renovations have been necessary to restore his home. “Everything is brand new. It’s actually a new house on a very old house shell,” said Rubin, who highlighted the extensive work done to maintain his property.
The Sunrise St. Pete program is designed to support recovery efforts by providing financial aid for various needs, including home rehabilitation, rebuilding, and elevation, along with reimbursements for repairs. A city spokesperson indicated that households with earnings up to 80% of the area median income (AMI) will be prioritized, translating to approximately $83,000 per year for a four-person family. Additionally, some assistance will be available for those earning up to 120% AMI, approximately $125,000 annually for families of that size.
Shore Acres Civic Association President Kevin Batdorf pointed out that the program might not significantly benefit the neighborhood, despite its struggles. He cited that over 1,200 homes were flooded in Shore Acres during Hurricane Idalia, accounting for 82% of the city’s total flooded properties during the event. Residents are still grappling with the aftermath of the floods caused by Hurricane Helene.
Erin Knight shared her story of recovery, having recently returned to her home after it was inundated with floodwaters. She expressed frustration at the financial hurdles, stating, “We still had to fork out $20,000 on top of around $100,000 out of our own pocket to rebuild this house and then put up floodgates, but yet somehow, we don’t qualify for any of the help.”
Despite their hesitations regarding the income requirements, both Knight and Rubin mentioned that they plan to apply for the Sunrise St. Pete program, hoping for any potential funding assistance. “I’m cautiously, cautiously optimistic, but ‘cautious’ is the main word,” Rubin remarked, acknowledging the need for St. Petersburg to advocate for more flexible criteria to accommodate those severely affected in coastal areas.
As the application date approaches, residents remain hopeful for some form of support, reflecting a resilience that characterizes the community’s spirit in the face of adversity.