Governor DeSantis Announces Temporary Sheltering and First Responder Assistance for Hurricane Isaias Survivors

Governor Ron DeSantis announced during the October 19 press conference at The Salvation Army Multi-Agency Resource Center in Pensacola temporary shelter trailers will be available and 8 first responders were awarded grants.

Through a partnership between Emergency RV and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, temporary shelter trailers are being provided to eligible residents displaced by significant damage from Hurricane Isaias. Emergency RV is a nonprofit organization that provides temporary shelter to individuals and families affected by disasters. The program has received nearly 300 applications. Residents can apply at EmergencyRV.org.

One-time $5,000 grants for eight first responders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who were personally affected by the storm while continuing to serve their communities were awarded by Governor DeSantis. The assistance is being provided through a partnership between the Florida Disaster Fund and Volunteer Florida, in coordination with the Florida Sheriffs Association. The grants recognize the responders’ service and provide additional support as they recover.

Florida has requested a Major Disaster Declaration that includes Public Assistance for 15 counties and Individual Assistance for eligible residents in eight counties. The state is awaiting a federal decision. If approved, the declaration would make additional federal recovery assistance available to eligible communities and residents. Recovery teams remain in the field assessing damage and gathering information about community needs.

For more information on Hurricane Isaias and available resources, visit floridadisaster.org/updates and follow FDEM on X, Instagram, and Facebook for the most up-to-date information.