Community Resources for Homeowners
Recovery funding, repair assistance, and help with the bills — the programs our Manatee and Sarasota County neighbors ask about most, gathered in one place as a public service.
Recovery Funding for Hurricane-Damaged Homes
Still dealing with damage from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, or Milton? These programs can help — and the biggest one just extended its deadline.
Lasting Manatee Home Recovery Program — Deadline Extended to August 31, 2026
- Up to $250,000 for repairs and up to $450,000 for home replacement or elevation, for owner-occupied Manatee County homes damaged in the 2024 hurricanes.
- Funded by a $252.7 million federal HUD disaster-recovery award. Structured as a 5-year forgivable loan — the county pays the contractor directly.
- Open to households earning up to 120% of the area median income.
- Pre-applications are open through August 31, 2026; full applications through September 30, 2026.
- Apply online at LastingManatee.org, call 941-742-4787, or visit the Intake Center at 1012 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm).
My Safe Florida Home
Statewide program offering free wind-mitigation inspections for eligible homeowners and matching grants toward hurricane-hardening upgrades. MySafeFLHome.com
Manatee County Housing Rehabilitation & Replacement
SHIP/CDBG-funded repair and replacement program from the county's Community & Veterans Services Department. Call (941) 749-3030 to join the interest list for the next funding cycle.
Storm Updates & Alerts
Bookmark MyManatee.org/Storm for evacuations, shelters, and post-storm updates, and sign up for Alert Manatee emergency notifications by phone or email.
Repair & Weatherization Assistance
Nonprofits that help income-qualified homeowners with critical repairs — including several programs just for veterans.
Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay
Critical home repairs at no cost for qualifying homeowners, with a focus on seniors, veterans, and families in need. rtgfl.org
Habitat for Humanity — Critical Home Repair
Helps qualifying local homeowners address health, safety, and code issues they can't afford to fix alone. Call (941) 748-9100.
Step Up Suncoast — Weatherization
Free weatherization improvements for income-eligible households to lower energy bills and make homes safer. Call (941) 827-0188.
Veterans: Home Depot Foundation
Home repair assistance for veterans, delivered locally through Turning Points in Bradenton. Call (941) 747-1509.
Veterans: Our Next Mission & SRQ Vets
Local veteran-support organizations for home repair needs and connections to additional services. (941) 799-0988 · (941) 777-8387
Veterans: Freedom Alliance
National home repair assistance program for post-9/11 veterans and their families. freedomalliance.org
Help with Rent, Electric & Water Bills
Local organizations that provide direct financial assistance in the Bradenton–Sarasota area. Availability varies — call ahead to confirm.
Turning Points
Rental assistance and deposits, day services, employment help, and free medical and dental care for the uninsured. 701 17th Ave W, Bradenton. (941) 747-1509
Catholic Charities
Rental and utility assistance for households in need across the Suncoast region. (941) 244-9490
Salvation Army — Bradenton
Electric, water bill, and rental assistance, plus emergency shelter and community meals. 1204 14th St W, Bradenton. (941) 748-5110
Christian Care Alliance
Rental and utility assistance (formerly Manatee Religious Services). (941) 752-4850
Suncoast 211
Free, confidential 24/7 helpline connecting you to every assistance program in the region. Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211. 211suncoastcares.org
How to Hire a Contractor Safely
After every storm, unlicensed operators flood Florida neighborhoods — Manatee County publishes its own advisory about it. Whoever you hire (including us), hold them to these five rules:
- Verify the license — every time. Every legitimate Florida roofer holds a state license you can check for free at MyFloridaLicense.com. Ours are CCC1333042 (roofing) and CRC1333797 (building) — look them up.
- Get everything in writing. A contract with scope, materials, price, and timeline — and a permit pulled with the county before work starts.
- Never pay in full up front. Reasonable deposits are normal; paying the whole job before work begins is how homeowners lose thousands to storm chasers.
- Ask for proof of insurance. Current general liability and workers' compensation certificates protect you if something goes wrong on your property.
- Be cautious with door-knockers after storms. Take a card, then do your own homework on the license, reviews, and local track record before signing anything.
This resource guide is provided as a public service. We are not affiliated with the agencies listed, and program availability changes as funding is used — contact each organization directly to confirm. Information compiled from the Manatee County / Lasting Manatee resource directory, verified July 2026. Providential Roofing & Construction is not a public adjuster and does not provide legal or insurance advice.
Not sure what your roof needs?
Start with a free inspection from a dual-licensed contractor. We'll document what we find with a professional photo report — and if one of the free programs above is your best path, we'll tell you so.
Request My Free Inspection ☎ Call (941) 226-4000