Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the completion of Rebuild Florida’s first repair of a Hurricane Irma damaged home in Palm Bay in Brevard County.

Rebuild Florida, a program of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), launched in September 2018 with federal funding to help Florida’s long-term recovery from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Irma. To date, more than 14,600 Floridians have registered for assistance from the Rebuild Florida Housing Repair and Replacement Program.

“Hurricane Irma left mass destruction across our state and we will continue to work until Floridians fully recover,” said Governor DeSantis. “Getting people back in to their homes is a critical step to this process and I thank DEO and the Rebuild Florida team for working hard to assist thousands of Floridians as they rebuild, repair or replace their homes.”

The Palm Bay home, owned by Robert and Stacie Bark, experienced significant roof damage and a broken window from Hurricane Irma. After working through the steps to receive assistance, Rebuild Florida paid to replace the Barks’ roof and broken window. To see photos of Rebuild Florida’s first home repair project, click HERE. 

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we’ve made disaster recovery and rebuilding Florida’s communities impacted by disasters our number one priority,” said Ken Lawson, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “The Barks’ story is one that we have heard across the state. Their home represents the first of thousands of Floridians we will assist.  Rebuild Florida is here to help Floridians and our communities recover from the devastating impacts of the most recent storms.” 

“Hurricane Irma hit and left our house with significant damage, especially to the roof,” said Mr. Robert Bark, homeowner. “Rebuild Florida got a hold of me by some miracle and walked me through every step of the process to receive assistance. I’m very grateful for the program and thankful to have a new roof over our heads.”

The Rebuild Florida Housing Repair and Replacement Program is helping eligible homeowners impacted by Hurricane Irma by repairing, rebuilding or replacing damaged homes across the hardest-hit communities. Because funding is limited, priority is given to low-income residents who are most vulnerable, including the elderly, those with disabilities and families with children under the age of 18, with later phases expanding to less vulnerable groups as funding allows.

Nine Rebuild Florida centers are open across the state to serve as local resources for homeowners. Centers are open Monday through Friday with case managers available to help homeowners complete the registration and application process. Homeowners can also visit RebuildFlorida.gov or call the Rebuild Florida customer center at 844-833-1010 to receive assistance.

Rebuild Florida is a program of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) launched with federal funding to help Florida’s long-term recovery efforts from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Irma and subsequent disasters. For more information, visit RebuildFlorida.gov.

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