The deadline for new applications to the LeeCares Hurricane Ian Housing Recovery Program is fast approaching. Residents of Lee County, Florida, who have been impacted by Hurricane Ian and are seeking housing recovery assistance are reminded that the online application portal and options for in-person applications will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15th.
Lee County is currently managing a significant volume of requests, with over 1,300 applications already being processed. These applications are from individuals and families seeking support for essential housing needs, including repairing hurricane damage, reconstructing homes, elevating properties to mitigate future flood risks, or even purchasing new homes. To ensure that information about this critical program reached as many affected residents as possible, Lee County and its community partners proactively contacted over 62,000 Lee County households to share details about the LeeCARES program and its benefits.
The funding for the LeeCares housing program is provided through a Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This funding is specifically designated to address the unmet disaster recovery housing needs of Lee County residents in the wake of the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian.
Currently, Lee County residents can apply for assistance through two primary programs under the LeeCares initiative:
- Housing Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Elevation Program: This program is designed to provide financial assistance to income-eligible homeowners to repair, reconstruct, or elevate their existing homes that sustained damage from Hurricane Ian. This support aims to help residents return to safe and resilient housing.
- Home Purchase Assistance Program: This program offers crucial support to income-eligible homebuyers, enabling them to purchase a new primary residence within Lee County, but importantly, outside of identified flood zones. This program aims to facilitate safer and more secure housing options for those displaced or severely impacted by the hurricane.
Detailed information regarding eligibility requirements for both programs, as well as a comprehensive list of required application documents, can be found by visiting the official program website: www.leeflcares.com. Potential applicants are encouraged to review these details carefully to ensure they meet the criteria and can gather the necessary documentation before the quickly approaching application deadline.
For any questions or clarifications regarding the LeeCares program or the application process, individuals can reach out via email to [email protected] or by calling the dedicated program phone line at 239-382-5453. Lee County staff are available to provide assistance and guidance to applicants.
Once an application is officially submitted, each applicant will be assigned a dedicated LeeCares case manager. This case manager will serve as the primary point of contact, providing regular updates on the application’s status and guiding applicants through the subsequent steps of the process. It is important to note that if an application is approved and funding is awarded, it is provided as a grant, not a loan. This means that recipients are not required to repay the funds, provided they adhere to the terms and conditions of the grant agreement. This grant structure is designed to offer direct and impactful relief to residents without adding to their financial burden.
For those seeking more in-depth information about Lee County’s broader Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Action Plan, including details on program allocations, specific activities, and expenditures, all relevant documentation is publicly available on the county’s website at https://cdbgdr.leegov.com. This website serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the full scope of Lee County’s disaster recovery efforts.
To stay informed about ongoing updates and news from Lee County Government, residents are encouraged to sign up for the county newsletter through this link: www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters. Furthermore, residents can follow Lee County Government’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc for real-time updates and community information.
Act now if you are seeking housing assistance through the LeeCares program. Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline of 5 p.m. on May 15th. The LeeCares program represents a significant opportunity for Lee County residents impacted by Hurricane Ian to access vital resources for housing recovery and rebuilding.
