Compiled by Michelle Colesanti, michelle@ospreyobserver.com
Relief Fund Established For Hillsborough County Residents Impacted By Hurricane Irma
Even before Hurricane Irma hit Hillsborough County, good Samaritans all around the country began asking how they could help residents. Hillsborough County has established the Hillsborough County Irma Relief Fund that will directly fund recovery efforts for residents impacted by the storm.
All financial donations to the relief fund will be used to support non-profit organizations providing aid and recovery services to Hillsborough County residents, such as Salvation Army and American Red Cross. Funds collected will go directly to residents through the non-profit organizations and will not be used for any governmental services or administrative costs.
Donations can be made to the Hillsborough County Irma Relief Fund by:
Online: Visit https://goo.gl/hUAZWK to make an online donation.
Check: Payable to “Hillsborough Irma Relief” and mail to Lutheran Services Florida at 3627 W. Waters Avenue., Tampa, FL 33614.
Funding will be authorized by a committee consisting of representatives from the Hillsborough County Department of Aging Services, Florida Department of Children and Families, and United Way Suncoast.
The creation of a general recovery/relief account to support human services organizations providing relief and recovery services to disaster survivors is a part of Hillsborough County’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.
Apply For Operation Blue Roof At Two New Locations
Eligible homeowners who sustained roof damage from Hurricane Irma now have two additional locations where they can apply for Operation Blue Roof and complete the Right of Entry (ROE) form that allows government employees and contractors onto their property to assess damage and install a temporary covering.
Locally, a collection center has opened at Seffner-Mango Branch Library, located at 410 N. Kingsway Rd. in Seffner.
The center is open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.
Operation Blue Roof, which assists eligible homeowners with temporary roof repairs, is a program the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) tasks the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District, to implement.
This program is available at no cost to eligible primary homeowners.
Only primary residences with standard shingled roofs are eligible to receive a temporary blue roof. Metal roofs and mobile homes may be repaired as practical on a case-by-case basis. Roofs with greater than 50 percent structural damage are not eligible for this program.
For rental property, legal permission for a blue roof to be installed must be obtained from the property owner. Renters also must get legal permission from their landlord to continue occupying the residence until more permanent repairs are made.
Information about Operation Blue Roof is available on the Jacksonville District website at www.saj.usace.army.mil/BlueRoof, and in English and Spanish at 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258).
Jobs Available To Assist With Hurricane Relief
Manpower is looking for people who can assist with the Hurricane relief. These positions are beginning immediately for the Hillsborough county area.
The job titles are: Line Greeter for $10 an hour and Eligibility Worker/Screener for $15 an hour. If interested, please contact t 249-0349 Ext.70129 or lee.cowie@manpower.com.
