In the aftermath of a hurricane or natural disaster, the communities in Southwest Florida often face overwhelming challenges. Whether seeking shelter, food, emergency assistance, or ways to begin rebuilding, this page offers resources to help you and your family. From Collier and Lee County support services to government aid programs, we aim to connect you with the tools and information you need to make the road to recovery more accessible and safer. Stay informed, stay safe, and know that you’re not alone.
Check out our Guide to Hurricane Preparedness and Resources in Southwest Florida.
GET HELP
FEMA
Survivors can apply for disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
When you apply for assistance, have the following information ready:
- A current phone number where you can be contacted
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
- Your Social Security number
- A general list of damage and losses
- Banking information if you choose direct deposit
- If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name
Survivors may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from a hurricane. If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.
Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, as well as other disaster-related expenses.
Project H.O.P.E.
FEMA developed Project H.O.P.E. to help children handle the emotional aftermath of storms. Using animal puppet characters and an elaborate, attractive stage, trained staff portray a scene after a storm. They then talk with the audience about what happened, working through children’s emotional responses. Project H.O.P.E. collaborates with other youth-serving agencies and can be reached at 863-228-6473 to schedule a performance. Project HOPE deployed a team to provide emergency support after Hurricane Milton.
Better Together
Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, has vetted and background-checked host volunteer families available to provide short-term childcare to first responders, essential workers, and families needing to get their children into a safe environment. Better Together also works with local employers to find workers to assist with damage. bettertogetherus.org/better-families/apply-for-help
Collier CARES
Collier CARES (Community Application for Resources and Emergency Services) is a mobile and web app that connects people in need with critical resources and services available in Collier County, Florida. Visit colliercares.org/cc/home or download the free app at the App Store or Google Play.
Community Cooperative
The nonprofit provides emergency groceries, hot food, social services as well as Meals on Wheels food and mobile food pantry deliveries throughout Lee and North Collier County. Visit Community Cooperative’s Facebook page for upcoming pantries. https://www.facebook.com/communitycooperative
Family Initiative
Family Initiative’s Autism Support Center in Cape Coral is committed to engaging in community partnerships to empower families and ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children. www.fi-florida.org
Healthcare Network
Provides quality medical and dental healthcare, where everyone in the community can receive patient-centered, team-based and comprehensive healthcare services – regardless of income, insurance, or job status. Visit healthcareswfl.org
NAMI Collier County
NAMI Collier County is a nonprofit that provides mental health support, advocacy, and education to inspire resilience and strengthen communities in the SWFL region. If you are feeling overwhelmed and need to speak to some of NAMI’s Peer Operators, call the Wam Line at 800-945-1355 or the National Suicide Hotline at 988. Visit namicollier.org/
Lee BIA Builders Care
Builders Care provides free emergency construction services to elderly and/or disabled homeowners. For more information, visit www.leebuilderscare.com/hurricanerelief.
United Way
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties offers a 24/7 local information and social services helpline. Phone: 2-1-1 or 239-433-2000 or visit unitedwaylee.org
Southwest Florida Mental Health Services and Resources
David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health
Based in Southwest Florida, David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a not-for-profit, leading provider of compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services. Visit https://davidlawrencecenters.org/ or call (239) 455-8500
Elite DNA Behavioral Health
Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health care provider, has mental health professionals available at the following locations:
- Fort Myers – Metro: 4310 Metro Parkway, Suite 205, 239-223-2751
- Fort Myers – Plantation: 6430 Plantation Park Court, Suite 200, 239-223-2751
- Naples – 2230 Venetian Court, Suite 1, 833-362-7935
- Port Charlotte – 3191 Harbor Blvd., Suites A-B, 941-883-4518
- Venice – Open for telehealth appointments only, 941-244-4377
For more info, visit elitedna.com
Healthcare Network
For community members in need, Healthcare Network, with practices throughout Collier County, offers integrated behavioral health, which allows patients to receive behavioral health services when they visit for adult, pediatric and women’s care services.
Locations:
- Marion E. Fether (MEF), 1454 Madison Ave. W., Immokalee
- FSU College of Medicine, 1441 Heritage Blvd., Immokalee
- Nichols Community Health Center Golden Gate, 12655 Collier Blvd., Naples
- Children’s Care East (CCE ), 6350 Davis Blvd. #1001, Naples
- Children’s Care North (CCN), 1265 Creekside Parkway, #208, Naples
- Family Care North (FCN), 1265 Creekside Parkway, #206, Naples
- Family Care iTech (FCIT), 508 North 9th Street, #142, Immokalee
Phone: 239.658.3000 to schedule or make an appointment. Telehealth services are also available. Visit https://healthcareswfl.org/
Additionally, Healthcare Network offers traditional mental health services through the Center for Psychology and Wellness, located in Nichols Community Health Center, 2655 Collier Blvd., Naples. Mental Health services are available in person or via telehealth.
SalusCare
The mental health center in Fort Myers will provide or refer anyone to mental health services they need. SalusCare does not deny treatment based on inability to pay, although there are fees for its services. The website is saluscareflorida.org/