News Release: Charlotte County COAD Disaster Assistance Program for Hurricane Relief

Port Charlotte, FL, 3/19/25 - In response to the widespread damage caused by Hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Helene, and Milton, Charlotte County's Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) announced that its Disaster Assistance Program has resources available. The Disaster Assistance Program is designed to support Charlotte County residents in their recovery efforts. Through this program, COAD will offer financial aid and home repair support to qualifying residents impacted by recent storms.

The Disaster Assistance Program aims to connect eligible Charlotte County residents with essential resources, prioritizing individuals who may not have access to other forms of assistance. “This program is part of our commitment to ensuring that every resident has access to support, especially those in the most vulnerable situations,” said Angela Hogan, CEO of Gulf Coast Partnership. “We encourage anyone who believes they qualify to submit an application so that we can assist them in navigating the recovery process.”

Eligibility Requirements

The program prioritizes residents facing severe storm-related damage, particularly those who are:

  • Displaced homeowners and renters
  • Low-income households as defined by HUD standards (for example, $45,050 annually for a single-person household and $51,540 for a two-person household)
  • Head of household - aged 60 or older
  • People with disabling conditions

Additional eligibility factors include property ownership, homestead exemption status, property tax payments, significant home damage affecting safety and functionality, and no current litigation involving the property owner.

Application Process

Charlotte County residents who believe they meet the above criteria can complete the Disaster Assistance Application, which will serve as a preliminary assessment to determine their eligibility for support. Applications can be submitted online by visiting www.coadfl.org and clicking the Get Started button.

This application will assess eligibility based on a range of criteria, including household income, size, and individual circumstances. COAD encourages only those meeting HUD low-income standards to apply to streamline the application process and ensure rapid assistance for qualified households.

For more information on the Disaster Assistance Program or to apply, please visit www.coadfl.org or contact Deb Houck, Long-Term Recovery Director at: 941-769-5162 or by email at ltr@gulfcoastpartnership.org.