Eye on the Tropics

Hurricane Irma: Floridians can apply for temp work

Floridians who lost their job following Hurricane Irma can now apply for temporary jobs, Gov. Rick Scott announced Wednesday.
The Dislocated Worker Grants, administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, provide disaster relief employment in the form of temporary jobs that support storm response and recovery efforts.
“As we all recover from Hurricane Irma, we are doing everything we can to help Floridians get back on their feet,” said Scott. “This federal funding will provide important employment opportunities to Floridians who may have lost their jobs due to the impacts of this massive storm and will also support ongoing recovery efforts. Now, Floridians can get back to work helping those in their communities. We will continue to work together to make sure everyone has the support they need to rebuild.”
The job applies to projects that involve food, clothing, shelters, as well as demolition, cleaning, repair, renovation and reconstruction of damaged structures and facilities.
People who qualify for the program have either been temporarily or permanently laid off because of the hurricane.
For information regarding National Dislocated Worker Grants, visit your local CareerSource Center at http://www.careersourceflorida.com/your-local-team.
In addition to the Dislocated Worker Grants, DEO is also providing the following programs to assist in recovery from Hurricane Irma:
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program provides cash flow to businesses damaged by a disaster. The short-term, interest-free loans help bridge the gap between the time damage is incurred and when a business secures other financial resources, including payment of insurance claims or longer-term Small Business Administration loans. Go to www.floridadisasterloan.org for more information.
DEO is currently surveying businesses in affected counties to determine damage. To access the business survey, please go to http://flvbeoc.org/index.php?action=bda and select “Hurricane Irma” from the drop-down menu. 
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Program provides assistance to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a result of Hurricane Irma. To apply for DUA, go to www.floridajobs.org or call the Florida Disaster Unemployment Assistance Line at 1-800-385-3920.