Hurricane Helene leaves many families homeless

TAMPA, Fla. – Hurricane Helene has upended the lives of many people who don’t even know where they will sleep in the next few weeks.

Some are turning to hotels and Airbnbs. A South Tampa family plans to live in an RV in their driveway while they wait for their home to be repaired.

“The water was up to my waist on the sidewalk when we decided to evacuate the house and we put our 16-year-old dog and cat in a wheelbarrow and my husband floated them down the street,” the displaced resident said Kat Robinson- Malone said.

READ: Hurricane Helene: The ‘heartbreaking’ damage left behind on Anna Maria Island

Robinson-Malone has lived in her South Tampa home since 2011, but now she’s staying with friends down the street while she works on repairs to her home.

“We don’t know if we can stay here, if this will continue, and we don’t want to lose our family. I mean, that’s us, we call each other friendly because those are our people, so to speak, and it just sucks,” Robinson-Malone said.

Robinson-Malone lives about seven blocks from the Bay. There was several inches of water in her home, causing the floor to be torn out and the drywall to be damaged by water. They plan to live in an RV in their driveway while they repair their house.

MORE: Pinellas residents on barrier islands return to ‘war zone’ after Hurricane Helene

Her investigator, Sophia Sanchez, said for those in need of shelter, reach out to neighbors you know and be wary of scammers.

“This is where relationships come into play. Find a good neighbor who can help you use their computer or ask them to help you find resources. Now if it gives employers a little leniency to give people some grace to maneuver.” “I think that’s important,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez said some of her displaced clients have had the most success finding temporary housing through Facebook Marketplace. She also advises displaced homeowners to contact their real estate agent, as some agents are opening vacant homes on the market to displaced families in need.

READ: Oldsmar residents pick up debris after Hurricane Helene

When it comes to insurance claims, Sanchez recommends that you document everything with photos and keep a schedule of the repair work you complete in case the insurance company has detailed questions.

“Just make sure you have everything ready. All supplies. And I’m a bit of a prep player, and I think a lot of people who live in this area have to have that attitude too,” Sanchez said.

We’re also learning that FEMA temporary housing may soon be available. Gov. Ron DeSantis said they believe they will receive approval. However, it is still not clear when and where the opening might take place.

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