During natural disasters like hurricanes, Florida offers various resources and helplines for immigrants and other residents. Here are some key options:
1. Disaster Distress Helpline
- Phone: 1-800-985-5990 (available 24/7)
- Text: Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
- Languages: Services in over 100 languages, including Spanish and Haitian Creole.
- Details: A national hotline offering crisis counseling for those affected by disasters. It’s free and confidential.
2. Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)
- Phone: 1-800-342-3557 (Florida Emergency Information Line)
- Website: FloridaDisaster.org
- Details: Provides official updates, shelter information, and disaster-related resources.
3. 211 Helpline (United Way)
- Phone: Dial 211 (24/7 service)
- Website: 211.org
- Details: Connects people to emergency services, shelters, and local aid during disasters. Multilingual support is available, including Spanish and Haitian Creole.
4. Catholic Charities USA (Florida Branches)
- Phone: 1-800-919-9338 (disaster relief)
- Details: Offers emergency aid, shelter, and food assistance, often with a focus on helping immigrant and refugee communities.
5. American Red Cross
- Phone: 1-800-733-2767 (for emergency relief and shelter info)
- Website: RedCross.org
- Details: Offers disaster assistance, including shelter and emergency aid, to all affected residents regardless of immigration status.
6. Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC)
- Phone: 1-888-600-5762 (for immigrant assistance)
- Website: FLImmigrant.org
- Details: Provides resources for immigrants during disasters, including access to legal help, information on shelter rights, and community aid. They advocate for immigrant rights and may help undocumented immigrants access support services.
7. Legal Aid and Immigration Services
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- Website: AILA.org
- Details: Can connect immigrants with pro-bono legal services to address legal concerns during natural disasters.
- National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)
- Website: HeartlandAlliance.org/NIJC
- Details: Offers legal assistance and resources for immigrants during emergencies.
8. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
- Phone: 1-800-621-3362 (for disaster relief applications)
- Website: FEMA.gov
- Details: Immigrants with legal status (such as green card holders) may be eligible for FEMA assistance. However, undocumented immigrants can apply for aid on behalf of U.S.-born children.
Many of these services provide multilingual support, including Spanish, Haitian Creole, and other languages commonly spoken by Florida’s immigrant communities. They focus on ensuring that everyone has access to shelter, food, medical care, and legal help during crises.
