ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, News 6 anchor Matt Austin is leading a crew with one mission on Monday: to solve someone’s problem, hopefully that day!
Navigating disaster recovery for mobile homeowners: What to Do When Insurance Isn’t an Option
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When disasters like Hurricane Milton strike, mobile homeowners often face unique challenges during recovery – especially those who don’t have insurance coverage. This is the reality that the Wedgewood family has been grappling with since the hurricane left their home in Apopka damaged and uninhabitable. Understanding your options, rights, and the steps you can take after a disaster is essential to rebuilding and moving forward. Here’s what you need to know if you find yourself in a similar situation.
1. Know your rights as a mobile homeowner
Ownership vs. Land rental
Many mobile homeowners, like the Wedgewoods, own their homes but not the land beneath them. This distinction can complicate disaster recovery, especially when it comes to responsibilities for repairs. Mobile homeowners who lease the land are often considered tenants rather than homeowners in certain situations, which can affect how they access aid and their rights during recovery.
For example, if the land beneath the home becomes uninhabitable due to flooding, the landlord may be responsible for certain repairs or compensation, but the homeowner is still responsible for structural damage to the mobile home itself. Understanding these distinctions can help when negotiating repairs and seeking assistance from aid organizations.
Eviction protections
What happens if the damage to a mobile home makes it unlivable? Many states, including Florida, have laws that offer some protection for tenants on leased land after a natural disaster. These can include temporary grace periods for repairs or limits on rent increases during the recovery period. If you’re in this situation, contact your local housing authority or legal aid organization to understand your specific rights and protections.
2. FEMA and other disaster relief resources
Understanding FEMA’s role
Many homeowners mistakenly assume that FEMA will cover all costs for repairs after a disaster. However, FEMA’s assistance is typically designed to address immediate needs, such as temporary housing or minor emergency repairs, rather than comprehensive rebuilds. Brittany Wedgewood reached out to FEMA for help, but was warned that the agency might not cover the cost of a new roof for her mobile home.
It’s important to understand that FEMA’s aid can vary significantly depending on your circumstances. If your request for aid is denied or you believe you need more help than initially offered, you can appeal the decision. The appeal process may involve providing additional documentation, such as contractor estimates or photos of the damage, to make your case.
State and local assistance programs
In addition to FEMA, many states offer specific aid programs or grants for those affected by natural disasters. Florida has resources like the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) that can provide assistance for low-income families in need of repairs. Check with your local government offices or housing assistance programs to see if there are funds or resources available for those affected by the recent disaster.
Non-governmental aid
Local community aid groups can often fill in the gaps that federal and state assistance leaves behind. For the Wedgewoods, a group called Light Orlando stepped in to deliver groceries when the food they bought with food stamps went bad after the power outage. Churches, nonprofits, and local food banks can provide temporary relief and help you bridge the gap until longer-term solutions are in place.
3. What to do if you don’t have insurance
Repairing and rebuilding without insurance
If you don’t have homeowners’ insurance, finding ways to repair and rebuild your home can feel overwhelming. Start by getting quotes from licensed contractors who can assess the damage and provide realistic estimates for repairs. You can also explore low-interest disaster loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA), which offers loans to homeowners for repairs and rebuilding after disasters, even for those who are not business owners.
Finding a licensed contractor
In situations like Brittany’s, where a family member is a contractor but isn’t licensed in the state, it’s crucial to find a licensed local professional to ensure the work meets Florida’s building codes and standards. Ask for recommendations from trusted neighbors, use state licensing boards to verify credentials, and be wary of post-disaster scams. After natural disasters, unlicensed contractors may prey on desperate homeowners, so it’s important to confirm that anyone you hire is certified and insured.
4. Addressing health and safety issues
Dealing with mold and water damage
Water damage from leaks can quickly lead to mold, which poses serious health risks, especially for families with young children or those with pre-existing conditions. The Wedgewoods found water behind the walls of their mobile home after Hurricane Milton, making it unsafe to live there. If you encounter similar problems, it’s important to take immediate action.
For minor mold growth, use gloves, masks, and proper ventilation when cleaning with products like bleach or commercial mold removers. For larger areas of mold or significant water damage, professional help is recommended. Some nonprofit organizations or local health departments may offer low-cost or free services for those in need.
Access to medical needs during displacement
For those with chronic health conditions like diabetes, maintaining access to necessary care while displaced can be a challenge. Brittany and her daughter both have diabetes, making it vital for them to store insulin safely and maintain a balanced diet. When staying in a temporary shelter or hotel, find out if local pharmacies can deliver medications, and look into community health centers that can provide care if your usual doctors aren’t accessible.
5. Building a support network: How communities can help
Connecting with neighbors and community groups
One of the silver linings for families like the Wedgewoods is the sense of community that emerges during times of crisis. If you’re struggling after a disaster, don’t hesitate to reach out to neighbors and local community groups for help. Mutual aid networks and neighborhood associations can be instrumental in organizing resources, providing transportation, and offering support. Always feel free to reach out to us as well! We may not have the answer right away, but we will work hard to help you however we can. You can reach our assignment desk at 407-521-1323.
How to offer help if you’re not affected
If you’ve been spared from disaster but want to assist families like the Wedgewoods, consider donating to local aid groups, organizing food drives, or volunteering with relief efforts. Community support can make a significant difference in helping families get back on their feet after experiencing devastation.
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