A free guide to home repair funding, recovery programs, rental and utility assistance, and veteran services for Manatee County residents. No strings attached — just the resources our neighbors ask about most, all in one place.
Still dealing with damage from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, or Milton? Start here.
Manatee County's HUD-funded program offers up to $250,000 for home repairs and up to $450,000 for home replacement or elevation, for owner-occupied homes damaged in the 2024 hurricanes. Structured as a 5-year forgivable loan — the county pays the contractor directly. Household income up to 120% of the area median income.
Intake Center: 1012 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · 941-742-4787
State program offering free wind-mitigation inspections for eligible homeowners, and matching grants toward hurricane-hardening improvements like roof upgrades and impact protection.
SHIP/CDBG-funded repair and replacement program from the county's Community & Veterans Services Department. Ask to be added to the interest list so you're notified when the next funding cycle opens.
Bookmark the county's Severe Weather Information Center for evacuations, shelters, and post-storm updates, and sign up for Alert Manatee emergency notifications by phone or email.
Nonprofits that help income-qualified homeowners with critical repairs.
Provides critical home repairs at no cost for qualifying homeowners, with a focus on seniors, veterans, and families in need.
Habitat's local Critical Home Repair program helps qualifying homeowners address health, safety, and code issues they can't afford to fix alone.
Free weatherization improvements for income-eligible households to lower energy bills and make homes safer and more efficient.
Home repair assistance for veterans, delivered locally through Turning Points in Bradenton.
Local veteran-support organizations that can help with home repair needs and connect veterans to additional services.
National home repair assistance program for post-9/11 veterans and their families.
Local organizations that provide direct financial assistance. Availability varies — call ahead to confirm.
Rental assistance (rapid rehousing and homeless prevention), rental deposits, plus day services, employment help, and free medical and dental care for the uninsured. 701 17th Ave W, Bradenton.
Rental and utility assistance for households in need across the Suncoast region.
Electric, water bill, and rental assistance, plus emergency overnight shelter and community meals. 1204 14th St W, Bradenton.
Electric and water bill assistance for local households.
Rental and utility assistance (formerly Manatee Religious Services).
Free, confidential 24/7 helpline that connects you to every assistance program in the region — housing, food, utilities, health care, and more. Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211.
After every storm, unlicensed operators flood Florida neighborhoods. Five rules to protect your home and your money.
Every legitimate Florida roofer has a state license you can check for free at MyFloridaLicense.com. If they hesitate to give you a license number, walk away.
A written contract with scope of work, materials, price, and timeline — and a permit pulled with the county before work starts. No permit, no deal.
Reasonable deposits are normal. Paying the entire job before work begins is how homeowners lose thousands to storm chasers who disappear.
General liability and workers' compensation protect you if something goes wrong on your property. Ask for current certificates, not promises.
Some are legitimate; many aren't. Take a card, then do your own homework on the license, reviews, and local track record before signing anything.
I'm Clinton O'Brien, a project manager with Providential Roofing & Construction — dual-licensed, 1,000+ projects completed, right here in Manatee County. If you're not sure where to start, I'm happy to take a look and point you in the right direction, even if the answer is one of the free programs above.