Navigating disaster recovery for mobile home owners

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, News 6 anchor Matt Austin leads a crew Monday with one mission: solve someone’s problem, hopefully that day!

Navigating Disaster Recovery for Mobile Home Owners: What to Do When Insurance Isn’t an Option

When disasters like Hurricane Milton strike, mobile home owners often face unique challenges during recovery – especially those who lack insurance coverage. This is the reality the Wedgewood family has been grappling with since the hurricane left their Apopka home 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 home owner

Ownership versus land rental

Many mobile home owners, 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 home owners who lease the land are often considered renters rather than homeowners in certain situations, which can impact how they access support and their rights during recovery.

For example, if the ground 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 this distinction can help when negotiating repairs and seeking help from relief organizations.

Protection against expansion

What happens when damage to a mobile home makes it unliveable? Many states, including Florida, have laws that provide some protection to tenants of leased land after a natural disaster. This could include temporary grace periods for repairs or restrictions on rent increases during the recovery period. If you find yourself in this situation, please contact your local housing authority or legal aid organization to understand your specific rights and protections.

2. FEMA and other disaster relief resources

Understanding the role of FEMA

Many homeowners incorrectly assume that FEMA will cover all costs for repairs after a disaster. However, FEMA assistance is typically intended to address immediate needs, such as temporary housing or minor emergency repairs, rather than extensive reconstruction. Brittany Wedgewood contacted FEMA for help, but was warned the agency might not cover the cost of a new roof for her mobile home.

It is important to understand that FEMA assistance can vary significantly depending on your circumstances. If your application for help is rejected or you think you need more help than was 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 strengthen your case.

State and local assistance programs

In addition to FEMA, many states offer specific assistance programs or grants for people affected by natural disasters. Florida has resources like the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), which can provide assistance to low-income families in need of repairs. Contact your local government offices or housing assistance programs to see if there are any funds or resources available for those affected by the recent disaster.

Non-governmental aid

Local community support groups can often fill the gaps left by federal and state aid. 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 assistance and help you bridge the gap until longer-term solutions are found.

3. What should you do if you do not have insurance?

Repair and rebuild without insurance

If you don’t have homeowners insurance, finding ways to repair and rebuild your home can be 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 disaster repairs and rebuilding, even for those who are not business owners.

Find a certified contractor

In situations like Brittany’s, where a family member is a contractor but not licensed in the state, it is critical to find a licensed local professional to ensure the work meets Florida building codes and standards. Ask for recommendations from trusted neighbors, use state licensing boards to verify credentials, and be on the lookout for post-disaster scams. After natural disasters, unlicensed contractors can prey on desperate homeowners, so it’s important to confirm that anyone you hire is certified and insured.

4. Address 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 is important to take immediate action.

For light mold growth, use gloves, masks and good ventilation when cleaning with products such as bleach or commercial mold removers. Professional help is recommended for larger mold spots or significant water damage. Some nonprofits or local health departments may provide low-cost or free services to those in need.

Access to medical needs during displacement

For people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, maintaining access to necessary care while displaced can be a challenge. Brittany and her daughter both have diabetes, making it crucial for them to store insulin safely and eat a balanced diet. If you’re staying in temporary shelter or a hotel, see if local pharmacies can supply 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 positives of families like the Wedgewoods is the sense of community that arises in times of crisis. If you are 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 play an important role in organizing resources, providing transportation, and providing support. Always feel free to contact us! We may not have the answer right away, but we will do our best to help you as best we can. You can reach our assignment desk at 407-521-1323.

How to offer help if it doesn’t bother you

If you’ve been spared from disaster but want to help families like the Wedgewoods, consider donating to local relief 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 a devastating situation.

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