CareerSource Tampa Bay Launches Disaster Worker Grant Program to Aid Hurricane-Impacted Residents 

CareerSource Tampa Bay Launches Disaster Worker Grant Program to Aid Hurricane-Impacted Residents

~ CSTB seeks to partner with non-profit organizations experiencing increased demand due to the impact of natural disasters, and individuals who have faced challenges in securing employment. ~ 

TAMPA, FL – CareerSource Tampa Bay is relaunching the Disaster Worker Grant (DWG) Program to provide temporary job opportunities for individuals who have been laid off. The DWG Program offers temporary, six-month positions to help displaced workers earn an income while contributing to local disaster recovery efforts.

Jobs with the program start at $17.50 per hour and are available for six-month periods. These roles are open to people of all skill levels and backgrounds who have been laid off due to natural disasters.

Available Positions and Partner Organizations

The temporary roles fall into three main categories:

• Cleanup and Recovery: Positions focused on debris removal, demolition, cleaning, and repairing damaged structures. These roles may also involve coordinating with local governments and FEMA.

• Crisis and Trauma Support: Opportunities to provide counseling and other resources for community members affected by the storms.

• Humanitarian Assistance: Roles that involve distributing essential items like food and water, offering health and safety resources, and helping residents access disaster relief services such as Disaster Unemployment Assistance and FEMA support.

The program is partnering with several local non-profit organizations, including:

• ULOC Community Network
• Corporation To Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc.
• ALK of Florida Inc. DBA The Resource Empowerment Centre
• Boricuas De Corazon, Inc.
• Inspira Tampa Bay, Inc.
• Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Inc.
• Homeless Helping Homeless, Inc.
• Love Inc. of Metro Tampa
• The EnVision Resolution Foundation Inc.
• Hope Villages of America
• The Unique Umbrella Effect, Inc.
• Impowered Minds of Florida, Inc.
• Manifestations Worldwide, Inc.

“This program isn’t just about creating temporary jobs, it’s about restoring stability, dignity, and hope for our neighbors who have been impacted by these devastating storms,” said Saleema Bennett, Director of Programs at CareerSource Tampa Bay. “Through the Disaster Worker Grant, we’re empowering residents to rebuild not only our communities, but their own livelihoods.”

Job seekers interested in these positions can apply by completing an online survey.

Employers interested in hosting temporary positions can apply here.

You are encouraged to submit your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected], explaining your work history and how your employment was affected by a natural disaster.

For more information and to apply, please visit the CareerSource Tampa Bay website.

About CareerSource Tampa Bay 

Effective July 1, 2024, CareerSource Tampa Bay is the designated local workforce development board serving Hillsborough County and Pinellas County. CareerSource Tampa Bay is governed by a board of directors whose members are appointed by a consortium of Chief Local Elected Officials (CLEOs) from each county commission.

CareerSource Tampa Bay is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers listed may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.

CareerSource Tampa Bay is the direct service provider for various workforce programs which are supported by the U.S. Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, and other agencies as part of awards totaling $38,665,000 with 93% federally funded (Updated annually, as of September 2025).

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