FloridaCommerce Awards $600,000 Grant to CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas

~Funding to Support Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts, Temporary Jobs, and Career Services Available for Impacted Individuals~

TAMPA, FL – FloridaCommerce has approved an initial grant of $600,000 to CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas (CSHP) to fund temporary job opportunities in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. This grant is designed to assist communities recovering from the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The funding will support local humanitarian aid, cleanup, and restoration efforts, helping the region rebuild and providing career development services for eligible participants.

In addition to funding temporary jobs, the grant may be used to offer career services and training to those who qualify. This initiative aims to provide immediate employment while supporting long-term career growth for those affected by the disaster.  For local non-profit and public organizations needing temporary disaster relief workers, please complete this Employer Survey.

Local employers doing business in the following industries are eligible for grant funding if they are providing services in response to Hurricane Helene:

• Cleanup and Recovery: Positions related to the demolition, cleaning, repair, renovation, and reconstruction of damaged and destroyed structures. Roles may also involve debris removal and coordination with recovery entities such as local governments and FEMA.

• Crisis and Trauma Support: Opportunities to provide crisis and trauma resources, including counseling services, for community members impacted by Hurricane Helene.

• Humanitarian Assistance: Roles may involve distributing food, water, and other basic needs, as well as offering health and safety resources. Additional responsibilities include helping residents and business owners access recovery resources such as Disaster Unemployment Assistance, FEMA support, and more.

How to Get Involved:

Non-profits and public sector employers in need of workers to assist with recovery efforts should complete this Employer Survey.

If your employment was impacted by Hurricane Helene and you are interested in one of these temporary positions, complete this Job Seeker Survey.

To discuss available support or for any questions, please send a request to this email:

[email protected].

Important Resources for Businesses and Job Seekers:

• Hillsborough County Emergency Management
• Pinellas County Emergency Operations
• Florida Division of Emergency Management
• Florida Chamber Safety Council – Hurricane Resources for Floridians
• www.Hurricanes.gov
• Florida Housing’s Disaster Relief Resources and Information
• Disaster Assistance Information

Individuals and employers affected by Hurricane Milton but not Helene should note that CSHP anticipates additional funding to assist with disaster services specifically for Hurricane Milton and is already assessing the needs of local job seekers in anticipation of that funding.

About CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas

Effective July 1, 2024, CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas is the designated local workforce development board serving Hillsborough County and Pinellas County. CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas 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 Hillsborough Pinellas 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 Hillsborough Pinellas 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 $39,085,000 with 96% federally funded (Updated annually, as of August 2024).

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