ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Thousands of families remain displaced due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

To assist them in finding temporary or permanent housing, the city of St. Petersburg is partnering with the Bay Area Apartment Association to host a Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair.

The one-stop shop will connect families with local housing providers.

What You Need To Know

  • City of St. Petersburg is partnering with the Bay Area Apartment Association to host a Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair

  • More than 40 housing communities linked with the BAAA will offer hands-on application support for both short-term (6 months) and longer-term (12+ months) apartment rental opportunities

  • St. Petersburg’s Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 3-7 p.m., at the Coliseum

  • Future residents are asked to be prepared with their driver’s license, social security number and proof of income

More than 40 housing communities linked with the BAAA will offer hands-on application support for both short-term (6 months) and longer-term (12+ months) apartment rental opportunities.

“Being 20 years on the beach and losing everything at 70, who thought I would have to start over?” said Carol Volonilo.

Volonilo is doing just that after Hurricane Helene’s storm surge destroyed her Indian Rocks Beach home. She says the difference between her old living room and her new one is like night and day.

“This was all my furniture after I came in. I never moved anything, it all floated,” she said.

She found her new place when Palomar Properties posted a special for storm victims. Regional Director Cassi Harbuck says they began expediting applications after consecutive hurricanes.

“We have at one community, 18 apartments and 47 residents that were displaced by the storm,” said Palomar Properties Regional Director Cassi Harbuck.

Palomar is an affiliate of the Bay Area Apartment Association, which is collaborating with the city of St. Petersburg to host a housing fair. Disaster victims will be matched with more than 40 housing providers offering special considerations, such as flexible lease terms and rental assistance.

“We are not charging the application fee, because this is a move that they did not expect,” said Harbuck.

St. Petersburg Housing and Community Development Director Avery Skyler said her department’s goal is to create housing stability for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Meanwhile, Volonilo said that the storms have provided her with a fresh perspective on life. She shares her gratitude for her new forever home.

"I went to the beach, and it’s not the same," she said. "I’m happy in my apartment, very happy here.”

St. Petersburg’s Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 3 to 7 p.m., at the Coliseum.

Housing applications can be submitted on-site at the fair.

Future residents are asked to be prepared with their driver’s license, social security number and proof of income.