SBP to Launch New Build Program in Florida to Support Recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Nonprofit’s New Regional Office Will Support Long-Term Disaster Recovery in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Manatee Counties

(TAMPA, Fla.) DEC. 18, 2024—Today, SBP, the national disaster resilience and recovery nonprofit, announced the launch of a new home rebuilding program and regional office in Tampa, Florida. Starting in January 2025, this program will support the long-term recovery needs of vulnerable communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton by rebuilding resilient homes and supporting families across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Manatee counties.

Utilizing the Toyota Production System, a proven model of operational efficiency, SBP’s new Build program in West-Central Florida will construct at least 50 resilient homes in its first year of operation to accelerate recovery and restore hope among affected homeowners with very limited resources who cannot rebuild on their own.

“Florida families impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton deserve a faster, more resilient recovery,” said Thomas Corley, SBP’s Chief Operating Officer. “We are committed to helping them rebuild their lives and homes while working in partnership with Tampa’s government leaders, our funders and local communities.”

Since 2018, SBP has been working in Florida to help communities rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricanes Michael, Ian, Idalia and Debby. To date, SBP has built 470 homes in Florida, helped homeowners secure an additional $1.85 million in disaster assistance through FEMA appeals, and launched the Recovery Acceleration Fund in Volusia County, which finances home repairs for Hurricane Ian survivors who lack the means to rebuild on their own. 

Beyond rebuilding homes, SBP’s new program and regional office in Tampa will create local job opportunities and deepen the organization’s disaster recovery capabilities across the state. Recruitment will soon be underway for key positions, including construction and case management staff, and managers of volunteers. SBP will also recruit 20 AmeriCorps members to serve in Tampa and join a team committed to supporting disaster-affected families.

SBP’s new Build program represents a $12 million investment over three years, with $5 million in additional funding still needed to reach more affected homeowners at greater scale.

Beyond the Build program, SBP’s response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida to date has included muck-and-gut operations in the greater Tampa area, free disaster assistance services to help homeowners file FEMA appeals in the 34 counties and one tribal territory where a federal disaster was declared, and supporting local officials with disaster recovery plans.