PORT ORANGE, Fla. — A Volusia County couple is back in their home after it was destroyed during Hurricane Ian in 2022. The county’s Transform 386 fund, which received money from the federal government, was used to rebuild the home.
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The home in Port Orange was the first damaged home to be torn down and rebuilt using those funds during Ian’s time. Eyewitness News was there when Leo and Deborah Laliberte saw their new home for the first time.
“We had 14 inches of nasty sewer water and everything else because everything backed up,” said Leo.
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“Nothing happened fast, you know? Nothing happened fast,” said Deborah. The couple had insurance but not flood insurance, leaving them with few options. After being denied by other agencies, they turned to the county for help.
“This money is the money of last resort. So, we look at your private insurance, FEMA dollars, anything you received to help you get back in your home and then we fill that gap,” said Dona Butler, Director of the County’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency.
Dona Butler from the county’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency said that to qualify for Transform 386, you have to fall under a certain income threshold and the damage had to come from Ian. You must also be willing to put a 5-year lien on your home.
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After Ian, the county had about 1600 people apply for help through the program and 600 are currently in the process.
Butler explains that some didn’t meet the criteria or dropped out independently over time.
“We have had some people say sorry we don’t want a stick built home; we only want concrete block and that’s not part of our program. We also don’t elevate homes. If they’re interested, they should apply for Elevate Florida,” said Butler.
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The county has money to help about 1,200 Ian victims and is encouraging more people to apply. The Lalibertes agree, saying the help was life-changing for them.
The county now has a separate fund for Milton victims and is conducting community outreach to obtain input on spending options and explain how to apply for help.
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