Disaster Case Management (DCM) is a free, comprehensive service designed to help individuals and families recover from disasters. It connects you with a dedicated case manager who will assess your disaster-related needs, develop a personalized recovery plan, and help you navigate available resources.

Your case manager serves as your advocate and guide throughout the recovery process, coordinating with FEMA, insurance companies, local agencies, and other organizations to address your unmet needs. This service continues until you have successfully recovered or all available resources have been explored.

Disaster Case Management is available to anyone affected by Hurricane Milton or Hurricane Helene who still has unmet disaster-related needs. You are eligible if you:

• Were impacted by Hurricane Helene or Milton and resided in Collier County at the time of the storm
• Have ongoing recovery needs that have not been fully addressed
• Need assistance coordinating resources and navigating the recovery process

Applying for Disaster Case Management is simple and can be done in two ways:

1. Online: Visit collier.mydcm.org and complete the intake form. The form takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

2. By Phone: Call us at (239) 499-4834 to speak with a team member who will help you through the intake process.

After you apply, a case manager will contact you within 3-5 business days to schedule your initial assessment.

Yes, absolutely! Disaster Case Management services are completely free to all eligible survivors. There are no fees, no hidden costs, and no obligation. The program is funded through federal grants and administered by organizations like Collier Disaster Alliance to support disaster recovery in affected communities.

You will never be asked to pay for case management services, and this does not affect your eligibility for other forms of assistance.

The length of time varies depending on your individual needs and circumstances. Some cases may be resolved in a few weeks, while others with more complex needs may take several months or longer.

Your case manager will work with you for as long as it takes to address your disaster-related needs or until all available resources have been explored. There is no predetermined time limit—we stay with you throughout your recovery journey.

Your case manager is your dedicated advocate throughout the disaster recovery process. Their responsibilities include:

• Assessment: Evaluating your current situation, unmet needs, and available resources
• Planning: Creating a personalized recovery plan with specific goals and action steps
• Coordination: Connecting you with appropriate resources, agencies, and service providers
• Advocacy: Representing your interests and helping you navigate complex systems like FEMA, insurance, and local programs
• Documentation: Assisting with paperwork, applications, and required documentation
• Monitoring: Following up on referrals and tracking progress toward your recovery goals
• Problem-solving: Identifying barriers to recovery and finding creative solutions
• Support: Providing emotional support and encouragement throughout the process

Communication frequency depends on your individual needs and the complexity of your case. Initially, you may have weekly contact as your case manager assesses your situation and develops your recovery plan.

As your case progresses, you might communicate:

• Weekly or bi-weekly for active cases with multiple ongoing issues
• Monthly for cases in maintenance mode or waiting on external processes
• As needed when new issues arise or updates occur

Your case manager will work with you to establish a communication schedule that meets your needs. You can also reach out between scheduled contacts if urgent issues arise.

Yes! Our platform at collier.mydcm.org provides secure online access where you can:

• Message your case manager directly through the secure portal
• Upload documents, photos, and other necessary files
• View your recovery plan and track progress
• Access resource information and referrals
• Schedule appointments and receive reminders

You can also communicate via phone, email, text message, or in-person meetings based on your preference and situation.

We want you to feel comfortable and supported throughout your recovery. If you feel that you and your case manager are not a good fit, please let us know. You can request a different case manager without any negative consequences or judgment.

Simply contact our program coordinator at (239) 499-4834, and we will work to reassign you to another case manager who may be a better match for your needs and communication style.

Disaster Case Management can assist with a wide range of disaster-related needs, including:

Housing & Repairs:

• Home repairs and reconstruction
• Temporary housing assistance
• Mold remediation
• Assistance with contractors and repair estimates
• Understanding building codes and permits

Financial Assistance:

• FEMA Individual Assistance applications and appeals
• SBA (Small Business Administration) disaster loans
• State and local assistance programs
• Non-profit and faith-based assistance
• Utility assistance

Insurance:

• Understanding insurance policies and coverage
• Filing and following up on insurance claims
• Appealing denied or inadequate settlements
• Navigating disputes with insurance companies

Personal & Household Items:

• Furniture and appliances
• Clothing and personal items
• Food assistance
• Essential household supplies

Additional Support (through partner referral):

• Mental health and counseling services
• Medical needs and prescriptions
• Transportation assistance
• Legal assistance and advocacy
• Employment and income support
• Childcare and educational needs

Yes! Helping with FEMA applications and appeals is one of the most common services case managers provide. Your case manager can:

• Help you understand your FEMA determination letter
• Explain why you were approved, denied, or received a specific amount
• Assist with gathering documentation needed for appeals
• Help you write and submit appeal letters
• Coordinate with FEMA on your behalf
• Identify alternative resources if FEMA assistance is not available

Case managers do not provide direct financial assistance themselves. However, they connect you with organizations and programs that do provide financial help. Your case manager will:

• Identify all available sources of financial assistance for your situation
• Help you apply for multiple programs simultaneously
• Assist with required documentation and applications
• Follow up with agencies on your behalf
• Coordinate between different funding sources to maximize assistance

The goal is to connect you with every possible resource that can help meet your needs.

Yes. Case managers regularly assist survivors with insurance-related issues. They can help you:

• Understand your insurance policy coverage, deductibles, and limitations
• Document damages properly for insurance claims
• Communicate effectively with insurance adjusters
• Review settlement offers and explain what they cover
• Navigate the appeals process for denied or underpaid claims
• Connect you with legal assistance if needed for complex disputes
• Identify supplemental resources when insurance falls short

While case managers cannot provide legal advice, they can help you understand your options and connect you with appropriate legal resources when necessary.

Mental health and emotional well-being are important parts of disaster recovery. Your case manager can:

• Provide compassionate support and a listening ear
• Refer you to crisis counseling services (often free for disaster survivors)
• Connect you with mental health professionals and support groups
• Help you access services through programs like FEMA's Crisis Counseling Program
• Coordinate behavioral health evaluations when needed
• Provide information about stress management and coping strategies

Remember, experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression after a disaster is a normal response to an abnormal situation. Help is available, and reaching out is a sign of strength.

Yes. Your privacy is protected. All information you share with your case manager is kept confidential and secure. Information is only shared:

• With your written consent
• With agencies providing services to you (with your permission)
• As required by law
• In aggregate, with all personally identifiable information removed, for the purpose of program reporting and evaluation

Your case manager will ask you to sign a Release of Information form before sharing your information with other agencies. This gives you control over who has access to your information.

The specific documents needed vary based on your situation, but commonly requested documents include:

• Identification: Driver's license, state ID, or passport
• Proof of Residency: Utility bills, lease agreements, or mortgage statements
• Disaster Damage Documentation: Photos of damage, repair estimates, receipts
• FEMA Correspondence: Application confirmation, determination letters, inspection reports
• Insurance Information: Policy documents, claim numbers, correspondence, settlement letters
• Income Verification: Pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements (when required for certain programs)
• Other Assistance Received: Documentation of help from other agencies or organizations

Yes. Disaster Case Management services provided through the Disaster Case Management Program funded by Volunteer Florida and the Department of Homeland Security are only available to disaster survivors will legal immigration status.

While some federal programs like FEMA may have eligibility requirements related to immigration status, many other resources and assistance programs are available to all survivors. You can contact 211 or other local agencies to see what's available to you.

When your case closes, your file is maintained in secure storage in accordance with federal record retention requirements, typically for a minimum of three years. Your information:

• Remains confidential and secure
• Is used only for program evaluation and reporting purposes (in de-identified form)
• Can be accessed by you upon request
• May be reopened if you have new disaster-related needs within the program period

Collier Disaster Alliance provides Disaster Case Management services to survivors of Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene in Collier County. For survivors in other counties you can visit Volunteer Florida to find the agency in your area.

If you're unsure whether you're in our service area, please call us at (239) 499-4834 or visit collier.mydcm.org. Even if you're outside our service area, we can help connect you with the appropriate disaster case management provider for your location.

Yes. Language should not be a barrier to receiving disaster assistance. We provide:

• Bilingual case managers (English/Spanish)
• Professional interpretation services for other languages
• Translated documents and materials
• Assistance accessing language services from other agencies

Please let us know your language preference when you apply, and we will ensure appropriate language support is available.

Yes. You can receive case management services even if you're currently living in temporary housing, staying with family or friends, or have relocated temporarily due to the disaster. Your case manager can work with you regardless of your current location, as long as your permanent residence was in the affected area.

In fact, finding stable housing is often one of the primary needs that case managers help address.

Disaster Case Management services are available to both renters and homeowners. Renters often have unique recovery needs, and your case manager can help you with:

• Finding new housing if your rental was destroyed or uninhabitable
• Replacing personal belongings and household items
• Accessing rental assistance programs
• Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a renter after a disaster
• Navigating FEMA assistance for renters
• Coordinating with landlords when appropriate

Yes! Our platform at collier.mydcm.org is mobile-friendly and can be accessed from smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers. You can:

• Complete your initial intake form on any device
• Message your case manager from your phone
• Upload photos and documents directly from your mobile device
• Access your case information anytime, anywhere

If you don't have internet access or a device, your case manager can work with you by phone and in-person, and can help you access community resources like libraries for internet access.

Your case manager will keep you informed of progress through regular communication. You can also track progress by:

• Reviewing your recovery plan, which outlines goals and action steps
• Accessing your case file through the online platform
• Receiving updates when referrals are made or resources are secured
• Participating in regular check-ins with your case manager

Recovery is not always linear—there may be setbacks or waiting periods. Your case manager will help you understand what's happening at each stage and what to expect next.

Your case typically closes when one of the following occurs:

• Goals Achieved: Your disaster-related needs have been met and you've successfully recovered
• Resources Exhausted: All available resources have been explored and accessed
• Self-Sufficiency: You're able to continue your recovery independently
• Unable to Contact: Your case manager cannot reach you after multiple attempts over an extended period
• Voluntary Closure: You decide you no longer need or want case management services
• Program End: The disaster case management program period concludes

Before closing your case, your case manager will review your progress with you and ensure you have information about ongoing resources and support available in your community.

If your case closes and you later discover new disaster-related needs or face setbacks in your recovery, you may be able to reopen your case. Contact us at (239) 499-4834 to discuss your situation.

The ability to reopen cases depends on program timelines and funding availability, but we will always try to help or connect you with appropriate resources.

We are committed to providing accessible services to all survivors. If you have a disability or special medical needs, please inform your case manager so they can:

• Arrange accommodations for meetings and communications
• Help you access medical equipment, supplies, or services
• Connect you with accessibility-focused resources
• Coordinate with medical providers as needed
• Prioritize disability-related recovery needs in your plan
• Advocate for appropriate accommodations with other agencies

Your needs are important, and we will work to ensure you receive appropriate support throughout your recovery.

Absolutely. Case managers work with many senior citizen survivors and understand the unique challenges you may face. We can help with:

• Navigating complex paperwork and applications
• Coordinating home repairs and working with contractors
• Accessing senior services and support programs
• Arranging transportation for appointments
• Connecting you with meal programs and social services
• Home visits if you have difficulty traveling
• Including trusted family members or friends in the process with your permission

Disaster Case Management primarily focuses on individual and household recovery. However, your case manager can:

• Provide information about SBA disaster business loans
• Connect you with local business recovery resources
• Refer you to economic development agencies and chambers of commerce
• Help with personal recovery needs that affect your ability to operate your business

For comprehensive business recovery assistance, we recommend also contacting your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Yes! Receiving help from other organizations does not disqualify you from Disaster Case Management. In fact, your case manager will:

• Coordinate with organizations already helping you
• Ensure services aren't duplicated
• Identify gaps that still need to be addressed
• Help maximize all available resources
• Serve as a central point of coordination for your recovery

Please share information about any assistance you've received with your case manager so they can build a complete picture of your situation and needs.

Yes. You don't need to have lost your home to receive case management services. We help with all disaster-related needs, including:

• Minor to moderate home damage and repairs
• Lost personal property and household items
• Roof damage and leaks
• Mold and water damage
• Vehicle damage or loss
• Lost income or employment
• Medical or mental health needs arising from the disaster
• Any other disaster-related challenges

If the hurricane created needs for you or your family, we're here to help regardless of the extent of damage to your home.

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and Disaster Case Management serve different but complementary roles:

FEMA:

• Provides direct financial assistance for disaster-related needs
• Offers programs like Individual Assistance, housing assistance, and home repair grants
• Has specific eligibility requirements and limitations
• Typically involves a one-time application and determination process

Disaster Case Management:

• Provides ongoing support and coordination (not direct financial aid)
• Helps you navigate FEMA and other resources
• Available to all disaster survivors regardless of FEMA eligibility
• Continues throughout your recovery journey
• Addresses needs that FEMA doesn't cover

Think of your case manager as your advocate and guide who helps you access FEMA and many other resources to support your complete recovery.

That's exactly what we're here for. Feeling overwhelmed after a disaster is completely normal and understandable. Many survivors feel this way, and it's often the reason they seek case management services.

Your case manager will:

• Help you break down the recovery process into manageable steps
• Prioritize your most urgent needs
• Handle coordination and communication with multiple agencies
• Provide structure and guidance throughout the process
• Offer emotional support and reassurance
• Work with you to enable you to take on a proactive role in your recovery