Rebuilding for Tomorrow Reaches Historic Milestone With First Mobile Home Replacement

Hillsborough County has reached a milestone in its Rebuilding for Tomorrow program, celebrating the completion of its first mobile home replacement for a resident whose home was damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

For Kristina Stamm and her two children, that milestone means having a new place to call home. Stamm's Thonotosassa mobile home was battered by both hurricanes in 2024, sustaining extensive damage to the roof and siding, ultimately leading to mold issues. The damage left the home beyond repair. However, through Hillsborough County's Rebuilding for Tomorrow program, Stamm was able to replace it with a new four-bedroom, two-bathroom mobile home.

"I applied for the program, submitted all my documents not knowing what to expect," said Stamm. "I didn't realize the program could replace a whole house. I just wanted a healthy home for us to live in without mold."

Stamm is the first Hillsborough County resident to complete a mobile home replacement through Rebuilding for Tomorrow, a federally funded program designed to help residents recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Her story is one of many. Roughly 1,600 residents have applied for assistance through the program, which continues to accept applications while funding remains available.

"It was a huge weight off my shoulders once I actually got the keys," said Stamm. "It's an amazing experience. I definitely recommend any residents who have damage to apply."

Helping homeowners recover

Hillsborough County was awarded $709 million by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to support recovery and mitigation efforts related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Roughly $211 million of that funding is dedicated to the Homeowner Repair and Reconstruction Program. Qualified homeowners may receive funding and support to repair or rebuild homes damaged by the storms. Reimbursement programs are also available for eligible homeowners who have already completed permitted repairs.

Depending on eligibility, homeowners may qualify for:

• Up to $350,000 to replace or rebuild storm-damaged housing
• $10,000 to $50,000 in eligible reimbursement costs for permitted work already completed by the homeowner
• Up to $150,000 for eligible repairs not covered by other programs

Residents who have received previous recovery aid from FEMA or other sources can still qualify for relief funds.

The program is available for homeowners earning up to 120% of Area Median Income, which is $110,000 in annual household income for a two-person household. Priority is given to households earning 80% or less Area Median Income, or $73,400 in annual household income for a two-person household.

After going through the process herself, Stamm encourages other homeowners who may qualify to take the first step and apply.

"Don't wait to apply and be sure to ask questions if you need help," said Stamm. "The County is there to help and will assist you through any challenges."

Application assistance is available

Residents interested in applying or who need help navigating the application process can visit the Rebuilding for Tomorrow Service Center at 1029 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33604. The service center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents can also connect with the Rebuilding for Tomorrow call center at (813) 540-7767, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for assistance with the application process.

The Rebuilding for Tomorrow program will remain open until all funding is obligated. In addition to homeowner assistance, grant funding will support projects to repair storm damage to roads, canals, culverts, pump stations, wastewater lift stations, and other infrastructure. Funding will also support projects designed to improve Hillsborough County's resilience to future storms.

A new beginning for Hillsborough County families

For Stamm and her family, the completion of their new home marks a major step forward in recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. With applications still being accepted, Hillsborough County is encouraging eligible homeowners to apply for assistance.

For Stamm, the new home represents more than recovery from the storm. It represents a new beginning for her family.

"All I can say is thank you," said Stamm. "The whole process has been life changing. It's a brand-new beginning and has given me something I would have never been able to experience at this time in my life."

About the Rebuilding for Tomorrow Program

Rebuilding for Tomorrow is a Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program administered by Hillsborough County and funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that provides funding to help communities recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The program supports long-term recovery efforts, including housing rehabilitation, infrastructure restoration, economic revitalization, and mitigation projects, with funding prioritized for the most impacted areas and low- and moderate-income households.

As part of this initiative, the Rebuilding for Tomorrow Infrastructure Program, in partnership with the cities of Plant City, Tampa, and Temple Terrace, focuses on rebuilding and strengthening public systems in Hillsborough County damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.