A Tampa woman whose life has been defined by both profound loss and enduring resilience has received $30,000 from the City of Tampa’s Homeowner Hurricane Assistance Program (HHA) to complete major repairs on her Port Tampa home, following the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The 2024 storms flooded her home, leaving all major appliances upturned, her air conditioning beyond repair, and exterior water lines broken. It was the home she raised her children in, including her son Kwane, a promising young athlete and beloved member of the community who was tragically killed in a shooting that shattered the southwest Tampa community two decades ago. In the years since, Kelly has carried that grief while remaining a steady presence in her neighborhood, honoring her son’s legacy and supporting others. But after the 2024 hurricanes, she faced a new challenge: rebuilding her home after the storms left her property gutted.
Launched in November 2025, the Homeowner Hurricane Assistance Program provides financial assistance of up to $30,000 for income-eligible, homesteaded Tampa homeowners who sustained hurricane-related damage. Funded through the City’s General Fund with support from City Council, the Homeowner Hurricane Assistance Program represents a continued focus on long-term housing recovery and resilience for residents most affected by the 2024 hurricane season.
The program prioritizes residents in the hardest hit ZIP codes, including Forest Hills, Palmetto Beach, and South of Gandy/Port Tampa.
"This assistance represents more than financial relief — it is a recognition of perseverance," said Mayor Jane Castor. "Even in the face of unimaginable loss and repeated hardship, Ms. Doster has continued to move forward, embodying strength, faith, and commitment to her community."
The $30,000 from the Homeowner Hurricane Assistance Program will help Ms. Doster carry out critical improvements, including plumbing, drywall and HVAC replacement — repairs that became necessary after storm damage left portions of her home inhabitable.
Currently, the program has awarded 98 applications, with the average award around $18,500. Of the 98 households, 57 have received assistance for outstanding repairs and 41 has been for reimbursement of already completed repairs.