As the end of hurricane season approaches, many Floridians are relieved. However, the financial burden of home upgrades remains a challenge for some.

Lavonna Beers, a resident of Tarpon Bay, has been dealing with deteriorating windows in her condo.

"They leak. They rattle. They need replaced, period. A good wind would just knock them right out of there," Beers said.

The windows are over 20 years old, according to Beers and estimates for replacements range from $20,000 to $30,000.

When Beers learned about the My Safe Florida Home program, which offers up to $10,000 for window upgrades, she applied.

"But I'm in a condo, so I don't qualify for that program," she said.

The My Safe Florida Home program provides funding for single-family homes and townhomes, with priority given to low-income seniors. There is a pilot program for condos, but it applies to entire associations, not individual owners like Beers.

"I'm not getting any help because I don't meet this criteria or that criteria," Beers said.

WINK News reached out to a spokesperson for Florida's Chief Financial Officer, Blaise Ignoglia. Despite passing along Beers' information and inquiring about program expansion to include condo owners, there was no response.

"I would like, maybe someone to talk to me that maybe could make me understand, or show me how I could fit into one of these programs," Beers said.

A records request has been submitted to Florida's CFO to determine the number of applicants and funds distributed through the My Safe Florida Home program.

The Florida Insurance Advocate, Tasha Carter, provided a list of other state and county programs for Beers to consider.

Lee County:

Lee County Housing Repair Program
https://www.leegov.com/dhs/homerepairapplication
 

LeeCares Hurricane Housing Recovery
https://apply.leeflcares.com/

Habitat for Humanity Home Repair Program
https://www.habitat4humanity.org/home-repair-program/
 

Fort Myers Repair and Rehabilitation Program
https://www.fortmyers.gov/1543/Repair-and-Rehabilitation

Charlotte County:

Rebuilding Together Greater Florida
https://rtgfl.org/get-help/

COAD
https://www.coadfl.org/