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 Treasure Coast, FL – In the wake of Hurricane Milton, many businesses and communities across Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties are facing severe damage. CareerSource Research Coast (CSRC), in collaboration with the Florida Department of Commerce (DOC), is stepping up to support both local businesses and residents affected by the disaster through the Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) program. This program provides immediate financial relief to employers in need of clean-up assistance and offers temporary job opportunities for individuals willing to work in recovery efforts at a wage of $20 per hour. Employers and job seekers alike are encouraged to take advantage of this vital resource as we work together to restore our communities.

Help for Non-Profit Agencies, Local and County Governments
Non-profit agencies along with local and county government branches,  can greatly benefit from the Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) program by receiving no-cost assistance in disaster recovery efforts. Whether it’s clearing debris, restoring damaged facilities, or providing essential humanitarian aid, temporary workers funded through this grant can help these organizations continue their vital work in the community. This allows them to focus their resources on serving those in need while having access to dedicated workers at no additional cost. By partnering with CareerSource Research Coast, non-profits can maximize their impact during this critical recovery period and help improve lives in the communities they serve.

Help for Local Employers
If your business has suffered damage or requires help with post-storm clean-up, CSRC can assist by providing temporary workers to help you reopen your doors. These workers, paid and covered by worker’s compensation through the DWG program, can assist with a variety of tasks including debris removal, infrastructure repair, humanitarian aid, and more. Whether your needs are large or small, we urge you to contact us to identify the support you need.

Opportunities for Dislocated Workers
For individuals who have been impacted by the hurricane, this program offers a unique chance to earn $20 per hour while aiding in recovery efforts. Whether you’ve been laid off due to the storm, are long-term unemployed, or are a self-employed individual whose business has been affected, you may qualify for these temporary jobs. CSRC is working with Spherion, the employer of record, to register workers, handle payroll, and ensure they are covered under worker’s compensation.

Who is Eligible?
To participate in the program, individuals must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Temporarily or permanently laid off due to the hurricane.
• A dislocated worker, including displaced homemakers.
• Long-term unemployed (unemployed for at least six of the past 13 weeks).
• Self-employed but now unemployed or significantly underemployed due to the disaster.

Non-Profit Agency Importance
Non-profit organizations are essential in times of crisis, and the Dislocated Worker Grant provides them with a way to address their own recovery needs without depleting their resources. “It’s important for non-profits to use these available funds so they can focus on their mission without sacrificing their ability to serve the community,” said Glenda Harden, CSRC Dislocated Worker Grant Navigator. “By utilizing this grant, non-profits can get the support they need to recover from Hurricane Milton without taxing their own resources or reducing the services they offer to their clients.”

How to Get Involved
Employers or non-profit organizations in need of assistance should contact CareerSource Research Coast immediately to report clean-up needs, estimated project duration, and required job titles for temporary workers. We will work with you to access funding and provide support through the DWG program. In addition to the hourly wage, temporary workers will receive up to $25 per week in gas support to assist with transportation costs.

Together We Rebuild
While CareerSource Research Coast (CSRC) is committed to helping our communities recover from Hurricane Milton by providing opportunities that support both businesses and job seekers, we recognize that some individuals who qualify for these services may not have access to the internet, news media, or social channels. That’s why we’re calling on you, the reader, to help us spread the word. If you know someone who has been affected by the hurricane and could benefit from the Dislocated Worker Grant or other recovery services, please share this information with them. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind as we work to clean up, rebuild, and get our region back on its feet.

To apply for your business or as an individual, please fill out the form at the link below and a CareerSource representative will contact you. www.csrc.news/DWG_Milton.
To apply as an employer or non-profit/government agency for assistance with your disaster recovery needs and/or assistance with your disaster relief work, please contact Glenda Harden at [email protected] or call (772) 249-2023.

For more information or assistance on other career-related topics, please contact us at [email protected] or call 866-4U2-HIRE.

Tags: grants, jobs, non-profit