Online applications for LeeCares Housing Assistance programs have opened with funds allocated from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to be dispersed to those impacted by Hurricane Ian.

There is $241.5 million allocated for individual housing programs under LeeCares, according to Lee County Deputy Director Jeannie Sutton, who spoke at the Cape Coral City Council workshop Wednesday.

There are three distinct programs in the allocation — $175 million for housing rehabilitation, reconstruction, and elevation of owner-occupied units, $10 million for home purchase assistance and $56 million for voluntary residential acquisition.

The Housing Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and/or Elevation portion is for homeowners, or small rental properties to make repairs, reconstruct their home if destroyed, or elevate their home if needed due to flood zones, Sutton said.

Although the cost varies from site to site there is a maximum per house of $450,000 for elevation and $250,000 for rehabilitation.

The home purchase assistance is up to $75,000 for someone who lived anywhere in Lee County during Hurricane Ian. The Home Purchase Assistance Program gives an individual the opportunity to purchase a home outside of the special flood hazard area by receiving closing costs, down payment assistance, or mortgage guarantee to help someone move into a home.

The Voluntary Residential Acquisition Program is for someone who resided in a special food hazard area and has had multiple instances of flood loss in a 10-year period. This helps the homeowner sell their home and relocate to another area outside of a flooding area.

Sutton said there is income eligibility for all the programs. For a household of four there is a maximum of $68,100 per year in income earned.

“We have discussed, and still continuing to consider taking a look at the demand of low-income applicants and hope to explore a waiver to higher income folks as the program continues on,” she said, adding that right now it is strictly 80% AMI.

Individuals can still apply if they received assistance from FEMA and insurance, as long as they are income eligible.

“It may prevent them from receiving the full benefit amount, but they can definitely still apply for the program,” Sutton said.

To apply, the individual must have a photo ID, proof they owned the property at the time of the storm and still own the property, as well as third party authorization for communication, a 1040 for their last tax return, and proof of employment if changed.

Individuals can apply online at leeflcares.com, which Sutton said is the fastest and easiest way. There is also a LeeCares Outreach Center at 9400 Gladiolus Drive, Suite 270 in Fort Myers from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

There will also be help provided at Northwest Regional Library, 519 Chiquita Blvd. N., this Saturday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.