The U.S. Department of Labor has allocated an additional $3.5 million to aid in disaster-relief employment and training for Florida residents impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.
Hurricane Helene struck Florida on September 26, 2024, as a Category 4 storm, resulting in severe damage. In response, the department's Employment and Training Administration issued a National Dislocated Worker Grant of up to $5 million, initially awarding $1 million for cleanup and recovery operations across 31 counties in Florida.
Further challenges arose when Hurricane Milton hit on October 9, 2024, affecting the Gulf Coast counties along with the Florida Peninsula and Big Bend area.
The Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant enables the Florida Department of Commerce to offer temporary jobs centered on cleanup and recovery from both hurricanes. Additionally, it provides employment and training services for those affected by the storms.
These efforts are supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. The National Dislocated Worker Grants supply funding to state or local boards facing significant economic disruptions that result in workforce demands surpassing available resources.
