- Shelter information and housing assistance
- Sandbags, tarps, and other storm supplies
- Evacuation routes and road closures
- Food, clothing, and hygiene supplies
- Special needs registry and medical supplies
- Emotional and crisis support
United Way of Marion County strives to connect you with the resources needed to prepare for, endure, and recover during hurricane season.
As a member of the Marion County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management Team, United Way of Marion County works closely with the Marion County Emergency Management during natural disasters and other unforeseen events by appropriately collecting and distributing funds based on critical needs in the county.
Below we have provided a link button allowing you to give to our emergency assistance fund. The funds raised here will be distributed throughout Marion County to agencies that are providing disaster relief. We thank you in advance for your contribution
United Way 211 specialists are available 24/7 to help you find assistance for all of your non-emergency needs.
Call 211 or 352-304-5827. Text your zip code to 898-211. Chat online here.
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Hotlines
National Domestic Distress Hotline
800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS TO 22522
TTY- 800-787-3224
24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call 988 or Text, or Chat 988
24/7 Lifeline connects people to the nearest crisis center.
Veterans Crisis Hotline
800-273-Talk (8255) press 1 or Text 838255
24/7 Service is available to all Veterans. It's a free, confidential resource even if they are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA Healthcare.
Shelters
Domestic Violence Shelter
CASA Marion
352-722-2272
717 SW MLK Ave. Ocala, Fl. 34474
24/7 Domestic Violence Shelter (When funds are available) can assist with moving costs for victims actively fleeing domestic violence.
Department of Health Special Needs Shelter
West Port High School
3733 SW 80th Ave. Ocala, Fl..
Opening Tue. 10/8/24 @ 5pm
Pets are also allowed into the shelter with proper documentation.
Pet-Friendly Shelter
Vanguard High School
7 NW 28th St. Ocala, Fl.
Opening Tuesday 10/8/24 @ 6pm
Proper pet documentation is needed.
Sandbag Locations
Tuscawilla Park (Reilly Arts Center)
800 NE Sanchez Ave. Ocala, Fl.
7 am-7 pm, limited # of shovels available -10 bags per vehicle.
Ed Croskey Recreation Center
1510 NW Fourth St. Ocala, Fl
7 am-7 pm, limited # of shovels available -10 bags per vehicle. Self-serve.
Jervey Gantt Park
2200 SE 36th Ave. Ocala, Fl.
7 am-7 pm, limited # of shovels available -10 bags per vehicle. Self-serve.
Dunnellon Public Works
11924 Bostick St. Dunnellon, Fl.
7 am-7 pm, limited # of shovels available -10 bags per vehicle. Self-serve.
Wrigley Field
405 County Rd. East 316, Citra Fl.
7 am-7 pm, limited # of shovels available -10 bags per vehicle.
Self-serve.
John Van Fleet Sports Complex
6501 SE 107th St. Belleview, Fl.
7 am-7 pm, limited # of shovels available -10 bags per vehicle.
Self-serve.
General Population Shelters:
The following locations will open at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 8, 2024, as emergency shelters in preparation for Hurricane Milton. Those seeking shelter should bring their own medications, food, and other essentials. Pet owners seeking shelter for animals should bring their own pet supplies, including crates.
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Belleview Middle School, 10500 SE 36th Avenue, Belleview, FL
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Forest High School, 5000 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, FL
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Fort McCoy School, 16160 NE Highway 315, Fort McCoy, FL
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Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks, 365 Marion Oaks Drive, Ocala, FL
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Liberty Middle School, 4773 SW 95th Street, Ocala, FL
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Madison Street Academy, 401 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Ocala, FL
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North Marion Middle School, 2085 W Highway 329, Citra, FL
Agency Resources
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To find an open Red Cross Shelter view the shelter map at redcross.org.
Having trouble viewing the shelter map? Call the Marion County's local American Red Cross - the North Florida Region.
Local: 352-620-0500 | National: 800-733-2767
For additional readiness guidance, visit the Red Cross Hurricane Safety site.
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For the latest news and updates from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, visit https://www.fema.gov or call 800-621-3362.
Not sure if a storm is declared an emergency or natural disaster?
Visit fema.gov/locations to find out.
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The Salvation Army helps meet the needs of disaster survivors through:
- Preparedness
- Immediate Response
- Recovery
- Emotional and Spiritual Care
Learn more about your local team by visiting salvationarmyflorida.org/ocala.
2907 NE 14th Street, Ocala, FL 34470 | 352-732-7058
STOP!
Have you registered with the Florida Special Needs Registry?
If you or someone you know has special needs, we urge you to review your registry status periodically to help first responders make informed decisions on how to help you in an emergency.
Additionally, check out Marion County's open special needs emergency shelters by visiting marionso.com/emergency-shelters.
Get Involved
We invite you to participate in our recovery efforts. If you are interested in contributing, please follow the links below to either sign in or register to become a volunteer. We greatly appreciate your support!
Transportation
Uber is providing FREE rides to and from shelters for those evacuating in Marion County.
How to get your free ride:
🌀 Open the Uber app.
🌀 Tap "Account" (bottom right).
🌀 Tap "Wallet" and enter promo code: MILTONRELIEF
Once the storm clears Marion County, the United Way of Marion County will provide more information about tarps, emergency food, and water through our 211 information and referral line. United Way 211 specialists are available 24/7 to help you find assistance.
If your home is damaged but not from flooding, call 800-Red-Cross for information regarding the assessment process. The national number is 800-733-2767.
The latest news and updates are available at Marionso.com Emergency Management and or call FEMA at 800-621-3362.