Special Needs

Who Qualifies?

People who have certain physical or mental conditions or limitations, and need daily assistance by a caregiver or health provider for personal care (bathing, eating, walking, transportation, etc.) and/or medication administration or treatment for stable conditions such as:

  • Arthritis
  • Alzheimer's
  • Bedridden
  • Cancer
  • Cardiac History (Stable)
  • Diabetes
  • Dialysis
  • Electricity Dependent
  • Frail Elderly
  • Oxygen Supply Dependent
  • Parkinson's
  • Paralysis
  • Post-Operation Recovery
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Seizures
  • Sores
  • Visual/Hearing Impairment
  • Wheelchair bound, etc.

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Am I Eligible for the Special Needs Program?

Any residents of Alachua County with Special Needs who:

  • Do not have any local family assistance for transportation and sheltering in a disaster event such as a hurricane.
  • Do not have any other option but to request public transportation and shelter.
  • Live alone or with another person with Special Needs.
  • Reside in unsafe housing during a storm, such as a mobile home.
  • Cannot drive or access any transportation to a safe shelter.
  • If you, or a person you know, is eligible for the Special Needs Program, call the Division of Emergency Management to request a registration form as soon as possible (352) 264-6500. Registrations should be mailed to: P.O. Box 548, Gainesville, FL 32602.

 

Not Eligible:

People requiring hospital care to treat severe or advanced medical conditions are NOT eligible for this program and should make prior arrangements with their doctors for transportation and evacuation.

Residents of Assisted Living Facilities such as nursing homes, group homes or retirement facilities. These facilities have their own emergency plans, and should be able to assist their residents with transportation and shelter.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration Forms

 

 

Information for Home Healthcare Agencies

The purpose of the Special Needs Program is to provide transportation and sheltering for Alachua County residents who have mental or physical limitations or disabilities and have no other option but to request public assistance for evacuation planning in the event of a disaster such as a hurricane.

Your agency plays a very important role in the registration process and identification of Special Needs people in the area due to the constant contact with potentially clients year long.

Learn more about Registration Process and Eligibility.

En Espanol

El proposito del programa para personas con necesidades especiales esta diseñado para proporcionar transporte y vivienda a personas durante un huracán o cualquier otra emergencia.

El registro para este programa es gratis, voluntario y confidencial. Solo personas que sean elegibles seran registradas. Personas registradas son responsables por mantener su informacion correcta y al dia con la Division de Manejo de Emergencias del condado.

Aprenda más acerca del proceso de registro y su elegibilidad.

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