The Special Needs Program is for 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 are qualifying reasons for admission into a Special
Needs Shelter. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- 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.
While the conditions listed above are medical qualifiers for admittance into a Special
Needs Shelter, individuals should make their best effort to stay with family or friends
in a structure away from the impacts of the disaster. The use of a Special Needs Shelter
is primarily for individuals 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.
Individuals who are not eligible for Special Needs Sheltering include the following:
- 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.