First Coast Relief Fund created to help residents affected by Hurricane Matthew

Hundreds of thousands of dollars are now available to people in Jacksonville who need help. On Monday, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry announced the First Coast Relief Fund.

The aftermath of Hurricane Matthew is evident at Jacksonville Beach. Debris covers the streets and in some areas the storm erased what’s left of the shoreline, forcing crews to rebuild with new sand.

The United Way, Community Foundation for Northeast Florida and the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville, joined in adding $500,000 to the First Coast Relief Fund. The fund will help the recovery effort in Duval County and 100 percent of the donations will go to Hurricane Matthew relief.

“We don’t have a dollar assessment just yet, but what I can tell you between FEMA and the state assistance, they’ll reimburse us for (the) majority of the cost. So I don’t expect a significant strain on our budget, to handle this,” said Curry.

During our wall-to-wall coverage, we showed our viewers firsthand the damage Matthew caused in Northeast Florida. Curry said there is widespread damage stretching from the beaches to the Northside.

"Oh gosh, many parts that I didn't even get to see, but areas that I saw that were hit hard, off Monument Road area, parts of Mandarin, the beaches, Mayport, the Northside," said Curry.

“I made it very clear, as soon as it was safe that, we’re going to get out and work around the clock,” said Curry.

Curry said the work will continue until Jacksonville is restored. That was the pledge he made Monday at the news conference, addressing the storm relief effort.

"We haven't seen anything like this, particularly the storm surge, since 1898, so over 100 years," said Curry.

Rebuilding is a process Curry said will take time and dedication.

“We’re going to get up every day,” said Curry.

CHOPPER VIDEO: Damage to Jax Beach Pier | Vilano Beach damage | St. Johns County coastline

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE TO FLORIDA’S FIRST COAST RELIEF FUND

Online: bit.ly/flfirstcoastrelief

Text: Texting STORM to 50503

By check: Pay to the order of United Way of Northeast Florida and mail to P.O. Box 41428, Jacksonville, FL 32203-1428

** Be sure to note “Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund” on the check

HOW TO APPLY FOR FUNDING

Only nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.

Application forms will be available online by Friday, Oct.14 at bit.ly/flfirstcoastrelief and each of the partner websites.

Cox Media Group