Special Needs Program
Applications and other Forms
The Special Needs Program provides shelter for Lee County residents who live in a home and/or area that is not safe from storm surge or wind, and have no other safe place to go during a Tropical Storm or Hurricane. The program also provides transportation to a shelter for those residents that do not have a way to get there. You must register to receive these services by completing the Special Needs Program application, located at the bottom of this page. After your application is received and shelter/transportation has been assigned, you will receive a letter from us with additional information to help you prepare yourself early, should we have to issue an evacuation order for your area.
There are several types of shelters available: Emergency Public Shelters, Special Care Shelters, and Hospital Shelters.
Lee County has numerous Emergency Public Shelters throughout the county, but not all will be open during any one storm. Which shelters to open is determined by the size, direction and other variables of the impending storm. In an Emergency Public Shelter you will be assigned an area of floor space. You must bring everything you need to the shelter with you. This should include something to sleep on, change of clothes, personal hygiene items, books/magazines, etc. to help pass the time. Food and water will be provided, but it would be prudent to bring some food items in case you do not like what is being served.
Special Care Shelters are available for those people whose health would quickly deteriorate because of medical issues that cannot be accommodated in a regular public shelter. You must complete an application to see if your medical issues qualify for a Special Care Shelter, and you need to re-apply each year. There will be limited staff working at the shelter, so you must bring a Companion/Caregiver with you. There will be space for you and your Companion/Caregiver, and food and water will be provided. A list of suggested items to bring to the shelter will be included in the shelter assignment letter.
There is limited Hospital Shelter space for people who are at extremely high risk. You must be pre-approved for this shelter, provide a doctor's script, and you must have a Companion/Caregiver with you. The shelter assignment letter will include information on the hospital, as well as suggested items to bring to the shelter. As at any other shelter, you must bring your emergency supplies with you. The Special Needs Program provides shelter in the hospital. It does not admit you to the hospital. You will be responsible for fees associated with hospital admission, if required.
No matter where you shelter, you should have a plan for where you will go if you cannot return to your home because of damage.
The applications below can be filled in on your computer and emailed, or they can be printed. If you do not have a printer you can call (239) 533-0640 or (239) 533-0622 to have the forms mailed to you.