Its been a long road to recovery for neighbors in Shore Acres trying to bounce back after recent storms.

About as bad as it can be, said Ivan Smerznak, whose home was damaged after Hurricane Helene.

WATCH: Residents can soon apply for Sunrise St. Pete disaster recovery funds

Smerznak shared pictures and video with Tampa Bay 28, showing a home in ruins and an unrecognizable neighborhood.

For at least two months afterwards, the entire neighborhood smelled like sewage, said Smerznak. "You couldnt even see the yards because it was piles of peoples personal belongings.

Now the city is looking to give neighbors a lifeline.

Applications for the Sunrise St. Pete disaster recovery funds will open soon.

The City of St. Pete got nearly $160 million from the US Department of Housing and Urban D

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