The Brevard County Special Needs Program is a space-limited program for which people with specific health and medical conditions can register, providing sheltering and transportation with the resources available in Brevard County.

The Special Needs Registry is a confidential listing of those people who meet program criteria, and is updated on an annual basis. Patients with colostomy assistance needs, nebulizers, oxygen, feeding tubes, or Alzheimer’s disease are examples of medical criteria that are eligible for the registry.

While the Office of Emergency Management recommends sheltering with friends or family members, public shelters are available for those who do not have other alternatives.

Individuals who elect to use a Special Needs or other public shelter should bring with them items such as cots, bedding, medicine, medical supplies, and food supplies, preparing to be self-sufficient for 72 hours. The community pages of the telephone book provide lists of recommended items to take to a shelter. Special Needs registrants should also be accompanied by at least one caregiver.

Most shelters are located in public schools, and offer neither privacy nor luxuries. Occupants' comfort will be determined by their preparedness.

The Special Needs registration request form is here. For more information, call (321) 637-6670.

Information for medical professionals who would like to volunteer at Special Needs shelters is here.