The following article appeared in Herald-Tribune on October 17, 2024:
This has been a difficult time for all of us in our community.
We share each other’s pain.
Two monstrous hurricanes within two weeks have shaken our region to its core. But there’s one thing I know to be true: We are a resilient community.
And now is the time to unite to support each other through rebuilding and recovery. The Gulf Coast region has an incredible community spirit, and our commitment to supporting our neighbors in need is in our DNA.
In the wake of these two devastating hurricanes, I’ve seen neighbors helping neighbors in many ways: lending a hand to chop down trees, serving hot meals to those without power, distributing water and even sharing gasoline when shortages were difficult to manage.
The waiting period between when disaster strikes and when government resources become available can feel never-ending to those whose lives have been upended. Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Gulf Coast Rapid Response Fund helps fill the gap.
We provide rapid, life-sustaining support for those who require immediate resources – some for the first time in their lives. Dealing with acute losses after a disaster can be overwhelming, leaving one feeling helpless.
This is why Gulf Coast partners with boots-on-the-ground nonprofit organizations to identify where resources are most needed and then deploys funds to support relief and recovery efforts.
Our team began preparing for Hurricane Milton the week before its landfall, and the first grant was issued seven hours before the hurricane reached our shoreline.
In the days since Milton passed, we have provided $500,000 in support to local nonprofits deploying life-sustaining resources to our neighbors. I have immense gratitude for our dedicated board and team members for their steadfast commitment and compassion for our community.
Nonprofits can use our Hurricane Milton Grant Inquiry Form (www.GulfCoastCF.org/HurricaneGrant) to apply for grants that will be used to provide critical, life-sustaining support.
Life-sustaining support includes short-term housing, food and water, case managers and care navigators, mental health services and needs-based “muck and gut” work within our service area.
