PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — In a powerful display of unity, organizations across the Tampa Bay Area are mobilizing to provide essential support and assistance for individuals and families who have been significantly impacted by the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The Juvenile Welfare Board, in collaboration with the St. Pete Free Clinic, undertook a large-scale food distribution effort on Saturday morning, catering to hundreds of individuals in desperate need of sustenance.
“It was a tremendous impact. We pretty much lost everything that we have,” reflected Ladarius Hollowell, poignantly underscoring the personal toll the hurricanes have taken on residents.
“In the 27 years that we’ve lived here, we have never experienced this type of devastation,” remarked Felicia Cannistraro, capturing the unprecedented nature of the destruction faced by the community.
As families across the Tampa Bay Area grapple with the aftermath, many are left struggling to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives post-hurricanes.
“I have relatives that lost their homes from the flooding in the Northeast St. Pete area and you know, just damage and devastation,” added Cannistraro, highlighting the widespread impact of the storms.
Many individuals are currently displaced, and for them, access to food is a vital lifeline, providing not just nourishment but also a sense of hope.
“Between prices of inflation, and then the availability, it’s just been hard to get stuff, so we are happy that this is available to us,” said Cannistraro, emphasizing the growing challenges of affording basic necessities amidst the crisis.
The St. Pete Free Clinic and the Juvenile Welfare Board are working hand-in-hand to help alleviate some of these stresses experienced by the community.
“For those who lost days of work, and are struggling to have enough for November rent, much less food, and the things they need for their home, is especially important right now,” stressed Beth Houghton, CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board, showcasing the dire circumstances many families are navigating.
The organizations are conducting distributions of food and hygiene products, with the recent event being one of the largest they’ve facilitated in years, as per the leaders of the organizations.
“We distributed a lot of food, but this is far greater,” remarked Houghton, acknowledging the overwhelming need in the community.
The line for assistance stretched for approximately a mile, comprising individuals who have lost their homes and belongings in the disaster.
“It does make me a little emotional seeing how much people have lost,” said Hollowell, reflecting on the heartbreaking stories of loss shared by those waiting in line.
Houghton anticipates a similar turnout during subsequent distributions over the next few months, indicating ongoing need within the community.
“You often see tears, you often receive blessings, very often we hear ‘I don’t know what I would have done without this,” Houghton stated, emphasizing the profound impact of the ongoing support efforts.
Residents expressed their profound gratitude for the volunteers and organizations stepping up to assist them during such a harrowing time.
“That also makes me emotional seeing people coming in to help strangers for no reason. It means a lot,” said Cannistraro, showcasing the beauty of human kindness in the face of adversity.
When will the water go away?
Two weeks following Hurricane Milton, many Pasco County residents are now questioning whether the rapid development in the region has contributed to the unprecedented flooding experienced in recent times.
Community members are raising concerns regarding the role of Pasco County’s recovery efforts and the potential implications of development on flooding in their areas.
Interview with Beth Houghton, CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board
Editor: Thanks for joining us today, Beth. The response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton has been remarkable in the Tampa Bay Area. Can you share more about the recent food distribution effort that took place?
Beth Houghton: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. This past Saturday, in collaboration with the St. Pete Free Clinic, we held a large-scale food distribution event. Our goal was to provide immediate support to those affected by the hurricanes, and I can tell you, the turnout was significant. We were able to feed hundreds of individuals who are struggling to meet their basic needs right now.
Editor: It’s great to see organizations coming together in this time of crisis. What have some residents shared with you about their experiences and needs during this difficult time?
Beth Houghton: We’ve heard heartbreaking stories from people like Ladarius Hollowell, who expressed that they’ve lost nearly everything. It’s eye-opening to realize that for many, this is the first time they’re experiencing such severe devastation. Felicia Cannistraro shared concerns about her relatives losing homes due to flooding—these personal accounts truly emphasize the community’s struggles.
Editor: It sounds like the need is urgent. How are you and your team addressing not only immediate food needs but also the broader challenges families are facing as they try to rebuild?
Beth Houghton: That’s a crucial point. Many individuals have lost days of work because of the hurricanes, which jams up their ability to pay for rent and vital supplies. We’re working hard to ensure that our distribution efforts not only provide food but also connect these families with other resources for housing assistance and job support. Every little bit helps restore a sense of normalcy.
Editor: Considering the financial strain many are under due to inflation and other factors, how important is this access to food for both nourishment and hope?
Beth Houghton: It’s not just about food; it’s about restoring dignity and hope. Access to something as basic as a meal can help alleviate stress and provide a moment of relief in a chaotic time. We’re deeply committed to doing everything we can to help our community not just survive, but begin to thrive again.
Editor: Thank you, Beth, for your insights and for the tremendous work you and your team are doing for the community. We hope to see continued support for the families in need.
Beth Houghton: Thank you for the opportunity to share our efforts. We appreciate the community’s support and encourage everyone to help however they can.
Are facing, such as housing and financial stability?
Beth Houghton: That’s a crucial point. Our team is not only focused on food distribution but also on providing comprehensive support to families. We recognize that many individuals have lost days of work and are worried about affording rent and other essentials. We’re partnering with various organizations to offer resources for housing assistance, financial counseling, and job placement services in the coming months, as we anticipate ongoing needs from the community.
Editor: It sounds like a holistic approach is necessary given the scale of the crisis. Can you tell us more about the logistics of these distributions and how volunteers are playing a role in this effort?
Beth Houghton: Certainly! Our distributions have seen overwhelming numbers, with lines stretching about a mile during the last event. This is one of the largest distributions we’ve facilitated in years, and it wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated volunteers who come together to help. Their kindness and commitment truly embody the spirit of community. Many volunteers express deep emotional connections with the individuals receiving assistance, and it’s heartwarming to witness such empathy in action.
Editor: It must be inspiring to witness that level of community solidarity. As the situation develops, what message do you want to share with the residents of the Tampa Bay Area and those affected by the hurricanes?
Beth Houghton: I want to emphasize that they are not alone in this. We are here to support them, and we will continue to work tirelessly to help them rebuild their lives. Our community has always been resilient, and together we will navigate through these challenging times. Additionally, if anyone is in need of assistance, we encourage them to reach out and utilize the resources available. Every little effort counts, and the community’s response so far has been truly uplifting.
Editor: Thank you, Beth, for your insights and for the incredible work you and your organization are doing. Our thoughts are with those impacted by the hurricanes, and we hope for a swift recovery for everyone involved.
Beth Houghton: Thank you for the opportunity to share these important messages. Together, we will rebuild and emerge stronger.