Dear friends and colleagues,
Our hearts go out to those across the state who suffered damage from Hurricane Ian.
Central Florida sustained a direct hit from this devastating storm. Hurricane Ian flooded our homes, businesses, and streets, damaged our parks, trees, and cars, and displaced thousands of individuals.
The housing crisis that our community was already facing has now been more clearly illuminated, underscoring both infrastructure shortfalls and consequences to our safety and community well-being.
Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County is here to help.
We are working to assess needs and provide support to Habitat homeowners and repair clients. We are collaborating with Habitat for Humanity International along with Habitat Florida and its affiliates, which includes accepting an emergency expansion of our general service area to include Winter Park, Maitland, and Eatonville. We are also working with municipal leaders; collecting and analyzing data, and training our volunteers to deploy as needed.
Needs that have already been identified include:
• Construction
• Roof repair
• Loans/Funding
• FEMA support
We know that recovery from a disaster takes time, patience, and resources. It can be a slow and painful process for individuals and families who need to make their homes safe and secure again.
The hurricane also serves as a potent reminder of just how important housing is to rebuilding equity and community health.
Over the next days, weeks, months, and even years, Habitat Orlando & Osceola will help our community recover and rebuild. We will keep you updated on our progress, upcoming events, and opportunities to help.
This work does not replace our mission to provide more affordable housing in our community through building and repairing homes and advocating for fair housing policies. This rebuilding initiative will be above and beyond our daily operations.
Thank you for your ongoing support and please reach out to me directly with any thoughts, questions, or concerns. Email [email protected] or call 407-648-4567.
Stay safe and well, and remember community health starts at home.
Catherine Steck McManus,
President & CEO
Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County
Visit our Hurricane Ian Disaster Support page for guidance and information about home Insurance, financial & FEMA assistance & local updates.
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