UNITED WAY OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY | OCT 2024 PRESS RELEASE

Community

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sarah Tucci

United Way of Indian River County

(772) 567-8900, ext. 111

 

 

United Way of Indian River County Calls for Continued Support to Aid Long-Term Recovery for ALICE Families Impacted by Hurricane Milton

United Way of Indian River County extends heartfelt thanks to the community for its overwhelming generosity in response to Hurricane Milton. Donations of food, supplies, and essential items allowed us to meet the immediate needs of hundreds of families. However, the journey to full recovery continues, especially for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families, who are facing long-term challenges.

We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Indian River Community Foundation, Indian River Hospital District, and John’s Island Community Service League, as well as the many donors who contributed to our Disaster Recovery Fund. This support has been vital to the initial relief efforts, but more work lies ahead.

Immediate Impact

  • MARC Visitors: The Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC), in partnership with United Against Poverty of Indian River County, served 1,752 visitors in one week, helping individuals and families navigate the storm's aftermath.
  • Temporary Housing Assistance: Thirty-two families received temporary hotel stays, giving them a safe place to stay as they seek permanent housing.
  • Food Assistance: Over $100,000 in food products were provided to communities, along with $120,000 in food vouchers.
  • Vouchers Distributed: 700 vouchers helped families replace essential clothing, furniture, and home goods lost in the storm.
  • Mental Health Support: United Way and the Mental Health Collaborative provided free therapy to nearly 100 individuals, offering emotional support during this difficult time.
  • Tarps and Home Repairs: We secured 350 homes with tarps, preventing further damage and helping families begin the rebuilding process.

Long-Term Recovery Efforts

Fifty-one homes were destroyed by tornadoes, and another 547 were significantly damaged by flooding and wind. While the most attention has been focused on the destroyed homes, these additional families are also in need of critical support to recover and rebuild. County estimates put total damages at $59 million, a figure expected to rise as further assessments are completed.

Our long-term recovery efforts focus on providing rental and housing assistance, home repairs, and basic necessities to help families rebuild their lives. ALICE families, already struggling to make ends meet, now face additional hurdles such as lost wages and childcare challenges due to business and school closures.

Continued Support for Our Community

The work continues with the help of our trusted partners—Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, Indian River Habitat for Humanity, Economic Opportunities Council, and the Salvation Army—who will provide ongoing vital services to our community.

"As a single mom with two small children, the aftermath of Hurricane Milton was incredibly daunting. I missed work when schools closed, and I worried about how to provide for my kids. United Way helped me with food vouchers, diapers, and school supplies. Their support lifted a huge weight off my shoulders," shared one recipient.

Another resident, a veteran, expressed his gratitude: "A tree fell on my home during the storm. United Way volunteers were there within an hour to install a tarp, and they connected me with mental health resources to help manage my PTSD. Their help allowed me to stay in my home and begin rebuilding my life."

A Call for Continued Support

"The initial outpouring of generosity has been tremendous," said Meredith Egan, CEO of United Way of Indian River County. "But recovery—especially for ALICE families—takes sustained resources. Many families have lost wages, essential supplies, and even their homes. Continued financial support is critical to helping these families rebuild."

United Way remains committed to supporting these families as they work to recover. To contribute to the United Way Disaster Recovery Fund or to learn more about how you can help, please visit UnitedWayIRC.org/Hurricane.

Together, we can help our community rebuild stronger. United, We Rise!

UNITED WAY OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY | OCT 2024 PRESS RELEASE