Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am praying that this finds you well and safe. Following the damage Hurricane Helene has left across our area, the dicoese has resources available to help you or your communities impacted by the storm. If you or those you serve are in need of recovery assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Kate Johnson, Grants Administrator, at [email protected].
Here are some resources to be aware of in the immediate aftermath of a weather event as storm recovery begins:
- Through Episcopal Relief and Development, we have access to grant funding. This funding is designed to support churches helping the most vulnerable in their community meet immediate needs. Vulnerable populations may be those in your community with food insecurity, elderly, low-income, disabled,or underinsured households, households that have English as a second language; or generally anyone dealing with needs that make them more vulnerable in disasters and who may not be able to access traditional modes of recovery through self-funding or insurance. Examples of emergency grant funding include:
- a FEMA form workshop: using church resources like internet, copiers, computers and printers that people may not have at home to fill out and file forms for FEMA assistance.
- hosting a Laundry Love program
- hosting a community feeding: cooking a meal at the church for people who don’t have power at their houses or whose kitchens got wiped out in the disaster.
- gift card distributions to help households replace vital items
To apply for immediate Episcopal Relief and Development community funding, please contact me at [email protected].
- Through FEMA, people can apply for immediate needs assistance after a storm for help with food, medication replacement, diapers and formula, temporary shelter, and even evacuation assistance if needed. FEMA has simplified the process this year and as of this year, you can apply without first applying for an SBA loan. Here is the link for immediate needs assistance to share: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
- Through the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), there is a link to many helpful resources designed to get aid to people quickly. Here is the link to share for those resources: https://www.floridadisaster.org/updates/
Please share the links to FEMA and FDEM with anyone who may need them and don’t hesitate to reach out to me with questions about Emergency Grants, FEMA assistance, or any disaster recovery needs. I am praying for safety and resilience for you, your families and your communities.
Blessings,
Kate Johnson
Grants Administrator
Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida
8005 25th Street East
Parrish, Fl. 34219