This project will enable local partner organizations to repair, restore and rebuild homes that were damaged by Hurricane Michael. It has been 17 months since the hurricane and we still have over 3,000 school students classified as homeless. The recent COVID-19 outbreak has exacerbated the situation by reducing volunteer based non-profit building capabilities. We can not wait until this environment improves - we need to take on the repairs ourselves and move things forward.
On October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm hit Bay County, FL. There were 190,000 structures damaged, with 90% of the homes damaged or destroyed. More than a year later, many residents are still displaced. Since the start of the 2019-2020 school year, the schools still have 3,500 students and 200+ teachers and staff displaced. This resulted in unprecedented mental health crises linked to housing instability for students and adults. 400% increase in homelessness.
This project will allow local organizations to repair homes allowing 50 students and their families to return to a safe, stable home environment. We are at a complete standstill due to lack of materials and volunteers from other areas to complete the work. We have a core group of local organizations who will come together and move the recovery efforts forward so that we can begin to heal.
By moving forward with the recovery efforts despite impacts of COVID-19, we are rebuilding Hope, Hearts and homes in a community that has seen 2 major disasters in less than 2 years. We are confident that along with progress in rebuilding we will see a correlated decrease in mental health among our students which uncharacteristically spiked following the hurricane.
