| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 15, 2020 |
MEDIA CONTACT Savannah Kelly savannah@volunteerflorida.org (850) 556-9799 |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Volunteer Florida Foundation announced that $6.65 million in Florida Disaster Fund grants will be awarded to organizations engaged in Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Michael long-term recovery efforts. The Volunteer Florida Foundation will distribute $3.85 million to nine organizations engaged in Hurricane Irma recovery efforts and $2.79 million to ten organizations engaged in Hurricane Michael recovery efforts.“Since day one, my administration has been committed to helping individuals impacted by disaster,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am pleased to announce this funding from the Volunteer Florida Foundation which will help communities continue to recover and rebuild from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Michael.”
“As the leader of the state’s agency on volunteerism and service, I have seen firsthand how the impacts of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Michael are still being felt in our communities,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Clay Ingram. “Today, I am thrilled to announce additional funding from the Volunteer Florida Foundation which will continue to support long-term recovery across the state.”
The following organizations will receive Florida Disaster Fund grants to support Hurricane Irma long-term recovery efforts:
International Orthodox Christian Charities ($128,707)
This funding will allow the organization to be able to complete more home repairs and rebuilds that are needed as a result of Hurricane Irma.
Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay ($783,894.76)
This funding will allow the organization to be able to rebuild homes of low-income individuals in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.
Samuel’s House ($300,000)
With this funding, Samuel’s House will serve families and school-aged children that were impacted by Hurricane Irma.
Sister’s United Network ($360,149)
With this funding, Sister’s United Network will provide disaster case management services to families and individuals still recovering from Hurricane Irma.
The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida for Northeast Florida Long-Term Recovery Organization ($450,000)
This funding will increase the organization’s home repair program which is designed to bring homes back to safe, sanitary and secure conditions.
Treasure Coast Food Bank ($125,000)
This funding will allow the organization to support up to 200 low-income households who continue to struggle due to the direct impacts of Hurricane Irma.
United Way of Broward County ($426,452.22)
With this funding, the United Way of Broward County will be able to repair and strengthen homes of target residents which include elder individuals, veterans and families.
United Way of Collier and the Keys $322,934)
This funding will provide disaster case management services to families and individuals still recovering from Hurricane Irma.
Volusia Interfaith Agencies Networking in Disaster ($954,625)
With this funding, the Volusia Interfaith Agencies Networking in Disaster will be able to repair and rebuild homes that were damaged during Hurricane Irma.
The following organizations will receive Florida Disaster Fund grants to support Hurricane Michael long-term recovery efforts:
Bay District Schools ($440,000)
With this funding, Bay District Schools will be able to hire volunteer liaisons that will help schools with mentoring activities. Funding will also help purchase computers and supplies that are needed as a result of Hurricane Michael.
BRACE ($100,000)
This funding will allow BRACE to provide coaching, training and mentoring support to long term recovery groups which will improve their effectiveness in assisting survivors with their recovery.
Doorways of Northwest Florida ($200,000)
This funding will support the organization’s efforts to provide nutritional meals and basic services to families in continued need due to Hurricane Michael.
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes ($645,000)
With this funding, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes will work with the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church to rebuild Hurricane Michael-damaged homes in Bay and Gulf counties.
Feeding the Gulf Coast ($95,000)
With this funding, Feeding the Gulf Coast will administer up to 583,000 additional meals to households struggling with food insecurity as a result of Hurricane Michael.
Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories ($485,000)
This funding will allow the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory to repair its building so that it may continue to house important aquatic life and host educational programs for visitors and students.
Habitat for Humanity of Bay County ($350,000)
This funding will help repair homes that were damaged during Hurricane Michael.
North Florida Inland Long-Term Recovery ($110,000)
This funding will allow the organization to hire project/volunteer coordinators who will help survivors achieve recovery.
Rebuild Bay County ($245,000)
With this funding, Rebuild Bay County will be able to help survivors of Hurricane Michael return home.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace ($120,000)
With this funding, Sleep in Heavenly Peace will purchase supplies and build over 700 beds for children in need throughout Bay County.
These grants were awarded through a competitive application process. To learn more about Volunteer Florida’s different funding opportunities, please sign up for our newsletter here.
In 1994, Volunteer Florida was established in Florida Statutes to manage national service programs, such as AmeriCorps, and advocate for volunteerism throughout the Sunshine State. Since then, Volunteer Florida has evolved to serve as the state’s lead agency for mobilizing volunteers and coordinating donations before, during and after disasters, including managing the Florida Disaster Fund. After 25 years, Volunteer Florida remains committed to promoting volunteerism in Florida, and recently launched the state’s official volunteer opportunities platform, Volunteer Connect. Through our work, Volunteer Florida delivers high-impact volunteer programs and opportunities that engage Floridians, transform communities and make the state a better place to live.