Letter to the Editor published in the News-Press on September 20, 2023

Still in hurricane recovery

Our community is still recovering from Hurricane Ian, one year later.

Collier Resource Center never closed our doors, before, during, or after the storm. And the need for food, shelter and transportation has only increased since Ian left a path of destruction.

Immediately after Ian, we connected hundreds of residents with local resources. We linked a group in Parkland, collecting supplies to donate in Naples, with the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul. We helped volunteers find the most vulnerable populations for meal delivery. We assisted high school students collecting hygiene supplies and pet food. Perhaps our best contribution was to activate a team of listeners, volunteers who offered emotional support for people needing to process the trauma of so much loss.

In the weeks following the storm, our clients requested case management and referral services for FEMA applications. They required tarps for roofs, debris clean-up, and utility assistance. Since Ian, we have served more than 1,400 people, a 35% increase. 

Twelve months later, our community is still in recovery.

Client requests over the months shifted to housing help, medical and dental assistance, senior services, disability equipment, mental health resources, and diapers. Collier Resource Center continues to meet the demand for case management and follow-up care. Our professional services are free. Affordable housing in Collier County remains a critical unmet need.

Hurricane Ian challenged our entire community. Obstacles for an already compromised population intensified. We are still gluing together the cracked and shattered pieces of people’s lives.

Nina Gray, founder, and Kari Lefort, CEO, Collier Resource Center