In my home state, my birth place and the land I love, Florida is just beginning to emerge from one of the largest storms we've had in the state's recorded history, Hurricane Ian. From our back yard, my family and I made it out just fine, and we are very grateful for it. But, unfortunately, many of our friends on the coast do not have the same story. As a state, we are at a critical stage of rescue and recovery, and for some areas and communities, it will take a long while to see full restoration and economic health take root again.
While it's not the first bad storm I've seen, I also know with absolute certainty that it won't be the last. Hurricanes destory buildings and houses, but all of that can be replaced. For those who have lost loved ones, my thoughts and prayers go out to you especially. In times like these, I often wonder how I can offer support, and I ask myself: What can I do to help make a positive difference for those affected?
If you are able and looking to help financially: you can consider donating to the Florida Disaster Fund. This is the state's "official private fund established to provide financial assistance to our communities as they respond to and recover from times of emergency or disaster," according to the office of Gov. Ron DeSantis. On October 2, a news release stated that the Florida Disaster Fund had raised $21mm in the first 48 hours of its activation. But, the recovery has just begun, and any amount you can contribute will go directly to the recovery of our communities, neighbors, and friends all over the Sunshine State.
On a local level, you can look for ways to volunteer. There are-- and will be-- so many needs and areas of opportunity to extend hope to others around the state. If you can't help financially, then you can offer encouragement to others by extending your hand of help. There are many ways to volunteer, first, by checking out the Volunteer Connect page designated for Hurricane Ian volunteer opportunities. From this page, there are ways for you to sign up to help in your local community or a community that was devastated by the storm. Another way to help would be to consider joining the disaster relief efforts of the Samaritan's Purse. According to their website, they have two Disaster Relief Units already on the ground, and are looking for more volunteers like you.
As a pastor's daughter, I grew up witnessing how a heavy load can be made light by the banding together of many hands. My encouragement for us today, is to be one of those hands that helps makes the path to recovery a little less lonely, and the heavy load to be carried a little lighter. My prayer for our state and our communities, is that we will recovery from the storm and emerge stronger than ever.
I'd like to take a moment to thank our state's leaders, first responders, and the many volunteers who have already shown great compassion and heroism for those in need. You are not unseen. If you know of a way to volunteer in your community, please comment or share. As a small business made up of Floridians who love their state and their community, American Residential Mortgage seeks to do its part to help make a positive difference and be one of the many hands.
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