We’ve been granted $300,000, from the American Red Cross, to initiate the “Long Term Disaster Recovery Center” Pilot Program. This venture is being conducted in partnership with the 11th District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and its objective is to teach vulnerable community members to cope with disasters and create a Disaster Recovery Center to distribute vital information to affected areas. Ernest Coney, Jr., CEO of the CDC of Tampa, expressed his enthusiasm for launching this project, adding that the funds will be allocated to provide indispensable aid to marginalized communities in Lee County, particularly in the city of Ft. Myers.

 

“Bishop Frank Madison Reid III and Supervisor Marlaa Hall Reid, leaders of the 11th Episcopal District, are aiming to deliver long-term recovery services in neglected communities with the help of Rev. James Givens, the Pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church in Ft. Myers,” said Rev. Gregory Gay, 11th Episcopal District Disaster Relief Coordinator. “These vital services are an essential part of helping those in need.”

 

The grant funding will be utilized to support disaster recovery initiatives through CDC of Tampa, Mt Olive AME, and a network of service providers. Services provided will involve helping residents in Lee County secure steady jobs in high-growth and demand industries, educating them about how to prepare for and respond to disasters, offering small business disaster recovery workshops and counseling, providing spiritual and mental health consultations, coordinating property insurance, and giving financial literacy lessons. Those services that cannot be handled within the network will be referred to community services.