In the days since Hurricane Helene made landfall, volunteers from churches and local service groups like Better Together have been helping families pick up the pieces.
We are knocking on doors, delivering meals and supplies, and triaging the most urgent needs of children and families. It’s hard to fully express the depths of the devastation and despair we’re seeing on the ground.
I recently traveled to Perry, where I met a father who was sitting outside of his apartment and cradling his young son. He explained it wasn’t safe inside because the storm had punched a hole in the ceiling. They had no food or water. The power was out. Every room had taken a hit, and days of wet clothes and water damage made the air feel heavy. They weren’t sure where the son would sleep that night.
This might seem like rock bottom, but for these families it can get worse. Many parents lost their jobs in the storm and have no money for home repairs and essentials for their children. They were barely making ends meet before Helene, and the storm is pushing them over the edge — putting their children at risk.
A hurricane is an unplanned crisis, especially for families who are already isolated and living in poverty. First responders and welfare agents are doing a hero’s work in the recovery efforts, but they don’t have the capacity to provide the depth of services that families will need to stay intact.
As families along Florida’s Gulf Coast — many who are still reeling from Helene — are facing the threat of Milton, Better Together stands ready with support for those in the storm’s path. Our team is canvassing communities before the storm to help families find shelter and resources. After, we will continue working in the hardest-hit communities throughout Florida, walking alongside families now and in the days, months, and years to come.
This is why local volunteer service groups like Better Together exist: to stand in the gap and catch families before they fall.
Our volunteers sprang into action within hours of Hurricane Ian in 2022, knocking on thousands of doors, serving hot meals, tarping roofs, helping people find new jobs, and opening their homes to children displaced by the storm. Our work didn’t stop there — our volunteers keep in touch with these families, offering a community of friendship and support for life.
We are doing it again with Helene and Milton, and there is a role for everyone. If you’re able to canvas neighborhoods and assess the needs of families, host a child displaced by the storm, drive supply trucks, distribute meals and resources, or connect people with jobs, join us.
We are also collecting supplies to meet the basic health and safety needs of children during this time, such as bug spray, bedding, portable cribs, diapers, wipes, formula, comfort toys like stuffed animals, as well as fans and generators.
After Hurricane Ian, I’ll never forget the children covered in mosquito bites because their doors and windows had washed away in the storm, leaving them exposed to the elements. I’ll never forget the newborns suffering in the heat without generators or fans. But I will also never forget the relief on the faces of their exhausted parents who couldn’t believe we kept our promises and came back the next day with solutions.
Local volunteer support groups are uniquely positioned to give hope to families and keep them together. Visit BetterTogetherUS.org/Hurricane-Relief to get involved.
Megan Rose is CEO of Better Together, a nonprofit organization that helps parents and families.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Opinion: The storm has just begun for Florida’s children
