provided to The Santiva Chronicle
With the recent news of the earliest Atlantic Category 5 hurricane on record, anxiety is heightened on the islands, even though its path spared the community.
For some, the darkening skies or the roar of the winds trigger fear. For others, it’s the anticipation and uncertainty about what might happen to them or their family, particularly if they are Ian disaster survivors struggling nearly two years later. Despite these fears, island residents and the workforce continue their attempts to move forward.
FISH OF SANCAP provides a constant pillar of support for community members by remaining dedicated to assisting survivors of Hurricane Ian. FISH works tirelessly to identify needs caused by the storm through its Long-Term Recovery program, which includes mental health counseling and resources for those struggling with anxiety, fear, and coping mechanisms.
FISH identifies individuals needing long-term recovery assistance through canvassing efforts, outreach phone calls, referrals, and existing clients. Jennifer Powers, an island employee, is among those who are grateful for FISH’s support. (The individual’s name has been changed for privacy purposes.)
“I just wanted to take a minute to express my absolute gratitude to the FISH organization, their volunteers, and contributors,” she said in a heartfelt letter. “I lost everything in the past hurricane except the car I escaped in and my dog.”
In her letter, Powers said she spent more than a year living in her car and moving from couch to couch while trying to find a job without an address.
After Hurricane Ian, Powers was left unhoused and jobless. She applied and re-applied for assistance and worked with assistance programs, including homeless advocates and disaster program caseworkers, but struggled to find appropriate assistance.
“While these other programs tried to help, the timing and constant shifting of caseworkers made it quite challenging to get any results,” she wrote. “FISH was able to help me quickly and responsively in the last few months.”
Immediately following the hurricane, Powers could only pick up day jobs. “It was hard,” she recalls. “My self-esteem was low; I had no place to live and little money to buy groceries or gas.”
“I tried to stick it out as long as I could, but living in your car or rotating stays at friends’ houses for over a year takes a toll on you,” she said.
Not knowing where else to turn, Powers visited Sanibel, where she had worked for many years and stopped by the FISH food pantry.
“From the day I walked through the door just looking for some food, they welcomed me with smiles and even a hug,” she said. “Since then, they have followed up with me and invited me back, ensuring I never leave the pantry without everything I need. They treated me with dignity, respect, caring, and kindness.”
Eventually, Powers found consistent employment on Sanibel and a friend who could house her until she got on her feet. Soon, she saved enough to purchase a small camper but could not pay the lot rent.
“The Fort Myers location is a little bit far from my Sanibel job, but it’s all I could find,” said Powers. “To prevent me from losing my spot, FISH helped me bring my rent current, which I would have never been able to do on my own.”
According to Powers, the camper needs a lot of work to become habitable. Through the FISH Long-Term Recovery program, Powers applied and was approved for repair assistance to make her tiny camper a livable home. With FISH’s aid, they await estimates and a timeframe to complete the work.
“I’m so excited to have a space to call home, where I can be safe from the elements, free from mold and leaks, and the mental anguish of not knowing where to turn,” said Powers.
“For the first time in a long time, I have something to look forward to and excitement for what will come. I don’t know where I would be without this program and these amazing people at FISH.”
I’ve been fighting with all I have for a very long time now, and when I tell you they’ve saved my life, I mean it on the deepest and most serious level,” concluded Powers.
The Long-Term Recovery program is available to island residents and full-time workers and offers limited financial assistance for repair costs directly related to Hurricane Ian. Applications can be obtained from FISH’s website or its Sanibel location, and documentation with an initial intake session with Disaster Case Manager Nitza Lopez is required.
In addition to disaster assistance, FISH extends its support to community members through programs representing its four major pillars – Food, Island-Based Education, Senior Services, and Helping Hands – demonstrating a commitment to community well-being now and in the future.
For general inquiries about FISH’s services, individuals can contact Maria Espinoza, Executive Director, or visit the organization’s website, fishofsancap.org.
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