provided to The Santiva Chronicle
FISH of SANCAP is continually working to identify and aid Hurricane Ian survivors in need of long-term recovery assistance and accepting applications for its Long-Term Recovery Program.
A group of Florida Gulf Coast University volunteers will be distributing applications for the program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19 at three Sanibel locations: Jerry’s Foods, 1700 Periwinkle Way; Periwinkle Park, 1119 Periwinkle Way; and Sanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop Rd.
“The goal of our Long-Term Recovery Program is to identify and assist those still struggling with the financial burden from Hurricane Ian,” said FISH Disaster Administrative Director Manuela Martinez. “While we cannot reimburse individuals for monies spent, we might be able to provide assistance for projects moving forward.”
FISH of SANCAP has spent the last year working with residents and the local workforce who are struggling to recover from the devastating aftereffects of Hurricane Ian in September 2022. While much progress has been made, many continue to struggle with home repairs – from peeling paint and cracks in the floors to missing drywall and roofing needs.
“The emotional, physical and financial stress on our community is huge,” said Martinez. “Many don’t know when repairs will be complete and some have emptied their savings trying to bring back their home to pre-Ian condition. There are still many challenges facing survivors today.”
The long-term recovery program is made available, in part, through the organization’s partnership with The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation and the American National Red Cross. It’s open to those who live (homeowners or tenants) or work full time on Sanibel or Captiva. The amount of financial assistance is limited and may only cover partial payments on repairs.
Payments are made directly to vendors providing the repair or service, which may include, but is not limited to, housing repairs, permitting costs, temporary housing, loss of goods and furnishings and other hurricane-related needs.
Anyone who is eligible for the program should complete an application and return it to the FISH of SANCAP office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday at 2422 Periwinkle Way or scan it and email it to nitza@fishofsancap.org. Certain documentation is required, as well as an intake session with Disaster Case Manager Nita Lopez. Applications are also available for download at the FISH website here.
FISH offers an array of services as a wrap-around organization and may be of help to those who are not eligible for the long-term recovery program. POD furniture distribution is ongoing through a partnership with United Way Gifts In-Kind. Household furnishings, with a limit of three per household, is being distributed from 9 to 11 a.m. every other Friday at 2430 Periwinkle Way.
Proof of island residency or employment is required to receive service and must be provided at check in. Everyone receives approximately 10 minutes to load selected items and must bring assistance to help load any heavy items and a large vehicle.
For more information about FISH of SANCAP or any of its services, contact Executive Director Maria Espinoza at 239-472-4775.
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