Disaster Recovery During Hurricane Season Brings Fear, Anxiety; FISH OF SANCAP Provides Assistance and Support

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. Anxiety during hurricane season, particularly as recovery from Ian continues, is a frequent reality for many. For some, it’s the darkening skies or the roar of the winds that triggers 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 still 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.

Individuals seeking long-term recovery assistance are identified through FISH’s canvassing efforts, outreach phone calls, referrals, and those already known to FISH. Among them is Jennifer Powers, an island employee who is grateful for the support from FISH. “I just wanted to take a minute to express my absolute gratitude to the FISH organization, their volunteers, and contributors. I lost everything in the past hurricane except the car I escaped in and my dog,” expressed Powers in a heartfelt letter to the organization, noting she spent over a year living in her car and moving from couch to couch while trying to find a job without an address. The name of the individual has been changed for privacy purposes.

After Hurricane Ian, Powers was left unhoused and jobless. She applied, re-applied, and worked with assistance programs, including homeless advocates and disaster program caseworkers, but still 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. FISH was able to help me quickly and responsively in the last few months,” notes Powers.

Immediately following the hurricane, Powers picked up day jobs but nothing consistent. “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.”

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. Since then, they have followed up with me and invited me back, making sure I never leave the pantry without everything I need. They not only treated me with dignity and respect but also with caring and kindness.”

Eventually, Powers found consistent employment on Sanibel and a friend who could house her longer term until she got on her feet. Soon, she was able to save enough to purchase a small camper to move into but was unable to pay the lot rent. “The Fort Myers location is a little bit far from my Sanibel job, but it’s all I could find,” continues 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 make it habitable. Through the FISH Long-Term Recovery program, Powers applied and was approved for repair assistance to make her tiny camper a livable home. Currently, with FISH’s assistance, they are waiting on estimates and a timeframe to get the work done.

“I’m so excited to have a space to call home, where I can be safe from the elements and free from mold and leaks and the mental anguish of not knowing where to turn. For the first time in a long time, I have something to look forward to and excitement for what is to come. If it wasn’t for this program and these amazing people at FISH, I don’t know where I would be. 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.”

The Long-Term Recovery program is available to island residents and full-time workers, offering 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 their four major pillars—Food, Island Based Education, Senior Services, and Helping Hands—demonstrating a commitment to community well-being now and in the future.