FISH Reconnects with Residents and Workers Post-Hurricane Milton, Offering Wrap-Around Services to Meet Immediate Needs

Since Hurricane Milton, FISH of SANCAP has been reconnecting with local residents and workers, listening to their heartbreaking stories of water damage, wind damage, and ongoing struggles without power or water. What began as a few familiar faces from the food pantry quickly grew into a community-wide response, as even those who only occasionally visited FISH in times of ‘blue skies’ sought help after the storm.

Manuela, FISH Disaster Administrative Director, was surprised by a conversation with an employee from Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa. “Hearing his story reminded me how connected we are as a community. Residents and the workforce of our islands were deeply affected by this storm, and it brings us together through similar experiences. Whether working here or living here, we all share in the impact of these storms,” she said.

Gary, a FISH volunteer, echoed this sentiment. “It was nice to see regular food pantry clients come to the Community House, where FISH is temporarily operating a ‘Pop Up’ location. There’s something comforting about familiar faces in times of crisis.”

While FISH continues to distribute food, water, and essential supplies, they are also offering wrap-around services to address day-to-day needs beyond basic survival.

“When the skies are blue and the sun is shining, life can still bring challenges for many. We’re committed to helping our island and neighbors through both the good times and the bad,” said Maria Espinoza, Executive Director of FISH.

Living in an island community comes with unique blessings and unique challenges. Disasters like Hurricane Milton bring gray skies, but they also reveal the strength of community. FISH, a designated Resiliency Hub, works closely with United Way and a network of agencies to provide disaster recovery assistance. Their collaborative case management approach—grounded in four pillars of service—helps create, implement, and monitor a plan of support tailored to individual needs, ensuring that all neighbors, of any age, receive the resources they need to rebuild and recover.

“FISH has long been a leader in preparedness, but after Ian, we’ve raised the bar on what ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ looks like,” said Espinoza. “As a Resiliency Hub, we can pivot quickly to provide emergency items, food, water, tarps, and more. Although the stormy skies of Milton have passed, we are committed to long-term recovery from storms past, present and future for everyone on the islands.”

For those facing difficulties after Hurricane Milton or seeking ongoing support, FISH encourages reaching out for help. Through their four pillars of service, FISH ensures that island neighbors are never alone in times of need—whether under blue skies or gray.