A Community Resilient through Disaster
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
Hurricanes. Even hearing the word turns people off. Whether you are living it or know of others still suffering, please don’t stop reading. Pay attention to the next few words. The work that is being done in our community truly matters.
As we enter this week of Thanksgiving, we can intentionally focus on the blessings. This past week, our staff had several opportunities to do just that. This time of year, brings a deep sense of reflection for me.
An area of gratitude I have is for my team. After Ian, we were really struggling to get our footing, desiring to serve our community in the manner that best suits our mission and the work we already do. The lessons learned and systems built over the last several years have allowed us to pivot from blue skies to dark skies. United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC) responds in the aftermath of disaster to ensure our citizens can care for their homes and family so they can return back to work quickly.
UWCC relies on two things. First, a team willing to respond – to serve our community in their deepest needs. Second, a community of partners and donors willing to invest – so UWCC can help those in need. The critical assistance provided since just days after Helene to now is made possible because of the very generous gifts received.
Since the start of October, disaster recovery efforts have seen $158,648 invested towards financial assistance for Charlotte County residents which includes funds for rent, mortgage, utilities as well as necessities, food and gas. With a lean, but mighty team, UWCC staff and volunteers have received almost 300 requests for help and fielded over 228 phone calls.
This recovery effort would not have been possible without the generosity of businesses such as Publix Super Markets Charities. In fact, before even boarding up our office for Helene, emergency assistance funds were coming in allowing us to hit the ground running. Excited to meet with Publix leadership today in Lakeland (through my role with local United Way’s across Florida) from all of Charlotte County, I will give them a resounding thank you!
In addition, Season of Sharing serves as a vital lifeline for families and individuals facing financial emergencies. This one-time, quick-turnaround grant, applied for with the assistance of case workers from local community organizations, helps keep people in their homes and stabilize their lives during crises. The ability to provide this essential support is thanks to the generosity and swift action of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and The Patterson Foundation, who ensured that Charlotte County residents received the help they needed. Following Hurricane Ian, and now with the added challenges of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, their prompt response has been instrumental in helping our community recover. Season of Sharing continues to offer critical assistance to those striving to overcome hardship and regain stability.
The Season of Sharing Donation Campaign by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is happening now. With 25 years of empowering neighbors to help neighbors, individuals and families with immediate basic needs to regain stability through community philanthropy. These dollars come to Charlotte County. In fact, they contributed over 2.5 million dollars over the years directly to Season of Sharing in Charlotte County. We adore them and are eternally grateful.
When you talk about gratitude and giving back, these organizations have made a huge difference for those in Charlotte County. Utilizing a combination of donations and funds has allowed UWCC to give individual attention to each person asking for help.
We are beyond grateful for those who give so that we can give. It is a beautiful thing. While many may have a table full of bounty, many go without. UWCC is here for those who need help the most. From storm to sustainability, we are here, but we cannot do it alone. There have been people served but so many more who need help.
While we cannot prevent hurricanes, we can create a community resilient through disaster.
From our UWCC family to yours, we wish you a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving. For more information about the impact, or to support residents of Charlotte County with a gift of any size, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/OthersGave
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.