FORT MYERS, Fla. — On Feb 3rd, First Lady Casey DeSantis met with individuals impacted by Hurricane Ian and awarded funding through the Florida Disaster Fund to non-profits and faith-based organizations that have supported Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian. While in Fort Myers, the First Lady announced the donations of hundreds of commodities that will be used to help Floridians get back on their feet. These donations are from numerous private-sector partners, including Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart, and include a donation of 1,216 doors from the Masonite Company, which will be used to replace doors in homes damaged by the storm. First Lady Casey DeSantis also announced an increased award amount for verified non-profit organizations to conduct critical repairs on homes damaged by Hurricane Ian by including an additional $1 million. This will allow the state-facilitated home repair program to raise its per-household award cap from $10,000 to $25,000, enabling impacted Floridians to make more significant home repairs. To request a door, home repairs or resources to fulfill another need, Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian can visit the Unite Florida Portal, input their current needs, and will be connected with available resources.

In addition, First Lady DeSantis announced awards of more than $2.1 million through the Florida Disaster Fund to support the efforts of non-profit and faith-based organizations as they help impacted Floridians recover from Hurricane Ian. These awards include:

• $1.7 million to support 17 Long-Term Recovery Groups that have formed to support the long-term recovery of Southwest Florida. These groups will help Floridians navigate available recovery resources and meet unmet needs.
• $427,500 to Adventist Community Services. This funding supports the efforts of the organization to connect available commodities and building supplies with Floridians in need and other non-profit organizations engaged in construction efforts.

“As a mama, I know how important it is to know your children have a bed to sleep in every night, which is why I was honored to award funding that will support long-term recovery in Southwest Florida. I am also appreciative of our private-sector partners who donated hundreds of mattresses, sheets, building supply items and doors that will help make so many families feel like they have a home again. The people of Southwest Florida are so resilient, and we will continue to seek out meaningful ways to make their recovery easier,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “We are so appreciative of the outpouring of support that our private-sector and non-profit partners have shown Floridians following Hurricane Ian.”

On Feb 3rd’s announcements build on efforts spearheaded by the First Lady to harness private-sector philanthropy and generosity from people across the country to support the recovery of Southwest Florida after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian. Through the First Lady’s efforts, the Florida Disaster Fund has raised more than $64 million to support recovery efforts. Funding has gone to support a wide variety of recovery endeavors, including supporting home-building organizations, teachers, first responders and non-profits working in the area. 

At the event, several Floridians who have benefited from the Florida Disaster Fund shared their stories. Click here to view their testimonials, which can be used courtesy of Governor DeSantis’ Press Office. 

The Florida Disaster Fund is the state of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida's communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. To donate, visit volunteerflorida.org or text DISASTER to 20222. Donations to the Florida Disaster Fund are made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, and are tax deductible.