How to Help Florida with Hurricane Ian Efforts

If you're in real estate, then you're probably somebody who cares about your local community and the people in it. Right now, my home state of Florida could use your support as well. So, instead of talking about marketing, in today's special episode, I wanted to take a minute and share how you can help after the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian.

As many of you know, I'm a native Floridian and live in the Orlando area. Thankfully, myself and my husband had plenty of time to prepare for the storm and didn't have damage to our home. My family in the Tampa Bay area is safe & sound as well.

Unfortunately, so many people in Florida and especially, South West Florida are suffering from catastrophic damages. And at the time this episode was recorded, we're still waiting to see what is happening in our neighboring states.

Thankfully there are many national and local organizations dedicated to relief efforts and the people of Florida could really use your help. Here are some ways you can get involved:

Volunteer:

Volunteer Florida
If you're in Florida, VolunteerFlorida is looking for help all over the state. You can give your time, be a Disaster Action Team Member with the organizations like the American Red Cross or help out at a shelter, humane society, or food bank. They're even looking for people qualified in mental health services.

• Click here to see all volunteer opportunities available (you can also search by type of opportunity, location and more.)

Search and Rescue

Search and rescue organizations are also looking for support as people are stranded due to flooding and the roads and bridges being destroyed. Learn more about organizations working on search and rescue efforts in the area:

• Assist First Responders

• GulfSAR | Search and Rescue

• Cajun Navy Ground Force

Give Blood

Find out more about donating blood here:

• OneBlood.org

• Find a location to donate with the Red Cross

Make a Donation

A donation would be greatly appreciated as well, and organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the Florida Disaster Fund are accepting donations, as well as local organizations. Learn more about where you can make a donation:

• Donate to the Red Cross

• Donate to the Florida Disaster Fund

• Donate to the Salvation Army

• My friend lost EVERYTHING in the storm. Please read her story here and consider donating to her Go Fund Me.

National & Business Resources

Here are some additional national resources with more information on how you can get involved or receive help:

• USA.gov - including resources for Veterans and those disabled

• FEMA resources & info

• Apply for Disaster Assistance

• SBA Disaster Assistance & Loans

• For Local Businesses who might be facing damages, here is a business damage assessment survey

Resources from Florida REALTORS

And finally, here are some Real Estate resources you might find helpful:

• Tips for those who need to make post-storm insurance claims

• Learn more about DBPR Florida License Deadline Extensions

My heart is absolutely broken for so many in SW Florida. I know that I have many Florida listeners to the podcast, and I hope that you are all safe and well. I'm also waiting to hear from people I know personally and members of the Marketing Suite in the Fort Myers area. I want you to know that you have people here in Florida and across the world who care for you and are worried.

So, if you can, please see the resources here for how you can volunteer or donate. Any contributions are greatly appreciated and will help so many. Thank you for your time today, and our hearts are with everyone in Florida.

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