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:
Give Blood
Find out more about donating blood here:
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:
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
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.
I’m Heather Colby, host of the “Ideas for Real Estate Podcast.”
If you like what you read here today, I’d encourage you to take a listen to the episodes. :
It's time for seasonal marketing! Fall-themed real estate content and marketing on social media is not only trending, it also works in your Instagram Reels, posts, carousels, and more. The secret is to customize this content with photos and videos of you. So, in today's episode, let's plan an easy fall content shoot for you as a REALTOR to use in your marketing strategies this season!