Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help?
On September 28, 2022, much of southwest Florida suffered unimaginable destruction when Hurricane Ian came ashore.
The slow moving Category 4 Naples FL hurricane battered the shoreline and beaches of Naples and Marco Island, destroying beachfront hotels and homes, and eroding beaches along Collier County. Charlotte County and the communities of Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Boca Grande, and Englewood also suffered heavy wind and flood damage.
But perhaps the hardest hit areas were the Lee County communities of Bonita Beach, Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Cape Coral, and the island communities of St. James City, Matlacha, and Bokeelia on Pine Island. These communities were devastated. Many residents lost their homes, businesses, and some their lives.
Some communities will need months or longer to recover from the destruction and rebuild back to the lively tourist communities we know and love.
After the Storm
Right now, many residents and business owners are still in a state of shock and trying to account for the safety of neighbors, friends, and family.
Some communities like Ft. Myers Beach are just beginning to allow residents back to their homes on a temporary basis (as of Oct 9, 2022). Residents of Sanibel Island are still not allowed back to their island homes, and the causeway to the island (the only way on and off the island) was destroyed.
Many communities in SWFL have nightly curfews in place and are taking strict measures to guard against looting and theft.
Our beloved Naples Pier sustained significant damage, and the Ft. Myers Beach Pier was washed away.
It may take weeks further to assess how safe and secure some areas are to visit so the real work can begin.
Hurricane Ian: How Can You Help?
You may be watching all this unfold from afar and wondering how you can help! Perhaps you’ve fallen in love with Southwest Florida from your vacation here or you’re a seasonal part-time resident and want to know what you can do to lend a helping hand.
The outpouring of love and support our community has received from around the world has been nothing short of inspiring.
At NFTG, we’ve received many supportive emails and social media messages from readers and followers and have passed the love on to those who need it most. Some of you have questions on how the hurricane damage will affect your upcoming stay while many others want to know what you can do to help.
We’ve put together this list of local resources to help those who want to assist others in need, whether it’s a financial helping hand or donating your time — any gesture is welcome and appreciated.
Trusted Naples FL Hurricane Resources
1. Donate
In times like these, it can be hard to know how best to donate your time and money safely. There are several trusted partners we recommend in Collier County and SWFL:
1. Collier Community Foundation
(239) 649-5000
In the wake of Hurricane Ian and its devastating impact on our area, CCF has reactivated the Collier Comes Together Hurricane Fund to benefit SWFL nonprofit relief efforts and programs to get funds where they are needed most - quickly and efficiently at no administrative cost. Venmo is available @colliercommunityfoundation and you may also designate if you would like funds to go to Collier, Lee or Charlotte counties, which have all been devastated by this storm.
2. The United Way
(239) 261-7112
https://www.unitedway.org/get-involved/ways-to-give
3. American Red Cross
(800) 733-2767
https://www.redcross.org/donate/giving-tuesday.html/
4. The Salvation Army
(239) 775-9447
5. The Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida
The Harry Chapin Food Bank is one of SWFL’s most trusted giving organizations.
6. Meals of Hope - www.mealsofhope.org
7. Our Daily Bread Food Pantry - www.ourdailybreadfoodpantry.org
8. Feed Thy Neighbor - www.stmonicasnaples.org
9. St. Matthews House - www.stmatthewshouse.org
10. Collier Cares - www.colliercares.org
11. Valeries House - www.valerieshouse.org
12. Florida Disaster Fund - www.floridadisasterfund.org
2. Donate Blood
Naples Community Hospital Healthcare System - Donating blood is a meaningful way to help hurricane victims.
https://nchmd.org/services/blood-center/
3. Volunteer
There are many organizations who need your help in helping others get back on their feet. Credible relief organizations can be found at https://www.volunteerflorida.org/
Hurricane Ian Relief Resources
For current information, visit the following websites:
City of Naples Florida (Naples City Beaches)
Collier County Parks and Recreation (Naples and Marco Island County Parks and Beaches)
Lee County Parks and Recreation (Fort Myers and Sanibel Parks and Beaches)
Town of Fort Myers Beach (Fort Myers Beach)
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