pg 34 Rebuilding Lives

Hurricane Ian had an immediate and what we expect to be a long-lasting impact on our community. At Café of Life, we only missed two daily services—operations resumed the Friday following Ian—and we are doing all we can to help those impacted. Fortunately, neither wind nor water significantly affected the low-income neighborhoods we traditionally serve and support. Still, residents lost income as some employers closed due to damages. We are thankful that we stand ready to help with rent and utilities for those affected.

Donations from the community.

The Café also identified low-income areas north of us that were hit harder, and we are working with agencies in those areas to support the neighborhoods with the greatest need. Staff and clients are driving through these neighborhoods, distributing items from the back of vehicles to residents. To those who experienced severe flooding, we are providing bedding, clothing, kitchen items, gift cards, and furniture. Our staff and volunteers have seen the devastation, and the destruction is overwhelming in some areas. One volunteer said, “I cried when I saw everything they owned out on the curb for trash, but quickly smiled when I was thanked over and over for the supplies we were providing. Some individuals were beyond appreciative for an air mattress because it meant they didn’t have to sleep on the floor another night.”