Manatee Community Foundation Urges Immediate Support for Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts, Highlights Critical Needs and Safety Guidelines
Manatee Community Foundation Urges Immediate Support for Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts, Highlights Critical Needs and Safety Guidelines
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) is moving quickly to provide immediate avenues for our community to assist those affected by this devastating storm. Local support is crucial, and MCF outlined the most urgent needs and ways to get involved. As recovery efforts begin, MCF will keep the community updated on additional ways to contribute.
For now, the most impactful action people can take is to avoid entering affected areas and follow local government instructions. It’s essential to give officials and responders the space they need to assess and assist the communities safely.
Immediate Needs:
The most urgent needs are cleaning supplies and food for both residents and essential workers. Here’s how you can help.
Items needed: Non-perishable, unused, unopen food items and bottled water, bleach, mold remover, shovels, wheelbarrows, trash bags, plastic storage bins, toilet paper, paper towels, rolls of tape, box fans, extension cords, industrial trash bags, shop vacs, work gloves, toiletries. Please do not bring other items as space is limited.
Current Donation Drop-off Locations:
Meals on Wheels Plus (Manatee Food Bank)
811 23rdAvenue East, Bradenton (just off US 301)
AND
10920 State Road 70, Lakewood Ranch
Donation Hours: 8:30am and 4:00pm
Contact: www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org
O'Bricks (Downtown Bradenton) - 427 12th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact: 941-896-8860 for specific inquiries.
Well Cycle Studio (Northwest Bradenton) - 7109 15th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL 34209
Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM – ending 10/13
Contact: 941-737-2923 for specific inquiries.
Mean Deans Local Kitchen - 6059 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact: 941-251-5435 for specific inquiries.
Women’s Resource Center (Bradenton Location) 1926 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205
Monday to Thursday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact: (941) 256-9721 for specific inquiries | mywrc.org/hurricanerecovery
Monetary Donations:
To ensure your contribution directly supports recovery efforts, we encourage donations to Manatee Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund, which provides grants and support to local organizations directly aiding hurricane victims. Call 941.747.7765 with questions.
Click here: Manatee Community Foundation's Disaster Relief Fund
***Please be cautious of unverified fundraising efforts and donate only through trusted channels. Out-of-area scams have been identified – please beware.***
Community Needs Surveys:
We need your help in assessing community needs. Please consider participating in these surveys to help identify gaps in recovery resources:
Manatee County Unmet Needs Survey
This survey collects information on impacted individuals’ locations, housing damage, financial needs, and safety concerns.
Florida Disaster Business Damage Assessment Survey
This survey helps businesses report the extent of storm damage and operational disruptions, assisting local and state authorities in recovery efforts.
Resources For Those Affected:
In addition to Manatee County’s and city efforts, Meals on Wheels will be distributed food, water, and cleaning supplies gathered Monday 9/30 at 4 pm in Rubonia. Cleaning supplies were distributed by Mosaic and FPL to AMI. More distributions will continue.
We will continue to monitor the situation and determine the best ways to support those affected in our community. In the meantime, we want to provide a few key contacts that may be helpful:
Manatee County Disaster Relief Efforts: Manatee County (mymanatee.org/storm)
Dial 311 for answers and to connect with resources
Hope Florida (get/give help): hopeflorida.com or 1-833-438-4673
Crisis Clean Up Hotline (All Parties): 1-844-965-1386
Samaritan's Purse Hotline (Individuals): 1-833-747-1234
FL Baptist Disaster Relief Hotline (Individuals): 904-253-0502
Private Sector Hotline (Businesses): 850-815-4925 | ESF18@em.myflorida.com
Manatee County Disaster Relief Efforts: Home - Manatee County (mymanatee.org)
We care deeply about supporting our community and are actively collecting and organizing resources to support individuals, businesses, and nonprofit partners to deliver much needed services.
FOOD, WATER, HOUSING for those affected:
Manatee County Distribution Centers (MREs, Tarps, Water)
GT Bray Park - 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West - Hours of Operation: 8 AM- 8 PM
Bennett Park - 400 Cypress Creek Blvd - Hours of Operation: 8 AM- 8 PM
Blackstone Park - 2112 14th Ave West - Hours of Operation: 8 AM- 8 PM
Wakeland - 1812 27th Street East - Hours of Operation: 8 AM- 8 PM
COB Parking Garage - 3rd Ave West and 10th Street West - Hours of Operation: 8 AM- 8 PM
STAY INFORMED:
Dial 311 for any storm recovery related questions
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Manatee County is organizing a community-wide volunteer effort to help fully assess our neighbors’ human needs.
When: October 1st, 2nd, and/or 3rd, 2024 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Location: Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto
(transportation to survey locations will be provided)Volunteers Needed: 300 per day
Register here: Register Here to Volunteer with Manatee County
Feeding Tampa Bay: Feeding Tampa Bay | Hurricane Helene Response
LEGAL & CLAIMS
Disaster Legal Hotline
Offers free legal assistance for issues arising from the hurricane.
Contact: 833-514-2940
2-1-1 Helpline
Provides information and referrals for health, human services, and disaster recovery.
Contact: Dial 2-1-1
Flood Claims
If your home or business sustained damage from the hurricane due to flooding: Contact your insurance agent immediately.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) – If you’re an NFIP policyholder, visit this site to begin your claim.
EMERGENCY HOUSING
FEMA: You can apply for a FEMA hotel voucher at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply by phone at (800) 621-3362, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you’re eligible for assistance, you can use your FEMA registration number to search for a hotel that accepts FEMA assistance at femaevachotels.com. You can call the hotel to confirm availability and provide your estimated arrival time. When you arrive at the hotel, you’ll need to provide your FEMA registration number, name and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You’ll also need a valid photo ID.
Thank you for your generosity and compassion during this time. Together, we can make a significant impact on the recovery efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene.
STAY CONNECTED WITH OUR PARTNERS:
Florida Power and Light
Knight Foundation
Manatee Community Foundation - www.ManateeCF.org
Mosaic
Oysters Rock Hospitality / Anna Maria Oyster Bar
Women’s Resource Center mywrc.org/hurricanerecovery, and
Manatee Chamber of Commerce Storm Recovery - Manatee Chamber of Commerce