Hurricane Helene – MCF Resources
Dear Community,
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we are moving quickly to provide immediate avenues for you to assist those affected by this devastating storm. Your support is crucial, and we’ve outlined the most urgent needs and ways you can get involved. As recovery efforts begin, we will keep you updated on additional ways to contribute.
For now, the most impactful action you 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, gloves, etc. 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
Today: until midnight
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
Donation Hours: Beginning Monday 9/30
Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Contact: 941-737-2923 for specific inquiries.
Mean Deans Local Kitchen – 6059 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207
Donation Hours: Beginning Monday 9/30
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.
Monetary Donations:
To ensure your contribution directly supports recovery efforts, we encourage donations Manatee Community Foundation. Click below:
Manatee Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund provides grants and support to local organizations directly aiding hurricane victims. Call 941.747.7765 with questions.
***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 distributing food, water, and cleaning supplies gathered Monday 9/30 at 4 pm in Rubonia, which will continue through the week as needed. Cleaning supplies will be distributed in Anna Maria Island for surrounding areas on Wednesday 10/2.
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 | [email protected]
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:
Manatee Community Foundation
Anna Maria Island Hurricane Helene Relief
Manatee County Government
Dial 311 for any storm recovery related questions
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Manatee County is organizing a community-wide volunteer effort to help fully asses 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
Feeding Tampa Bay: https://volunteer.feedingtampabay.org/disaster-response<https://volunteer.feedingtampabay.org/disaster-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
https://www.facebook.com/fplconnect/
http://www.instagram.com/@insidefpl
Knight Foundation
https://www.facebook.com/knightfdn
http://www.instagram.com/knightfdn
Manatee Community Foundation
https://www.facebook.com/manateecf/
http://www.instagram.com/manateecommunityfoundation
Mosaic
https://www.facebook.com/mosaiccompany/
http://www.instagram.com/mosaic
Oysters Rock Hospitality / Anna Maria Oyster Bar
https://www.facebook.com/OystersRock/
https://www.facebook.co/annamariaoysterbar
https://www.instagram.com/annamariaoysterbar
Women’s Resource Center Facebook page, and
https://www.facebook.com/mywrc.org/
https://www.instagram.com/my.wrc