Pictured: Meal and Cleaning Supply Distribution at Mobile Home Parks. Courtesy of MCF.

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) has partnered with key community organizations and national corporations to provide critical rapid relief and long-term recovery efforts. Together with organizations like the Early Learning Coalition, Meals on Wheels Plus, Family Initiative, Hope Florida, and support from corporate partners like Mosaic and FPL, MCF is addressing both the urgent needs of those affected and planning for sustained community resilience alongside Manatee County government. Immediate Needs Addressed: The impacts of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton disrupted food security, housing, employment and life as we know it, across Manatee County. MCF immediately activated its Disaster Relief Fund, and with the support of its donor families, issued dozens of emergent grants to nonprofit organizations delivering life-sustaining support to affected communities. One of the areas that felt the greatest impact is Anna Maria Island, where the community’s only childcare center was destroyed post Hurricane Helene. MCF and the Early Learning Coalition immediately issued grants to temporarily relocate the childcare facility to the Center of Anna Maria Island, ensuring that families have continued access to these essential services​​. Simultaneously, MCF worked hand in hand with Meals On Wheels Plus to fund and deliver much needed water, food, and cleaning supplies across nearly all mobile home estates throughout the county post Hurricane Milton. MCF also launched a survey designed to capture the immediate and long-term needs of the many nonprofit partners supporting those in need. MCF’s Disaster Relief Fund is actively channeling resources to provide direct support. Beyond The immediate focus is on distributing cleaning supplies, food, and essentials to affected residents and first responders, MCF was honored to host Family Initiatives onsite to distribute much needed resources to foster care and adoptive families. Additionally, MCF has compiled a critical resource guide for citizens and county officials and assisted gathering volunteers and Mosaic funded the provision of food so they could conduct door-to-door needs assessments throughout the community. Partnerships for Recovery - Key partnerships are enabling MCF to extend its reach. The Knight Foundation has contributed $100,000, and Mosaic $50,000, while local fundraising efforts have brought in an additional $12,000 for relief and recovery thus far​. MCF has also Southern Smoke Foundation and the Realtors Association to provide direct financial support to displaced families​. MCF has issued grants to local nonprofits in hard-hit areas like Anna Maria Island, Myakka, Rubonia, Parrish, and Palmetto, allowing organizations to meet immediate needs while preparing for the long-term rebuilding process​. Looking Ahead: Long-Term Recovery and Support: As Manatee County begins its recovery, MCF is focused on sustainable efforts. The Foundation has initiated convening with community leaders to assess ongoing needs in affected areas, with a goal of not only restoring what was lost, but ensuring these communities are better prepared for future storms​. If you need assistance, or want to support those who are, visit www.ManateeCF.org.

Pictured: Meal and Cleaning Supply Distribution at Mobile Home Parks. Courtesy of MCF.