Photo courtesy Sarasota Parks.

Disasters have a way of bringing out the best in people. From those who distribute food and water to those who enter flooded streets to help rescue their stranded neighbors, many are inclined to put on their capes and help those in need. 

This heroism was on full display after Hurricanes Helene and Milton battered our region in a historic one-two punch. Ordinary people were supercharged with extraordinary energy and compassion to help in vital ways. 

Our challenge now, though, is to keep that goodwill and intention to help sustainable, especially when we’re tired or challenged with the scope of the recovery before us. So much attention is given during the immediate aftermath of a hurricane that resources are often drained by the time the important, and typically unseen, work of recovery begins. According to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, 82% of all philanthropic dollars contributed to disaster response go to immediate response and relief, while less than 5% are typically donated toward recovery and reconstruction. 

The trend is unsettling, as long-term disaster recovery—the work that begins once relief efforts have concluded—is an essential part of making communities whole and reducing inequities, which tend to be exacerbated after a natural disaster rolls through. In communities like ours, with a rating of 98.41 (out of 100) on FEMA’s Environmental Hazard National Risk Index Score, which measures expected annual loss (from disaster), social vulnerability and community resilience to determine how at risk a community is, expertise in recovery is paramount. 

Fortunately, in our community, there is a reliable resource for long-term recovery – the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund. Initiated as a response to Hurricane Ian in 2022, the fund is designed to  help restore services that are vital to communities, like accessible childcare, human services, and mental health counseling, so that the lasting scars of a disaster can be less pronounced. Dollars from this fund provide legal aid to people floundering in the maze of insurance technicalities. These dollars make our communities whole again when the long-term needs have been identified, which can be anywhere from six to 18 months after an initial disaster. 

In the wake of the double dose of destruction delivered by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, The Patterson Foundation, philanthropic partner to the Community Foundation, provided a $1 million matching opportunity, matching every gift up to $50,000 dollar-for-dollar. For those who want to help our communities fully recover and safeguard our deeply held beliefs about preserving opportunities for all who call our area home, this is a great opportunity. A dollar-for-dollar match empowers each of us to make a real impact.  

Beyond grantmaking, since its activation, the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund has been key to convening organizations active in disaster recovery to amplify their impact through collaboration, and it’s also fostered innovative approaches to dealing with the frequent and more severe storms that are the reality of climate change.

To preserve our community’s stability and security, thoughtful and evidence-based approaches will be vital. The Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund, which is gaining national attention for its unique and effective grantmaking, is central to safeguarding all that we hold dear in our community: namely that all who live here should have the opportunity to thrive. This is only achieved when people have a safe place to live and a lifeline to programs and services that support individual and family well-being. 

Roxie Jerde is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Photo courtesy Sarasota Parks.