This rural community, comprised of 70% Hispanic, 24% African/American/Haitian, 1% Native American, languished for over 3 hours in the wall of Wilma, never seeing the “eye.” Instead they experienced tornadic-like winds which destroyed trailers, ripped up trees, caused $8 million of damage to the state Farmer’s market alone, and wreaked havoc on the lives of the people, 95% of whom are at or below the poverty level.
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The work of I HOPE continues in the following areas: Repairing homes that have been damaged by Hurricane Wilma-roofs, walls, windows, floors, plumbing, electrical, Replacing furniture that was damaged, Providing spiritual/emotional counsel through staff, Providing temporary housing while homes are being repaired-often in travel trailers that FEMA has provided to I HOPE, Setting up 64 mobile homes for clients to be able to purchase with no interest at pennies on the dollar
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Groups wishing to volunteer or make donations can contact our office at 239-657-3889, asking for David Grove, Volunteer Coordinator. All donations of cash should be made to I HOPE, Inc., and a letter of acknowledgement will be sent immediately that is acceptable for tax purposes. Acknowledgement of other donations will also be made, but cannot be quantified by I HOPE-that must be done by the donor.
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