The enormous fallout of last year’s hurricanes, particularly Hurricane Milton, continues to be felt, with volunteers dedicating themselves to long-term support for those affected.

At The Standard Apartments in Clearwater, the need remains high as Graciela Rheben, founder of Standard Community Help, explains, “Right now, we’re in urgent need of donations like food, diapers, and wipes.” 

Formed in response to Hurricane Milton, Standard Community Help initially provided immediate relief directly at the apartment complex but has since moved to a more permanent setup at Iglesia Pentecostal Mision Getsemani in Clearwater. 

However, resources are stretched thin. “Unfortunately, we’re not getting enough donations, which has forced us to cut back our operations to just Fridays,” Rheben shared. Despite these challenges, the demand for assistance hasn’t waned. 

The group has been instrumental in aiding over 1,000 families, focusing on those still searching for employment or affordable housing in a time of rising costs. “There’s still a significant number of families needing help,” Rheben noted, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for stability.

What began as a simple act of bringing coffee to a makeshift table outside the complex has evolved into a structured community support system. “I didn’t come as part of any organization initially; I just brought what I could to help,” Rheben recounted. “Now, I’m committed to continuing this support.”

Her vision is to foster a comforting environment where families can rebuild their lives, offering not just the essentials but also a sense of community and hope as they recover from their losses.

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(Image credit: Spectrum Bay News 9/Lizbeth Gutierrez)