Manatee Community Foundation Mobilizes for Hurricane Relief in Partnership with Local and National Organizations
Collaborating to Support Immediate and Long-Term Recovery Efforts for Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton
MANATEE COUNTY, FL—OCTOBER 21, 2024—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 is committed not only immediate relief but also long-term recovery in partner with Manatee County government and each municipality affected,” said Veronica Thames, CEO of MCF, “we understand that our nonprofit partners were not only affected at a facility level but will endure much greater demand for services than they planned -or budgeted for- this year. We will be there to support them as we rebuild our community.”
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.
“With each passing day, the needs of our community become more evident,” said Buzz Turner, Board Chair of MCF. “While we’ve been fortunate to partner with local government, nonprofits, and businesses, the road to recovery will require continued support and collaboration.”
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.
“We’re committed to being here for the long haul,” added Thames. “Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and we’ll be working closely with our partners to build back, stronger.”
If you need assistance or want to support those who are, visit www.ManateeCF.org.
Photo Captions
-MCF Staff Loading Supply Truck
-Meal and Cleaning Supply Distribution at Mobile Home Parks 1
-Meal and Cleaning Supply Distribution at Mobile Home Parks 2
###
About Manatee Community Foundation (MCF): Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) is a charitable organization founded in 1998. MCF partners with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service – now and forever. MCF is the bridge between generous donors, business leaders, our government, and nonprofit partners, who work together so that everyone can thrive because together, we can do greater things. MCF has invested over $62 million dollars in the areas of health and human services, education, arts and culture, the environment, and animal welfare and is committed to its diversity, equity, inclusion and access work. As the only community foundation in Manatee serving the entire county and beyond, MCF is your partner in philanthropy, a trusted steward of charitable legacies and the guide for current giving through donor advised funds and beyond. See more information about Manatee Community Foundation at www.manateecf.org.