When disaster strikes, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay steps up

José García, executive director of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, knows well what it means to face the forces of nature. His organization, a local affiliate of a national network with José García, executive director of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, has been preparing for the upcoming hurricane season with his organization, a local affiliate of a national network with over 140 affiliates. The organization has been stockpiling essential supplies, including tarps and flashlights, chain saws and other tools provided by ToolBank. Unlike national relief organizations, they are committed to a long-term approach and maintain strong relationships with local governments, non-governmental organizations, and corporate partners. García has 25 years of experience in housing rehabilitation and modification, having previously repaired over 1,112 homes in southwest Florida following Hurricane Ian. Despite over 19 months after the disaster, García's organization is still helping homeowners recover and make repairs. The call for action is now for Floridians to prepare for hurricane season.

Publicerad : 11 månader sedan förbi SOFÍA RAVAZZONI, CENTRO Tampa i Environment

"We want to be ready to help Floridians recover quickly after major storms," García says, highlighting the importance of a swift and effective response.

In a 5,000-square-foot warehouse in Tampa, Rebuilding Together has been stockpiling essential supplies, from tarps and flashlights to chain saws and other tools provided by their new partner, ToolBank. "We are storing equipment to deploy quickly to affected areas," García says. Preparation also includes agreements with roofing contractors to rapidly cover hurricane-damaged roofs.

The difference with Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay lies in its long-term approach.

"Unlike national relief organizations that typically provide temporary assistance, we are here for the long haul," says García. The organization maintains enduring relationships with local governments, non-governmental organizations and corporate partners, enabling them to be efficient and effective in their recovery efforts.

García has not only focused on post-hurricane recovery. With 25 years of experience in housing rehabilitation and modification, his organization has repaired over 1,112 homes in southwest Florida following Hurricane Ian. "Our goal is to keep people in their homes, especially those who cannot afford costly repairs," García says.

Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay focuses on assisting low-income homeowners across 20 counties in southwest Florida, from Sarasota to Collier, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, among others.

"We have developed relationships and infrastructure to tackle the formidable challenges communities face after major storms," García says. With offices in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Arcadia, Fort Myers, and Orlando, the organization is well-positioned to respond quickly to community needs.

García emphasizes the importance of collaboration with partners like the Tampa Bay Community Foundation and Home Depot, who ensure the financial support necessary to be ready when a natural disaster occurs. "We have agreements in place with roofing contractors to immediately begin covering damaged roofs with tarps," he says, highlighting the meticulous preparation that characterizes his organization.

García's story is a true testament to perseverance. A Venezuelan immigrant, he came to the United States in 1988 to study, learn English, and earn some money.

"I came as a tourist and decided to stay for a few months. Then, I had the opportunity to obtain a green card," he says. His professional journey took him to work in various cities, including New York and Washington, before settling in Tampa with his wife and children.

García recalls how his career in affordable housing and business development prepared him for his current role.

"I worked in a nonprofit organization in Washington, where I learned to manage a nonprofit," he saiys. In Tampa, he was recommended for a newly started organization, where he handled the 501(c)(3) application and raised funds. "We started without a desk or office, stealing the first pens from my kids," he says, laughing.

The organization has proven to be a helping hand in community recovery after natural disasters. "More than 19 months after Hurricane Ian, we are still helping homeowners recover and make repairs," García says. The organization has repaired 210 homes in Hillsborough and 27 in Pinellas, with an average cost of around $40,000 per home. "Ian destroyed more than 5,000 homes and damaged another 30,000 in Florida, so we still have a lot of work to do," he adds.

The entity not only focuses on physical repairs but also on the health and safety of homes. "We ensure that homes are healthy for families with children and safe for the elderly," García says. The comprehensive approach includes everything from roof repairs to installing air conditioning systems and improving accessibility for seniors.

The call to action is now

"Floridians need to prepare for hurricane season now," García warns, urging the community to confirm their evacuation zones, check their supplies, and take advantage of tax-free days. "At Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, we have been making our hurricane plans, expanding our partnerships, and gathering all our supplies. We must take our responsibility to be ready for the season and help those in need seriously."

García calls on the community to get involved and support Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay's efforts.

"People can donate through our website and help us gather the necessary supplies for this period," he says. The organization is also open to receiving volunteers who wish to contribute their time and skills. "We have many tools ready for volunteers to use and help repair affected homes," he adds.

García has observed several common mistakes people make during hurricane season. "The number one (mistake) is not preparing to protect their home," he says. Many people do not take preventive measures, such as buying wood to secure their doors and windows. "Don't wait until the last moment to buy what you need, because then it runs out in the stores, and you could be seriously affected."

Another frequent mistake is not having enough supplies. "Buy what you need to last up to six months, like water and canned food," García says. The lack of preparation also extends to not having clear evacuation plans. "Make sure to have gas in your vehicles and an emergency plan to leave, if necessary.”.

He also mentions the lack of communication with neighbors. "It is important to know your neighbors and share contact information," he says. Solidarity and collaboration can make a big difference during and after a hurricane. "In times of crisis, knowing you can count on your neighbors is extremely important, and even if you don't speak the same language, there is always a way to understand each other."

Garcia highlights the importance of following evacuation orders. "If they tell you to evacuate, do it without hesitation," he says. Personal safety should always be the number one priority. "Don't risk your lives to protect your belongings," he says, reminding of the tragic consequences of ignoring evacuation orders in past hurricanes.

"Ian was the most challenging experience we have faced in recent years," he says. He recounts how many houses were flooded, some with several feet of water, requiring the removal of drywall and insulation to prevent mold growth. "The water rose to unexpected levels, severely affecting homes," García says.

One of the most touching stories was that of an elderly woman rescued with a refrigerator used as an improvised boat. "The water was so high that her only option was to float in the fridge until rescuers arrived," García says. Another notable story is that of a grandfather who, along with his two grandchildren, took refuge in a boat during the storm. "He cut his leg during the hurricane, but managed to keep his grandchildren safe," he says. These stories underline the severity of natural disasters and the importance of being prepared.

Besides the rescues, García highlights the hard recovery work that followed the hurricane. "We spent months removing mold and drying houses," he says. The priority was to ensure that the homes were habitable again. "We made sure that at least two rooms and the bathrooms were in condition for families to return to their homes," he comments.

García also mentions the logistical challenges his organization faced. "We had to coordinate with multiple organizations and volunteers to ensure each house received the necessary help," he says. They worked with various foundations and corporations, in addition to receiving support from the Red Cross and Lutheran services, among other allies. "Collaboration was essential to overcome obstacles and help as many families as possible," García says.

How to Apply for Assistance and Requirements

For those seeking to apply for assistance offered by Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, the process is simple and accessible. "Everything is done through the website," García explains. The organization does not accept paper applications, making the process easier and ensuring that requests are handled efficiently.

It is important to note that legal status or a social security number is not required to apply for assistance. "We do not ask for legal status, only a homeowner ID and proof of income," García says. Assistance is based on household income, and most programs allow up to 80% of the area median income (AMI), although some may go higher.

Additionally, García clarifies that when using county or city funds, a lien is placed on the property. "The lien is forgiven after a few years, usually five, to ensure that government funds are not used for immediate economic benefit," he explains. This means homeowners must remain in their homes during this period for the loan to be forgiven.

The organization strives to educate applicants about this process, emphasizing that the goal is to keep people in their homes safely and sustainably. "We want to ensure that people understand that we are not responsible for the entire house, but for creating a safe and healthy environment for them to continue living in," García emphasizes.

"We are here to help at all levels, especially those who cannot get help from other sources," García says.

Ämnen: Environment-ESG

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