mmh99South County, FL – The devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left our community facing significant challenges, and one of the places is the Mary & Martha House, a shelter that has been serving women and families in crisis for over 40 years.
“Take care of your house first. If your house is good, help your neighbor,” has been a guiding principle for many in our community. Today, this metaphor has taken on a literal meaning as we urge everyone to prioritize their own recovery while extending support to neighbors in need. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this storm, and we are hopeful for a swift and safe return to normalcy for everyone.
Unfortunately, Mary & Martha House did not escape the storm’s wrath. During post-storm shelter checks on Friday, staff discovered flooding had left a water line of about one foot high throughout the entire building. Every piece of furniture in the shelter has been destroyed, and extensive damage has been done to the structure itself. Thankfully, all three families who were staying at the shelter had safely evacuated before the storm hit.
We Need Your Help
We are calling on the community for support. Mary & Martha House is in urgent need of financial contributions, volunteers, and temporary housing solutions for the families displaced by the storm.
Here’s how you can help:
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Monetary Donations – We are accepting financial donations to help cover the cost of:
- Demolition of walls and cabinets
- Mold remediation
- Asbestos testing
- Displacement costs for families currently without housing
- Other essential repairs
You can donate by clicking the “Donate” button on the top right of the webpage.
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Volunteer Hours – If you are able to help with labor-intensive work such as demolition and cleanup, please contact us directly to coordinate volunteer shifts. Your help is invaluable as we work to rebuild.
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Temporary Housing – We are seeking temporary accommodations for the families displaced by the storm. If you can offer an Airbnb or hotel stay, please reach out to us as soon as possible.
Due to the extent of the damage, this recovery will be carried out in phases. At this time, we cannot accept donations of furniture until mold remediation is complete and the shelter is cleared for reconstruction. Once we have made the necessary repairs, we will be asking for donations of furniture, beds, and other household goods to help restore the shelter.
If you are recovering from the storm, please prioritize your safety and your home first. For those in a position to assist, we humbly ask for your help. Mary & Martha House has weathered many challenges in its four decades of service, and with the community’s support, we are confident that we will rebuild and come back stronger.
For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or offer temporary housing, please visit www.marymarthahouse.org or contact executive director Bill Chini.
Thank you for your continued support during this difficult time. Together, we will help our neighbors and restore hope to those in need.
About Mary & Martha House:
Mary & Martha House provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services for women and children in crisis. Since its founding, the shelter has been a vital resource for families in need, helping them achieve self-sufficiency and stability.
