After recent hurricanes devastated New Port Richey, entire neighborhoods were left in ruins. Areas like Gulf Harbors and Hudson Beach suffered the most, with over 7,000 homes sustaining more than 50% damage, making them unlivable. An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people have been displaced. Pasco Brave and several other organizations, such as All Hands and Hearts VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster), made all the difference in helping our community move forward.
Angel Cook, Jennifer Verge, and eight other local leaders came together quickly and saw a bigger need that wasn’t being filled, and Pasco Brave was born. Within hours, they fed over 600 people cookout style. They didn’t stop there, sending teams of volunteers to help individuals with clean up, laundry, and more. Pasco Brave also provided essential supplies like non-perishable food, cleaning materials, and hot meals. While these efforts were critical, the greater challenge was and still is rebuilding homes, which can’t happen without help from our neighbors through volunteer-based organizations such as All Hands and Hearts VOAD.
Angel Cook, Co-Founder of Pasco Brave, shared, “We had a woman who was elderly, had nobody, called us, and was crying. She had nowhere to go; immune-compromised, she could not go to a shelter. We were able to go out and clean out her home. Although it wouldn’t be considered livable. We got it to where it was drying out, and all her things were out. It’s very emotional, and sending strangers into a person’s home and saying you can’t keep this is very hard,” emphasizing the emotional toll involved. The woman has since become a volunteer for Pasco Brave, delivering meals to those in need. It’s usually the people who need help the most who are willing to help the most.
We as a community can still make an impact by donating to organizations such as Metropolitan Ministries, which is still actively helping hurricane victims. Donating to All Hands and Hearts VOAD can actually help them stay longer and continue to rebuild our beautiful neighborhoods. Boots on the ground are still needed and even donating two hours of your time can help neighbors be back in their homes before the new year.
These acts of kindness within our community became a symbol of hope, showing that even in the face of devastation, unity, and solicitude can uplift and sustain those affected. To learn more about how you can still impact our community after the storms, visit www.pascostorm.org.