Many families experienced hardships as a result of the historic April 2014 flooding in Escambia County. Since then, several local community partners and national volunteer groups have teamed up to help build, restore and provide affordable housing to those in need.
Over the past 17 months, the Escambia County Long Term Recovery Group worked with dozens of local nonprofit organizations from throughout the nation and Canada to help restore hope to the homes of survivors impacted by the flood. The County’s Neighborhood Enterprise Division (NED) provided funding to United Way of Escambia County through the Escambia/Pensacola State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program to produce and preserve affordable homeownership for low- and moderate-income families after the flood. Since August 2014, more than 82 homes received housing repair assistance through volunteer agencies and nearly 37,000 hours of combined volunteer hours have been recorded (a labor value exceeding $845,000).
"Natural disasters, such as a catastrophic flood event, can present many challenges for families looking to repair their homes," said Escambia County homeowner Joani Lavoie. "The SHIP program was with me and my family every step of the way and provided access to resources and financial support that allowed us to rebuild our home. I am truly grateful for the program and all of the wonderful organizations and volunteers who pitched in to help us recover during difficult times."
Other partner organizations instrumental in facilitating housing recovery and assistance needs include the City of Pensacola, Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE), Florida Recovery Team, Legal Services of North Florida, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, United Way of Escambia County and many more.
For more information about the Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division, contact Meredith Nunnari, Division Manager, at (850) 595-0022, ext. 3, or at [email protected].
