Stories of Strength and Support: Hurricane Recovery for Older Adults in Florida
In November 2024, the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas began providing critical disaster-related assistance to clients in Pasco and Pinellas Counties—located along Florida’s Gulf Coast in the Tampa Bay region—through USAging Disaster Relief Funds, with additional support from other funding sources for some individuals. As part of the response, individuals were referred to community resources and scheduled for intake screenings to assess eligibility for ongoing services if applicable needs were identified. A total of five clients with identified hurricane-related needs were served through this coordinated effort.
Reba, 90, St. Petersburg
Reba was referred for hurricane-related assistance after her senior housing unit was completely flooded, leaving her with just two sets of clothes and worn-out sandals. Staying in a hotel under a FEMA voucher, she relied on her niece for communication because her phone no longer worked. Using money from the USAging Disaster Relief Fund, gift cards were provided to help Reba purchase clothing and shoes and a new cell phone with minutes was secured, allowing her to stay connected and receive FEMA updates. Her niece expressed deep gratitude. “She’s been handling all of this like a champ—I want to be like her. She’s really amazing.”
Paula, 70, Clearwater
Paula was overwhelmed by the aftermath of the hurricane. Her roof was damaged, her fence was down and she was still waiting on FEMA and insurance to help with repairs. After evacuating twice and charging $2,000 to her credit card, she struggled to keep up with utility bills and rising household costs, especially after housing her family during the storm. Paula lost all her perishable food and was even cooking for her dog from her limited groceries. Through the USAging Disaster Relief Fund, she received gift cards for groceries and pet supplies, and her utility bills were paid to help ease her financial burden. Grateful for the support, Paula said, “You have no idea how happy you’ve made me. This is going to help me so much.”
Deloris, 85, Tarpon Springs
Deloris faced significant challenges after storm damage to her apartment left her without essential items, including medical equipment. Staying temporarily with her daughter in Pasco County, she had found a new apartment and was preparing to move in. While some equipment had been replaced privately, she still needed a lift chair, shower chair and incontinence supplies. With support from the USAging Disaster Relief Fund, Deloris received these items along with a Publix gift card for groceries. Her daughter shared heartfelt thanks. “You made a lot of things easier for her and us…we are so grateful.”
June, 69, Dunedin
June endured three feet of flooding and wind damage to her mobile home during the hurricane, watching the water rise from her bed with her cat. Though she was unharmed, her home was destroyed, and she lost her life savings invested in it. With no power and facing demolition costs, she temporarily stayed in a nearby undamaged unit while searching for a new place. June received essential support through donated funding, including gift cards, pet supplies, solar lanterns and clothing. Help from the USAging Disaster Relief Fund covered the security deposit and pet fee for a senior apartment, allowing her to move in with her beloved cat. Grateful, she said, “Thank you for all the support, it is just nice to hear a friendly and helpful voice as well. Thank you so much. It means a lot to me what you do, thank you."
Ezrah, 65, St. Petersburg
Ezrah was referred for hurricane-related assistance after losing her husband during Hurricane Helene—a loss she believes was brought on by the stress of storm preparations. Struggling emotionally and physically, Ezrah, who uses a wheelchair, needed support to manage daily tasks without her husband’s help. She began counseling through the Older Americans Act program, and received a lift chair and shower chair through the USAging Disaster Relief Fund to help her remain independent. Short-term home-delivered meals were also provided to support her recovery. Grateful for the help, Ezrah shared, “It’s wonderful—I absolutely love it.”
— Anne Marie Winter, Executive Director, Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc., St. Petersburg, FL
Reba, 90, St. Petersburg
Reba was referred for hurricane-related assistance after her senior housing unit was completely flooded, leaving her with just two sets of clothes and worn-out sandals. Staying in a hotel under a FEMA voucher, she relied on her niece for communication because her phone no longer worked. Using money from the USAging Disaster Relief Fund, gift cards were provided to help Reba purchase clothing and shoes and a new cell phone with minutes was secured, allowing her to stay connected and receive FEMA updates. Her niece expressed deep gratitude. “She’s been handling all of this like a champ—I want to be like her. She’s really amazing.”
Paula, 70, Clearwater
Paula was overwhelmed by the aftermath of the hurricane. Her roof was damaged, her fence was down and she was still waiting on FEMA and insurance to help with repairs. After evacuating twice and charging $2,000 to her credit card, she struggled to keep up with utility bills and rising household costs, especially after housing her family during the storm. Paula lost all her perishable food and was even cooking for her dog from her limited groceries. Through the USAging Disaster Relief Fund, she received gift cards for groceries and pet supplies, and her utility bills were paid to help ease her financial burden. Grateful for the support, Paula said, “You have no idea how happy you’ve made me. This is going to help me so much.”
Deloris, 85, Tarpon Springs
Deloris faced significant challenges after storm damage to her apartment left her without essential items, including medical equipment. Staying temporarily with her daughter in Pasco County, she had found a new apartment and was preparing to move in. While some equipment had been replaced privately, she still needed a lift chair, shower chair and incontinence supplies. With support from the USAging Disaster Relief Fund, Deloris received these items along with a Publix gift card for groceries. Her daughter shared heartfelt thanks. “You made a lot of things easier for her and us…we are so grateful.”
June, 69, Dunedin
June endured three feet of flooding and wind damage to her mobile home during the hurricane, watching the water rise from her bed with her cat. Though she was unharmed, her home was destroyed, and she lost her life savings invested in it. With no power and facing demolition costs, she temporarily stayed in a nearby undamaged unit while searching for a new place. June received essential support through donated funding, including gift cards, pet supplies, solar lanterns and clothing. Help from the USAging Disaster Relief Fund covered the security deposit and pet fee for a senior apartment, allowing her to move in with her beloved cat. Grateful, she said, “Thank you for all the support, it is just nice to hear a friendly and helpful voice as well. Thank you so much. It means a lot to me what you do, thank you."
Ezrah, 65, St. Petersburg
Ezrah was referred for hurricane-related assistance after losing her husband during Hurricane Helene—a loss she believes was brought on by the stress of storm preparations. Struggling emotionally and physically, Ezrah, who uses a wheelchair, needed support to manage daily tasks without her husband’s help. She began counseling through the Older Americans Act program, and received a lift chair and shower chair through the USAging Disaster Relief Fund to help her remain independent. Short-term home-delivered meals were also provided to support her recovery. Grateful for the help, Ezrah shared, “It’s wonderful—I absolutely love it.”
— Anne Marie Winter, Executive Director, Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc., St. Petersburg, FL