The Ten Days That Changed Everything

Reports of what was then potential Tropical Cyclone Nine were first announced on September 17, and in the ten days that followed, that cyclone formed into Hurricane Helene and cut a path of destruction across the Southeastern U.S.

Like many of you, I have been glued to the news over the past several days, first watching with dread as Hurricane Helene approached, and then viewing the widespread cataclysmic toll of this storm. The grief that has grasped the entire southeast, from Florida to North Carolina, is almost palpable as each new image surfaces of another harrowing scene. Close to home, it is heartbreaking to see our barrier islands—the pride of Sarasota and Manatee counties—engulfed in floodwaters and sand, homes and businesses submerged and destroyed.

My heart goes out to those who have been displaced. To face the shock of the destruction of all you’ve worked hard to accumulate in life is unimaginable. My heart goes out, too, to all those who make their living on those islands: business owners, hospitality workers, all of those working in our thriving tourism economy. For these people, the uncertainty that lies ahead is an enormous burden.

We can predict that, as follows many natural disasters, people will be without a home or a job for at least weeks—maybe months—to come. Before Helene, 30 percent in Sarasota County and 31.2 percent in Manatee County were housing-cost-burdened, meaning they spent more than 30 percent of their income on housing. With many facing displacement or a long-term disruption of work with no pay, we can expect to see a meteoric rise in need for essentials like housing, utilities, transportation and childcare.

Sometimes a tragedy can feel so big that it’s hard to know how to chip away at it, to make it smaller and more bearable. It is fortunate for our community that we have something in place to do just that.

Season of Sharing has been a time-tested, trusted safety net for people facing unanticipated financial distress that leaves them unable to pay critical monthly bills and could lead to homelessness. For nearly 25 years, through a half dozen storms and other widespread calamities, Season of Sharing has been a lifeline for those who need it most.

Now is a time our communities will need it most. Season of Sharing will be called upon to help stabilize people’s lives as they navigate the unknown future, with an untold number of people impacted through the disruption of their employment for the next weeks or months until their workplaces are repaired or rebuilt. (If you know someone who needs help, their first call should be the 2-1-1 the United Way helpline that will connect those affected with a network of social services agencies.)

Helene’s impact on our area was fairly concentrated. While that may be great news for those whose lives went mostly undisturbed by the storm, that also means that those facing financial challenges will feel more alone as the community continues to chug along. Unlike the widely felt blow that Ian delivered, Helene reserved the worst impacts for a specific group of people: those living or working on those islands. It could be easier to forget—especially with the shocking trail of destruction that pushed through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina—that people right here at home are in dire need.

As I write this, a new tropical wave is forming in the spot where Helene was born, a new reminder of our new climate reality.

Taking in the tragic scenes of Helene’s catastrophic impacts, I am struck by the heroism of people. From those rescuing victims from flooded houses to those clearing debris to make roadways passable, these acts of solidarity and heroism are truly inspiring. Most of us don’t have the capability of lifting people to safety or hauling trees, but we all have the ability to help our neighbors in this time of need.

It’s an early call for Season of Sharing donations, but I hope that you’ll answer the call. Our neighbors need us, and Season of Sharing is the best way for now to give them the help they need.

You can donate online or by sending a check, payable to Community Foundation of Sarasota County (attn.: Season of Sharing) to 2635 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, Florida 34237.