Hurricane Ian Recovery – Get Help, Give Help in SWFL

GET HELP

Click here for FEMA Information

Better Together

  • Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, has vetted and background-checked host volunteer families available to provide short term childcare to first responders, essential workers and families in need of getting their children into a safe environment.
  • Better Together is also working with local employers to find workers to assist with damage.
  • Employers and job seekers can contact Better Together for assistance.
  • Get Help: bettertogetherus.org/better-families/apply-for-help

Cape Christian Food & Supplies Distribution

  • Cape Christian is providing food, water and non-perishable items.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 4 through Friday, Oct. 7
  • Address: 2110 Chiquita Blvd S, Cape Coral FL, 33991
  • Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Car line setup – Cape Christian volunteers will load up your car

Community Cooperative

  • The nonprofit provides emergency groceries, hot food, social services as well as Meals on Wheels food and mobile food pantry deliveries throughout Lee and North Collier County
  • The Community Market is open Monday – Friday with emergency groceries and hot meals at 3429 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in Fort Myers and pop-up Mobile Food Pantries are hosted as available.
  • Visit Community Cooperative’s Facebook page for upcoming pantries. https://www.facebook.com/communitycooperative

Family Initiative

  • Family Initiative’s Autism Support Center in Cape Coral has reopened to provide basic food supplies and bottled water for Southwest Florida families in need.
  • The Autism Support Center, located at 734 SW 4th St., is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  

NAMI Collier County

  • The Sarah Ann Drop-In Center, a confidential, accepting, and safe environment where people over the age of 18 with a mental illness diagnosis can participate in support groups and activities is open with AC and electricity, but the center does not have working internet or phones at this time.
  • Those with mental illnesses and their families who are in need of peer support, food pantry supplies, clothing, coffee, a shower, air conditioning or laundry support are welcome at the center Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • We know one in five people live with mental illnesses daily; with the widespread devastation that has occurred, the stressors and triggers are magnified. If you are feeling overwhelmed and need to speak to some of NAMI’s Peer Operators, call the Wam Line at 800-945-1355 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, or the National Suicide Hotline at 988.

Lee BIA Builders Care

  • Builders Care is providing a range of services at no cost to elderly and/or disabled homeowners in need, including roof tarping, water damage mitigation, window replacement, AC repair, roof repairs, property debris and tree cleanup, plumbing repairs, electrical repairs, wheelchair ramp rebuilds and delivery of food, water and other essentials.
  • Elderly and/or disabled homeowners in need can visit www.leebuilderscare.com/hurricanerelief for more information.

The Preserve

  • The Preserve, in partnership with The Roads Home Health, will host a Community Cookout for first responders and health care workers on Friday, Oct. 7.
  • Meals will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Preserve
  • The Preserve is located at 14750 Hope Center Loop in south Fort Myers.  

The School District of Lee County

  • Miami-Dade Public Schools is delivering food to The School District of Lee County on Wednesday, October 5. Students, families, teachers, and staff or anyone who is in critical need are encouraged to stop by for fresh fruit, juices, snacks, and packaged sandwiches.
  • Date: Wednesday, Oct. 5
  • Time: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
  • Distribution Site: 2855 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers

TwinCutZ

  • TwinCutZ, a professional barber shop is providing free hair washes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday at its Coconut Point location at 23050 Via Villagio, Suite 123, in Estero.
  • Website: twincutz.com

United Way

  • United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties offers a 24-hour helpline for local information and services.
  • Phone: 2-1-1 or 239-433-2000
  • Website: unitedwaylee.org

Dwayne Bergman Interiors

  • Dwayne Bergman Interiors, located at 12195 Metro Parkway in Fort Myers, will be distributing supplies including food, diapers, wipes, paper products, personal hygiene products, dog/cat food and more on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 10 a.m.

VOLUNTEER OR DONATE

Avow Hospice

  • In-kind donations are now being accepted at the Avow campus to supply necessities to Avow employees, patients and families.
  • Needs include towels, sheets, air mattresses, pillows, personal hygiene supplies of toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, deodorant, wipes, non-perishable food, water, Gatorade, cleaning supplies, trash bags, first aid supplies, batteries, flashlights, battery and cell phone chargers, portable fans, blue tarps, paper towels and toilet paper. Gift cards ($25 denominations best) are also appreciated for gas, grocery, Walmart, and Target. Any support will make a difference.
  • To donate cash, visit avowcares.org.
  • Address: 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples
  • Phone: Avow is always open to help. Call 239-261-4404 or toll free 888-484-AVOW (2869) any time to speak to a team member
  • Website: avowcares.org

Better Together

  • Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, has vetted and background-checked host volunteer families available to provide short term childcare to first responders, essential workers and families in need of getting their children into a safe environment.
  • Better Together is partnering with Cape Christian, Mission Church and churches across the state and country to distribute supplies to Southwest Florida families in need. Partners are distributing supplies ranging from tarps, batteries, gas cans, water and non-perishable food to family items including diapers, baby formula and personal hygiene kits.
  • Needs:
  • Volunteers are needed across Southwest Florida and Sarasota to serve as host families and to help deliver resources to families.
  • Donations of supplies are also being accepted at Cape Christian, 2110 Chiquita Blvd. S. in Cape Coral.

Cajun Navy

  • The Cajun Navy from Louisiana is in Fort Myers providing hot meals every day for people in need.
  • Cajun Navy is accepting canned food donations, baby supplies, cleaning supplies, water bottles, and trash cans from now until Oct. 14. You can drop off supplies from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 17105 San Carlos Blvd.

Cape Christian Food & Supplies Distribution

  • Cape Christian is providing hot meals, water, and non-perishable items every day for those in need.
  • There are three volunteer shifts available:
  • 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
  • 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Anyone interested in volunteering should text “CapeVol” to 94000

Community Cooperative

Conservancy of Southwest Florida von Arx Wildlife Hospital

  • The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s von Arx Wildlife Hospital is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily to care for animals injured in Hurricane Ian. In addition, the hospital and campus have needs for donations that can be dropped off in front of the wildlife hospital, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples.
  • Towels (most needed)
  • Reusable ice packs
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Apples
  • Carrots
  • Corn
  • Oranges
  • Bleach
  • Detergent
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Carbon filters
  • D batteries
  • Heavy-duty extension cords, 25ft or greater
  • Heavy duty surge protectors
  • Items can also be purchased at Amazon Wishlist  and Chewy Wishlist.
  • The Collier Community Foundation has established the Collier Comes Together Hurricane Fund to benefit Southwest Florida nonprofit relief efforts and programs to get funds where they are needed most. To help, click here.

Dwayne Bergmann Interiors

  • Designers and Builders Unite – Rebuilding our Community Together
  • To tackle our immediate needs, together with Stacey Callahan, publisher of Luxe Interiors + Design Florida and Ryan Watlee of Watlee Construction we have gathered highly needed supplies, including bottled water, paper towels, paper plates, toiletries, and more that will be distributed at Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, 12195 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers.
  • Please donate to the Designers and Builders Unite Hurricane Ian Relief Fund here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/a949s6-ian-relief-fund

Elite DNA Behavioral Health

  • Elite DNA Behavioral Health offices from around the state will be collecting supplies for victims of Hurricane Ian. Items include food, gently used or new clothing and essential items. Donations will be provided to the Heights Foundation, Harry Chapin Food Bank and Community Cooperative.
  • Drop-off sites include:
  • Fort Myers
  • Naples
  • Lehigh
  • Port Charlotte
  • Jacksonville
  • Tallahassee
  • Orange Park
  • Gainesville
  • Bradenton
  • Brandon
  • Brooksville
  • Jupiter
  • Lakeland
  • Loxahatchee
  • Maitland
  • New Port Richey
  • Ormond Beach
  • Oviedo
  • Sarasota
  • Tampa
  • Wesley Chapel
  • Weston

Family Initiative

  • To continue providing services to families with autism in need, Family Initiative is seeking donations of nonperishable food items, cases of water, batteries, or financial contributions.
  • The Autism Support Center, located at 734 SW 4th St., is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • If donors are unable to deliver items, Family Initiative can arrange pick up as well as the distribution of goods to families, if possible. 
  • Please visit, fi-florida.org/ for more information.

Healthcare Network

  • Healthcare Network’s Community Outreach team is providing much-needed supplies, including bottled water, canned goods, personal care items (shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste), baby diapers and adult briefs for the elderly who have been impacted by the storm.
  • All donations to the Community Outreach Fund will directly benefit Collier County residents.
  • To donate, visit healthcareswfl.org/donate.

Hope Healthcare

  • Hope Healthcare needs funding to continue providing care to people needing hospice and palliative care who have been displaced due to Hurricane Ian. They are working to deliver medications, oxygen and essential supplies to people in their homes as well as provide shelter to as many people as possible at their care centers. Donations are being accepted at MoreHope.org
  • They are working quickly to provide community grief response services and details will be provided soon.

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

  • Hurricane Ian Emergency Disaster Relief Fund: 100% of contributions go to help our community and Southwest Florida.
  • Donations/checks can be made payable to Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste 2201, Naples, FL 34109.

Lee BIA Builders Care

  • Lee BIA Builders Care is rallying local builders and support from the community to provide emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners impacted by Hurricane Ian. Builders Care is providing a range of services, including roof tarping, water damage mitigation, window replacement, AC repair, roof repairs, property debris and tree cleanup, plumbing repairs, electrical repairs, wheelchair ramp rebuilds and delivery of food, water and other essentials.
  • Volunteer: Individuals, groups, contractors and suppliers can help by donating time and resources to help make a project possible.
  • Donate: The nonprofit has established a Hurricane Ian Builders Care Relief Fund to support hurricane relief efforts and is accepting donations at www.leebuilderscare.com/hurricanerelief. One hundred percent of donations will go directly to serving elderly and/or disabled homeowners in need of critical home repairs following Hurricane Ian.

Lee Health Foundation

  • Lee Health Foundation has announced creation of the SWFL Stronger Together employee relief fund to provide critical aid to the thousands of healthcare professionals who suffered incredible loss in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, many while serving patients at Lee Health hospitals across SWFL.
  • Lee Health is the largest employer in Lee County, with more than 15,000 employees, many of them personally impacted by Hurricane Ian. Many of the staff at HealthPark Medical Center and Golisano Children’s Hospital of SWFL who worked during the hurricane lost their cars due to flooding. Many are in need of transportation assistance, housing, meals and water. Relief funds will go to supporting staff and ensuring continued patient care as the community goes through this difficult time.
  • To donate, visit Leehealthfoundation.org/swfl-stronger-together/.

NAMI Collier County

  • October 2 – 8 is Mental Health Awareness Week. We know one in five people live with mental illnesses daily; with the widespread devastation that has occurred, the stressors and triggers are magnified. NAMI Collier County is working with community partners to collect food and clothing supplies. Immediate needs are:
  • Gift cards to Publix, Walmart, or gas stations
  • Ready-to-eat food items (tuna cans/pouches, shelf stable milk, cereals, spaghetti ohs, instant mac and cheese cups, etc.)
  • Clothing- larger, comfortable adult clothing (t-shirts, athletic shorts, socks, underwear)
  • Gardening gloves to help with recovery efforts
  • Monetary donations to NAMI to support programs and outreach efforts: https://namicollier.salsalabs.org/HopeShines 

Studio+

  • Studio+ has partnered with The American Institute of Architects (AIA) to collect items for donation at our Studio+ Fort Myers office in Gateway.
  • Donations needed: Towels, Clothes, Food, Bleach, Hand Sanitizer, Reusable Ice Packs, Carbon Filters, D-Batteries, Heavy Duty Extension Cords, 25’ or Greater, Heavy Duty Surge Protectors
  • Address: 12271 Towne Lake Drive, Fort Myers

TwinCutz

  • Professional barber shop collecting clothing donations for all ages at the following locations:
  • Coconut Point (Estero): 23050 Via Villagio, Suite 123
  • Gulf Coast Town Center (Fort Myers): 9918 Gulf Coast Main St., Unit 140
  • Daniels Parkway (Fort Myers): 6900 Daniels Parkway, Unit 18
  • Naples: 5038 Airport-Pulling Road
  • Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Website: twincutz.com

United Way

  • United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties, in partnership with the Collaboratory, is asking for the community’s support, not just locally but nationally and globally. The needs are greater than you can imagine, and the resources are limited.
  • In collaboration with Lee County Government, FEMA and local partner agencies, our priority right now is short-term, immediate needs. We are asking for monetary donations, which will give United Way the flexibility to properly vet and meet families where they are with what they need. Donated funds give much-needed assistance to the victims of Hurricane Ian so families can purchase new, clean clothes and necessary personal essentials. All donations stay local to provide direct support to communities including Pine Island, Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers Beach and throughout Lee County. Visit www.leegov.com/storm and click the red “Donate” button to contribute to the SWFL Emergency Relief Fund.
  • The Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs is in need of volunteers to help clear the grounds from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday through the weekend. Please arrive anytime during those hours through the back gate, wear closed-toed shoes and bring gloves and tools if you have them.
  • Wonder Gardens is located at 27180 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs.
  • Even with extensive hurricane preparation, the Gardens lost its Animal Care Kitchen & refrigerators, where the animal care team prepares daily diets. The Gardens are in major need of animal food along with other miscellaneous items. To donate by mail, please send to 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 or visit https://wondergardens.org/donations/
  • A complete list of animal food needed (no seeds please), and other items is available on Wonder Gardens Facebook page.
  • Please email sarahw@wondergardens.org with any questions. 
  • The Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs is in need of volunteers to help clear the grounds from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday through the weekend. Please arrive anytime during those hours through the back gate, wear closed-toed shoes and bring gloves and tools if you have them.
  • Wonder Gardens is located at 27180 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs.
  • Even with extensive hurricane preparation, the Gardens lost its Animal Care Kitchen & refrigerators, where the animal care team prepares daily diets. The Gardens are in major need of animal food along with other miscellaneous items. To donate by mail, please send to 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 or visit https://wondergardens.org/donations/
  • A complete list of animal food needed (no seeds please), and other items is available on Wonder Gardens Facebook page.
  • Please email sarahw@wondergardens.org with any questions. 

Mental Health

David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health

Based in Southwest Florida, David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a not-for-profit, leading provider of compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services.

Website https://davidlawrencecenters.org/

(239) 455-8500 ; 6075 Bathey Ln Naples, FL 34116 (Open 24/7 for Emergency Care)

Elite DNA Behavioral Health

Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health care provider, has mental health professionals available at the following locations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Fort Myers – Metro: 4310 Metro Parkway, Suite 205, 239-223-2751  

Fort Myers – Plantation: 6430 Plantation Park Court, Suite 200, 239-223-2751  

Naples – 2230 Venetian Court, Suite 1, 833-362-7935 

Port Charlotte – 3191 Harbor Blvd., Suites A-B, 941-883-4518  

Venice – Open for telehealth appointments only, 941-244-4377 

Website: EliteDNA.com 

Healthcare Network 

For community members in need, Healthcare Network, with practices throughout Collier County, offers integrated behavioral health, which allows patients to receive behavioral health services when they visit for adult, pediatric and women’s care services.    

Locations:  

Marion E. Fether (MEF), 1454 Madison Ave. W., Immokalee  

FSU College of Medicine, 1441 Heritage Blvd., Immokalee  

Nichols Community Health Center Golden Gate, 12655 Collier Blvd., Naples  

Children’s Care East (CCE ), 6350 Davis Blvd. #1001, Naples  

Children’s Care North (CCN), 1265 Creekside Parkway, #208, Naples  

Family Care North (FCN), 1265 Creekside Parkway, #206, Naples  

Family Care iTech (FCIT), 508 North 9th Street, #142, Immokalee  

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday  

Phone: 239.658.3000 to schedule or make an appointment. Telehealth services are also available.   

Website: https://healthcareswfl.org/  

Additionally, Healthcare Network offers traditional mental health services through the Center for Psychology and Wellness, located in Nichols Community Health Center, 2655 Collier Blvd., Naples. Mental Health services are available in person or via telehealth.   

Outreach  

Healthcare Network’s multilingual Community Outreach Team is going out into the community (see remaining schedule below) providing tetanus vaccines, medical assistance, mental health support and water and other supplies (wipes, hand sanitizers, diapers when in supply) to those in need.   

Thursday, October 6  

9 a.m. to noon: State Farmers Market, 424 New Market Road, Immokalee  

2 to 5 pm: 608 Collier Ave., Everglades City  

Friday, October 7  

9 a.m. to noon: Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Dr., Naples  

The Outreach Team is also canvassing communities working to connect individuals impacted by the storm with medical and other support services. If you work or live in Collier County and need help finding recovery resources, please call Healthcare Network’s Community Outreach Team at 239.675.7080, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The schedule for the Outreach Team is being developed for next week.   

NAMI Collier County

The Sarah Ann Drop-In Center, a confidential, accepting, and safe environment where people over the age of 18 with a mental illness diagnosis can participate in support groups and activities is open with AC and electricity, but the center does not have working internet or phones at this time. Those with mental illnesses and their families who are in need of peer support, food pantry supplies, clothing, coffee, a shower, air conditioning or laundry support are welcome at the center Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Address: 6324 Trail Blvd., Naples, FL 34108. 

We know one in five people live with mental illnesses daily; with the widespread devastation that has occurred, the stressors and triggers are magnified. If you are feeling overwhelmed and need to speak to some of NAMI’s Peer Operators, call the Wam Line at 800-945-1355 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, or the National Suicide Hotline at 988. 

NAMI Collier County is working with community partners to collect food and clothing supplies. Immediate needs are:  

Gift cards to Publix, Walmart, or gas stations  

Ready-to-eat food items (tuna cans/pouches, shelf stable milk, cereals, spaghetti ohs, instant mac and cheese cups, etc.)  

Clothing- larger, comfortable adult clothing (t-shirts, athletic shorts, socks, underwear)  

Gardening gloves to help with recovery efforts  

Monetary donations to NAMI to support programs and outreach efforts: https://namicollier.salsalabs.org/HopeShines    

SalusCare

The mental health center in Fort Myers will provide or refer anyone to mental health services they need. SalusCare does not deny treatment based on inability to pay, although there are fees for its services. The website is saluscareflorida.org/ 

Patients are being seen in person at 3763 Evans Ave., Fort Myers even though it sustained some damage. Other patients are being seen via telehealth.