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Lee County organization tackling hunger, homelessness creates emergency relief fund for neighbors displaced by Hurricane Ian

Lee County organization tackling hunger, homelessness creates emergency relief fund for neighbors displaced by Hurricane Ian.

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Community Cooperative, a non-profit organization working to alleviate hunger and homelessness in Lee County, announced the launch of Lee County Strong, an emergency relief fund providing housing and food assistance to the residents of southwest Florida recovering from the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Ian.

According to Community Cooperative, the Lee County Strong emergency relief fund will provide displaced and desperate residents and families with basic necessities such as food and hygiene products, as well as assist hurricane victims with housing issues and long-term recovery needs through their social services team.

“The residents of Lee County and southwest Florida have suffered so much these past few weeks, with many of our displaced neighbors facing the dilemma of where they are going to sleep tonight or when their next meal will come,” said Stefanie Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. “There is a long tough road ahead for our devastated community, and through Lee County Strong, we are going to expand our programs and services to help rebuild lives and get people back on their feet.”

Those who wish to apply for relief through the Lee County Strong emergency relief fund can do so at www.LeeCountyStrong.com.

According to local officials, around 900 refugees were still staying in shelters throughout Lee County as of Friday — including approximately 400 survivors currently being sheltered in Hertz Arena. Local officials estimate thousands of displaced residents will require assistance finding temporary housing in the upcoming months. With a desperate search for shelter also comes a frantic need for food, water, and basic needs.

In addition to numerous community programs — including Sam’s Community Cafe & Kitchen and Community Market, Growing Healthy Kids and Meals on Wheels — Community Cooperative also operates mobile food pantries and several social and education resource centers throughout Lee County.

Last year, Community Cooperative provided more than 2.1 million pounds of food to those in need, assisting over 42,000 Lee County residents struggling to provide adequate meals for themselves and their families.

According to Community Cooperative, one in six individuals in Lee County are considered food insecure, a rate that has increased since Hurricane Ian made landfall nearly three weeks ago.

Supporters looking to donate to the Lee County Strong Emergency Relief Fund can do so at www. LeeCountyStrong.com.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer for Community Cooperative can apply or learn more at www.CommunityCooperative.com/Give-Help/Volunteer, or contact via email at volunteer@communitycooperative.com.