Urgent Help Needed: Supporting Hurricane Victims in Bradenton, Florida

Deb Herrold, board member FCFI, doing disaster rapid response, reports from her home community of Bradenton

My husband, Ron, and I first visited Bradenton, Florida, during our honeymoon in January 1975. We quickly fell in love with its quaint atmosphere and unique history. The village was founded in 1924 by a group known as the “Tin Can Tourists“—farmers and retirees who ventured south to escape the northern cold. Their stories of perseverance, like overhauling car engines along the journey and rationing during wartime, reflect the resilient spirit that still defines this community.

Today, we face new challenges. Recently, Bradenton endured two back-to-back hurricanes, leaving devastation in their wake. The first storm pushed a surge up the Manatee River, flooding over 100 homes and 80 mobile homes. One resident recounted wading through chest-high water to help a neighbor trapped in their home. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, but the damage is evident as appliances and furniture line the streets. The second hurricane worsened the destruction, ripping off roofs and carports from many homes.

Right now, we are trying to help a single woman who is staying with her granddaughter. There are seven adults and children living together as she waits for word from FEMA. Sadly, many residents do not have insurance, and any assistance they receive will not be enough to cover the costs of rebuilding.

We are urgently seeking volunteers who can come to sunny Florida to help elderly residents and others in need. If God is calling you to make a difference, please contact the FCFI office or sign up for our disaster relief efforts. Comment on your exact interest when signing up so we can match you to an opportunity to help.

The executive director Dan Janzen will be down to see the damage on the 6th and also to put up a display and present at the ECHO International conference.

Together, we can bring hope and restoration to those who need it most.