By Richard Nations, MODR Public Information Officer
VENICE, FLORIDA — Missouri Disaster Relief (MODR) volunteers arrived in Venice, on the west coast of Florida, Saturday evening, October 1st. Mike Hibbard is the white hat incident commander. He said there are 23 volunteers working there presently. They are doing mass care (feeding) and helping residents by putting tarps on damaged roofs. They secure the leaking roof until a roofing crew can repair the damage. He anticipates there will be a need for chain saw recovery crews. He said the flooding is primarily south of the Venice area but there might be some in the area so flood recovery units may be needed at some point.
Hibbard said he has spoken with the manager of a manufactured home communities with 1,400 units. They estimate 40-50% of those homes are occupied and the remainder are vacation homes for people from up north—“snownbirds” as they say. Most of the homes are damaged there and they will need flood recovery help.
Hibbard said they have a shower trailer onsite and are providing laundry and showers for the community during the daytime hours as well as for the volunteers. He expects another laundry unit to arrive later this week.
Prayers are needed. Volunteers will continue to be needed and financial gifts will be appreciated. To give and support the effort in Florida, log on to modr.org/give and select Hurricane Ian from the drop-down menu. Checks may also be sent to Missouri Baptist Convention—Disaster Relief, 400 E. High St., Jefferson City, MO 63501 and mark checks for Hurricane Ian relief.