Ian evacuees from SW Florida are hurting [View all]

[teach1st]

I left the Tampa Bay area to escape from Ian. It turns out I didn't have to, but I did need to evacuate my mother, whose retirement community is on the water and has a forced evacuation.

Anyway, I'm staying in a motel not too far from Mar-a-Largo. There are tons of folks here from the Fort Meyers/SW Florida area. Not all are well-to-do, and there are many families with children. I talked to a young couple who just received a text that their home was severely damaged. They have an infant. They are devastated and holding back tears.

As I walk through the packed lobby, sometimes I see people watching the Ian footage and crying. One woman confided in me that they can only afford this night in the motel. She has two dogs and no room in her small car for her husband and her dogs to sleep. It's packed with their possessions. I paypal-ed her funds for an additional night.

I am lucky. My neighbor texted that my place is fine and still has power. But I see all of these people who have or may have lost everything. Folks, Florida will need help. I'm not going to post a link to where you can donate to Ian relief, but you can find one easily if you search.

Lots of people in the world need help. Please consider a small donation to Ian relief.

Thanks!