TBM disaster relief meets needs in Florida after Hurricane Ian

NAPLES, Fla.—Hurricane Ian is gone, and its floodwaters have receded. But devastating evidence of its presence remains throughout Naples, Fla., where Texas Baptist Men disaster relief volunteers are serving.

TBM disaster relief volunteers work in Naples, Fla., to prepare meals after Hurricane Ian. (TBM Photo)

Random boats float in backyard swimming pools. Kitchen islands have floated away. Walls and flooring in many places remain soaked.

Rain and a 9-foot storm surge flooded entire neighborhoods in Naples and temporarily knocked out power to many in the area.

In all, the strongest storm to hit Western Florida in history has killed at least 105 people in the United States, in addition to lives claimed in Cuba.

TBM volunteers are making sure Naples survivors have the food they need to push forward and a path forward for recovery, even if the Texans have to clear it themselves.

The day begins no later than 5 a.m. for TBM disaster relief volunteers serving in Naples, Fla. (TBM Photo)

Working alongside Louisiana Baptists, TBM volunteers begin work at 5 a.m. each day, cooking 5,000 to 6,000 meals that are distributed across the area.

Each meal gives people strength to rebuild and “gives them hope that someone out there cares—and that ‘someone’ is Jesus,” said veteran TBM volunteer Joe Crutchfield.

Veteran TBM disaster relief volunteer Joe Crutchfield works in the field kitchen in Naples, Fla. (TBM Photo)

In the affected communities, a TBM flood recovery team from Southeast Texas is removing wet sheetrock, flooring, furniture and appliances. Team members then disinfect each home and let it dry out so it can be rebuilt. In one day, the team accomplishes what would take homeowners weeks or months to do.

Two more TBM flood recovery teams are headed to Naples to multiply TBM’s impact after the storm.

“These are extremely difficult days in Naples,” said TBM Executive Director/CEO Mickey Lenamon. “People are coming to grips with significant damage. The situation is overwhelming.

“In the midst of it all, TBM volunteers are living out their faith and meeting needs. Please continue to pray for Florida, as well as those who are serving.”

To support TBM disaster relief ministries financially, send a check designated for disaster relief to Texas Baptist Men, 5351 Catron Dr., Dallas, TX 75227 or click here to give online.