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Finding A Way Home

Young man climbing stairs with cardboard box.

Damon and his three teenaged sons were still grieving their mother’s loss to cancer when Hurricane Michael destroyed the mobile home they were renting. Through the FEMA Direct Housing program, the family was given a new unit to stay in while they sought out something more permanent. During this time Damon reached out to Compass 82 for help. He was doing what he could to save up enough money to replace all of the family’s belongings, but he was overwhelmed by the FEMA program and didn’t have the funds to get started in a new rental. The team at Compass 82 advocated for Damon with FEMA to get him as much time as he needed in the housing program. Additionally, his case manager found funding for moving expenses, a deposit on a new rental and all of the utilities. Now the family is settled in their new home and able to focus on rebuilding a life together.

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A Team Effort

Two men carrying a sofa.

Jose called Compass 82 from his living room – the only room in his house that he could still inhabit. The widowed senior citizen slept at mattress placed on the floor next to the coffee table where he ate all his meals. Every other area in his home and all of the furniture was too damaged from Hurricane Irma to use. Jose’s Compass 82 case manager was quick to enlist the services of several agencies, knowing a job this big would take team work. The first phase of the project brought together staff and volunteers from four different organizations on sunny Saturday morning to clear out Jose’s yard and driveway to make room dumpsters and construction equipment. Next came the construction phase, led by non-profit builder and funded by Compass 82 and three other non-profit groups. Because of this collaboration and cooperation, Compass 82 was proud to be there when Jose’ new kitchen and bedroom furniture was delivered to his fully repaired home.

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A Salute to His Service

Elderly man sitting outdoors with the American Flag

John, a 90-year-old WWII veteran, had been living in a house seriously damaged by Sandy for a year and a half before receiving assistance. It wasn’t until some friends realized the poor quality of his living condition that he finally got help from OCLTRG. Through some hard work, we were able to provide him with a safe, sanitary and secure living situation. Then, shortly before the third anniversary of Sandy, we were able to welcome him home! While there, several people instrumental in helping John joined us in forming a large circle around his newly raised American flag. As we came together to bless John’s home, the flag billowed softly in the breeze; reminding us of John’s service and legacy!

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Someone To Lean On

Handwritten letter from grateful Hurricance Sandy resident

Elizabeth was ready to give up before meeting, Eva, Our Disaster Case Manager, who guided her through a mess of paperwork and provided extensive emotional support. Elizabeth had been displaced for several years before Eva helped her acquire additional funding vital to rebuilding her home. Elizabeth was so impressed with Eva’s commitment that she wrote a letter expressing her gratitude for Eva’s “compassion in understanding the emotions of a Sandy victim is experiencing.” Now, Elizabeth no longer has to worry about repairing her home and can focus on rebuilding her life.

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