OUR PURPOSE
In partnership with the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, we are committed to empowering vulnerable communities with the tools and knowledge needed to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters.
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Through the establishment of a Disaster Recovery Center, we aim to provide timely support, essential resources, and accurate information to areas impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton—helping individuals and families rebuild stronger and more resilient communities.
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OUR LOCATIONS
The Tampa Bay Region Long-Term Disaster Recovery Center will be headquartered in Tampa (Hillsborough County), with a satellite office located at the Pinellas County Urban League in Pinellas County. These centers will serve as regional hubs for coordinated disaster response and long-term recovery efforts.
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CDC of Tampa
1907 E Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33610
(813) 231-4362
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Pinellas County Urban League
333 31st Street N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
(727) 327-2081
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Enterprising Latinas
5128 State Road 674, Wimauma, FL 33598
(813) 699-5811
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OUR RECOVERY INITIATIVES
The Long-Term Disaster Recovery Center will provide comprehensive support services to communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Wimauma, and Plant City. Recovery efforts will be powered by a collaborative network of churches, schools, community organizations, and dedicated volunteers.
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Programs will focus on:
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Workforce Development: Assisting residents in securing employment in high-growth, high-demand industries.
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Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Education: Offering pre- and post-disaster planning, training, and consultation.
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Holistic Support Services: Providing access to mental health and spiritual counseling, insurance navigation, and financial literacy workshops—either directly or through trusted community partners.
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COMMUNITY VOICE & ENGAGEMENT
To ensure our response reflects the community’s real needs, Community Listening Conversations will be held to give residents a platform to share how Hurricanes Helene and Milton (2024) have impacted their lives. Insights gathered from these sessions will shape the development of a Community Disaster Toolkit, designed to support preparedness, resilience, and future response efforts.
For more information, contact:
Tampa Bay Red Cross Workshop Activities
1. Pre-During-Post Disaster Workshop
Workshop Goal: The goal of this workshop is to provide public awareness of the importance of pre-disaster preparation and post-disaster recovery
Objective: By the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to:
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Identify sustainable foods and water to include in a pre-disaster emergency kit
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Identify supplies needed for pre- and post-disaster recovery efforts
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Understand how to navigate the disaster aid or insurance claims process
2. Spiritual and Mental Health Consultation
Goal: The goal of this workshop is to provide community-based spiritual and mental health guidance to residents impacted by national disaster
Objective: By the end of this workshop, participants will have the tools needed to:
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Identify stressors and mitigate the emotional, psychological, and physical effects that stemmed from national disaster
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Return to pre-disaster behavioral performance and functioning levels
3. Financial Literacy Workshop – Mind Your Finances - Shift Your Mindset. Shape Your Money
Workshop Goal:
To equip attendees with control, clarity, and confidence in managing their finances. The program will be interactive and practical, focused on real-world financial skills and cultivating a healthy financial mindset for long-term wellness.
***This is a progressive series, with each session building upon the previous one. The format is flexible enough to allow participants to join at any point during the series.
4. Insurance Advocacy
Goal: To equip individuals and families with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to protect their property and financial stability before a disaster strikes, and to ensure equitable access to fair insurance settlements afterward.
5. Community Engagement Listening Session
Goal: The goal is to create a safe, respectful space where disaster-impacted residents can share their experiences, voice their immediate and long-term needs, and identify barriers to recovery. By listening directly to the community, we aim to ensure that disaster response and recovery efforts are equitable, community-informed, and responsive to the real challenges faced by those most affected.
6. Workforce Development
Hiring Hour Job Fair - This event is for individuals seeking to advance in their current field or eager to explore a new career path.
7. Upskills Credential Certification
Short term certifications through Tampa Vocational Institute to include OSHA 10, HAZWOPER 40, CAN, Forklift, and NCCER – Core curriculum obtained within 4 – 6 weeks.
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