St. Matthew’s House and Citygate Ministries partnered with the Collier County United Way, Crown of Life Church, and Greater Marco Area YMCA to help with relief efforts in Everglades City today.
The team visited one of the hardest hit areas in Everglades City to distribute food and supplies to residents who are still without homes or food after the storm.
The first group, lead by Delicious by Design, coordinated lunch at the Everglades City Park to serve meals under the pavilion. Executive Chef Kris Jubinville and volunteers served over 240 meals to residents, first responders, and to FEMA representatives within the first hour and a half.
“St. Matthew’s House serves the poor and hurting every day. It brings such joy to provide food for those who join in the effort to care for the needs of hurting people in our community,” said Vann Ellison, president, and CEO of St. Matthew’s House. “Recovery is a partnership with those hurting people, donors, not for profits, and our government.”
Another group of volunteers helped Everglades City resident Terri Rementeria clean out her daughter’s house that was destroyed during the storm. Her daughter is currently 8 months pregnant. “They lost everything, and they have a baby due in about a week and a half,” said Rementeria. “The water made it up about 4 1/2 feet into the house. Everybody in this town is broken. We’re on no sleep, junk food, and we’re stepping on the shoestrings of our hope right now.”
The last group of volunteers dropped off a generator, bleach, mops, rags and other cleaning materials to a community supply tent organized by 3R Contractors.
