Struggle continues for island businesses and workers, F.I.S.H. reports
While the intensity of red tide and its wildlife destruction varies, the effects of the crisis for island residents and workers continues.
During August and September, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva saw a large increase in households seeking assistance from the food pantry, as well as those requesting financial assistance due to job loss, reduction in hours and medical problems associated with red tide exposure.
“We are heartbroken to hear the stories of loss of work hours that individuals have suffered due to the algae blooms and red tide. Our small businesses and workers on the islands are suffering. Now we are having a hard time keeping up with all the cases coming through the door,” President Maggi Feiner said. “The island is like a ghost town, the employers are struggling, which trickles down to the employees. Can you imagine working only eight hours a week and not being able to find another job to supplement? I think we are going to feel the effects for many months to come. It’s worse than a hurricane as there is no funding for individuals.
“Thankfully, our community has been very supportive as have been several foundations, and now F.I.S.H. can be here to assist our neighbors as they struggle to recover from these impacts,” she added of the Red Tide Relief Emergency Financial Assistance Program.
To respond to the ever-increasing requests for food assistance, F.I.S.H. has suspended its policy on the number of times island workers can visit the food pantry.
Case manager Nitza Lopez works with individuals seeking financial assistance for rent, utilities and medically related expenses.
“The number of new cases since August is mind boggling; people are coming through our doors nonstop. It’s hard to hear how our workforce is suffering so greatly and how it affects their household and children. Many have gone from 25-35 work hours per week down to 10,” she said. “Recently, I met with a woman working as a hostess in a Captiva restaurant. Since the red tide crisis has slowed business, the restaurant can only offer two days of work per week. While she is trying to find more work hours at other establishments, she cannot afford her medication and insulin or rent payment this month. I’m glad we are here to help.”
Through Sept. 30, F.I.S.H. assisted 72 households with temporary emergency financial assistance due to the red tide. The food pantry usage has increased, with 50 new households applying for the program.
Those requesting temporary emergency financial assistance due to the red tide crisis must meet with F.I.S.H. Social Services for a detailed intake process. Financial documentation must be provided to F.I.S.H. before case approval. Each case is evaluated privately, and on an individual and per instance basis; there is no guarantee of financial assistance from F.I.S.H.
For more information about the Red Tide Relief Emergency Financial Assistance Program, contact case manager Nitza Lopez or Program Director or Kathy Y. Monroe at 239-472-4775.
For more information about F.I.S.H., visit www.fishofsancap.org.