F.I.S.H. to host Community Disaster Fair
Hurricane recovery assistance and resources will be available to islanders at an upcoming event.
Held in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva will host a Community Disaster Fair on Aug. 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Gathering Place @ St. Michael’s at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church on Sanibel. The event is free and open to residents and business owners and will feature representatives from F.I.S.H. and a variety of government agencies.
“We know there’s still a lot of survivors who have unresolved claims or questions about the different resources available to them,” F.I.S.H. Executive Director Maria Espinoza said. “We think it’s critical to bring out these resources in an accessible time, so that they can connect with these different programs to make sure that they have not missed something in the recovery process.”
She explained that while SBA agents are now available to assist on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Gathering Place, some may not be able to attend during working hours.
“Hopefully, a lot more families will be able to come,” she said of the Community Disaster Fair.
Free childcare will be provided during the event.
“We want to have a space specifically for the kiddos, so they are not with mom or dad or grandparents while they’re having those tough conversations,” Espinoza said of the discussions with agency reps.
The SBA will assist any survivors who have outstanding or unresolved claims, as well as provide guidance on the appeals process. Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation specialists will be on hand to answer questions about mitigation.
Florida United will be present to give an overview of its different types of services, which are open to certain business owners and individuals looking for assistance, typically on a “case-by-case basis.”
Reliable Permitting & BSS will also be on site.
“They will be coming out to talk about the services they provide and their free services,” Espinoza said. “Also, other construction projects that they might have and the advocacy that they do for their clients.”
In addition, F.I.S.H. staff will be set up to talk about the four pillars that the human services organization mainly focuses on: food, education, senior services and financial assistance.
“We will be offering our own programs and services,” she said.
It will also provide information about working with survivors though certain rebuilding projects.
“And assisting them through that process,” Espinoza said.
Though unconfirmed as of Aug. 17, other agencies invited to take part include the American Red Cross, U.S. Department of Agriculture and The Florida Conference of the Florida United Methodist Church.
Survivors planning to attend should bring their paperwork.
“We strongly encourage people to bring as much of their documents or letters that they’ve received so far,” she said. “Bring as much of that as they can.”
Computers and printers will be set up for those who need them.
“We’ll be offering drinks and food,” Espinoza added.
All islanders are urged to take part.
“We are months out from the storm, but I think we all realize how long long-term recovery is. Everyone should take advance of every resource out there,” she said. “Any resource that’s a possibility, approach it and see what is available for your household.”
For more information, contact F.I.S.H. at 239-472-4775 or info@fishofsancap.org.
To access The Gathering Place, enter off of Dunlop Road.
Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church is at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
Community Disaster Fair
When
Aug. 24 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Where
The Gathering Place @ St. Michael’s, 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Details
Free and open to the public