WEEk of JuNE 26, 2024 FLIER INSIDE
‘Mango Fun’ Students’ artwork for MangoMania now on display at Centennial Bank — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 48, NumbEr 8
GPIA gives update on island’s recovery Representatives of United Policyholders attend meeting, provide information to assist islanders By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Last Tuesday, June 18, the Greater Pine Island Alliance providing an update on the island's recovery during its monthly meeting at the Pine Island Community Church where guest speakers from United Policyholders were asked to give a presentation. GPIA founder Aaron Barreda reminded everyone at the meeting that although the GPIA does not have the ability to financially fund everyone who may have home repair needs from Hurricane Ian damage, he is confident that everyone will be helped at some point. “Financially, we are always looking to continue … $60,000 or $100,000 sounds like a lot and we are very
grateful to be able to have that and have a place to work out of and operate but some of these homes — they take $20,000 they take $30,000 to put back together, so those funds come and go very quickly so we’re always looking for donations. Please come to the website and feel free to donate because we have a lot of survivors on the list that we have not funded,” Barreda said. Barreda reported that construction on six homes has been completed in the last month. In April the organization was able to raise another $79,000 and in May, $36,000 through Unmet Needs of Lee County, he said. Annie Barbour, from United Policyholders, explained that the non-profit organization has been around for 33 years helping survivors navigate their insurance.
Information can be found on its website, UnitedPolicyHolders.org, such as how to choose a contractor, read your policy or keep from getting scammed. Much work can be completed remotely such as on Zoom, she said, making it possible to help people from various parts of the country. “We go where we’re needed and where we’re invited,” Barbour said. Barbour introduced another United Policyholder representative, Julitza Perez, who assured attendees they were not alone in recovery, although something as catastrophic as Hurricane Ian would likely take a great deal See RECOVERY UPDATE, page 18
County accepts $1.8 million federal grant to help people who are experiencing homelessness
Celebrating Pine Islanders: Norma Salter By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Islander Norma Salter said she would describe herself as a workaholic, Realtor, mom and grandma who loves Pine Island. Raised in Plant City, Florida, she owned a horse farm where she gave kids riding lessons, broke horses and even did some barrel racing. Salter owned a western store for 20 years before she came down to Southwest Florida in 2005 after she was supposed to retire. She said someone told her about Pine Island, which was odd since she thought she knew about every place in Florida. She said she fell in love with the island and never left. “I just decided this was the place I wanted to be — I loved it. I came here and never left,” Salter said. The feeling that this was the place she wanted to See NORMA SALTER, page 18
When Norma Salter discovered Pine Island, she immediately knew it was the place she wanted to be. The photos above and at left show her enjoying some leisure island activities. PHOTOS PROVIDED
The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted last Tuesday to accept a federal grant of more than $1.8 million to assist individuals or families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to Hurricane Ian or another natural disaster. The funding is through Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH) entitlement grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for fiscal year 2023-2024 budget. Hurricane Ian made landfall in Lee County on Sept. 28, 2022. The Lee Board of County Commissioners remains committed to supporting recovery efforts throughout the county. The funds accepted Tuesday will fill a gap in federal disaster assistance for people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. People experiencing predisaster homelessness have very limited eligibility for FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance. FEMA does not provide long-term housing assistance, and as a result when short-term FEMA assistance ends, many displaced people are at risk of long-term homelessness. After disasters, the cost of rent often increases, adding an additional barrier to available housing. ESG RUSH funds will fill this gap in assistance, giving communities much-needed resources to provide long-term housing solutions for people experiencing predisaster homelessness and to prevent long-term homelessness among newly displaced people. The funding addresses housing and service needs for persons who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Lee County, as identified in the Homeless Continuum of Care Strategic Plan. To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter at www.leegov.com/resources/ newsletters.
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