Melissa Donovan
To help communities better prepare for future disasters, Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County is distributing 200 resilience kits to residents through their upcoming Disaster Preparedness, Home Insurance, and Home Maintenance classes. These kits, packed with essential preparedness and maintenance tools, are funded through the nonprofit’s long-term disaster recovery program, supported by The Home Depot Foundation.
The resilience kits contain a variety of items to help families stay safe and recover from the impacts of hurricanes and other natural disasters. Each kit includes a first aid kit, tarp, solar-powered charging bank, basic tools, an emergency weather radio, a shop vac, and more—critical supplies designed to help individuals and families in both emergencies and long-term recovery.
The kits are part of Habitat for Humanity’s ongoing commitment to disaster recovery, especially in light of Florida’s extremely active hurricane season. With the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton still fresh in residents’ minds, and the recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian two years ago still underway, the importance of long-term recovery efforts cannot be overstated. These storms have reinforced the need for preparedness and resilience, as communities continue to rebuild and fortify their homes.
“As a Florida-grown nonprofit, we are no stranger to the lasting effects of natural disasters and the vital importance of preparedness,” Catherine Steck McManus, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County said. “The generous grant from The Home Depot Foundation will enable us to continue our long-term disaster recovery efforts and help homeowners prepare for future storms. By equipping families with the resources and knowledge to fortify their homes, we not only help them weather the storms but also empower them to rebuild.”
In addition to distributing resilience kits, the grant from The Home Depot Foundation also funds other critical elements of Habitat’s recovery program, including the hiring of a disaster recovery coordinator, the provision of a construction vehicle, and the use of drones for roof inspections. Additionally, the funding supports the procurement of tools, materials, and equipment for new construction, ensuring that disaster-affected homes are rebuilt with durable, storm-resistant materials designed to withstand future disasters, reducing the need for costly and disruptive rebuilding efforts.
“The Foundation is committed to supporting communities impacted by natural disasters with long-term recovery,” Sean Vissar, Manager of Strategic Programs and Partners for The Home Depot Foundation said. “With the help of nonprofit partners like Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County, we are able to provide immediate support, resources, and relief supplies to communities in need. Together, our work continues to strengthen our communities before, during, and after natural disasters.”
This year marks the first time Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County has been named an official disaster recovery partner of The Home Depot Foundation, a longstanding supporter of Habitat’s disaster response efforts.
For those interested in receiving a resilience kit, Habitat for Humanity is offering a free, open-to-the-public Home Maintenance class on December 4, 2024. The first 60 attendees who meet certain eligibility requirements will receive a resilience kit at a later date. The classes, part of Habitat U, are open to anyone in the community, not just Habitat homeowners.
Click here to register for the December 4 home maintenance class. With more classes planned in the future, this is a valuable opportunity for locals to gain important disaster preparedness and home maintenance knowledge while also securing vital resources to help them stay safe during hurricane season and beyond.
Together, with the support of The Home Depot Foundation, Habitat for Humanity is helping our community build resilience and prepare for whatever challenges the future may bring.
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