FORT MYERS, Fla. — Lee Board of County Commissioners approve a $1.8 million grant agreement with the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church to provide services to residents affected by the Jan. 16 tornado in the Iona-McGregor area of South Fort Myers.
On Tuesday, family's like Denise Foresteire who live in areas like Century 21, a mobile home community that was impacted by the tornado said they are still trying to get back to normal.
“Everybody’s trying to jump through hoops to get things done, but it's a long process,” said Foresteire.
The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Disaster Assistance Grant Agreement provides state grants through the county to the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Commissioners say the money will be used to assist a minimum of 32 households with very low, low, or moderate incomes whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged.
Foresteire says she has received financial help since January, but the problem is finding a contractor who can repair the damage.
“We just called today about looking into when the roof was going to be done and…four more weeks,” said Foresteire.
Foresteire added that because there is still lingering damage to her home, her electricity bill has gone up in price since her air conditioner is working harder to keep the home cool.
She confessed that it is a tough situation, especially for many of her neighbors who are older.
“ A lot of us are elderly we cant go back out to work, it's taking away from what we hoped to last us the rest of our lives,” said Foresteire.
For eligibility and to apply for these funds call the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church at 855-228-3862.
