Fort Myers Agency Providing Hurricane Help For Unmet Needs

It’s been more than a year since Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida, and things are getting better for most people. However, many residents still have unmet needs. Volunteer Florida and Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) have not forgotten about those still needing assistance. The Volunteer Florida Foundation has granted funds, which are still available through the Area Agency on Aging, for Hurricane Ian response efforts, according to the agency's public relations firm.

Examples of assistance already provided include mobility devices, window repairs, portable air conditioners, appliances, garage door repairs, toilet replacements, floor repairs, and drywall repairs. Those seeking assistance must have exhausted other funding resources and if granted, payment is made directly to the service vendor.

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization that has served Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Sarasota Counties for more than 40 years. The organization is committed to connecting older adults (ages 60 and over) and people with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity. AAASWFL is the state’s designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for Southwest Florida.

More information is available by visiting the AAASWFL website (www.aaaswfl.org) or by calling the Elder Helpline: (866) 413-5337.

Editor's Note: From reports of previous applicants for the program, it may be a long wait and the qualifications for applicants is not expressed clearly by the agency. Applicants will have to provide contractor quotes which may be next to impossible to obtain, applicants say. It also noteworthy, that you may experience a long wait on the phone to reach the right person for the program or anyone at all after long wait times on the phone.