‘Hope Bus’ makes stops in Tampa Bay after hurricanes
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As storm cleanup efforts pass the one-week mark in the Tampa Bay region, volunteers are providing hope for families in need.
The 'Hope Bus' traveled to four sites across Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties on Thursday.
The state program is powered by Hope Florida and offers food, water, disaster supplies, and one-on-one assistance to those who are recovering from Milton and Helene.
"We struggled trying just to evacuate," Yadira Rodriguez said. "So the fact that this is here is absolutely wonderful."
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Some residents had to relocate after losing everything in the recent storms.
"We were sleeping in our car for about four days," Jackie Welborn said. "We didn't know about the shelter."
Welborn is now staying at an emergency shelter at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa.
Her Port Richey home was destroyed from the storm surge during Hurricane Helene. Then, Milton brought more devastation.
"We lost our jobs," Welborn said. "It's been very rough."
A Hope Navigator was able to answer her questions about long-term housing options and additional resources.
"It's a process," Welborn said. "We're trying to get food stamps, cash assistance, or anything. It's just a long process."
Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference at Town N Country Regional Public Library on Thursday.
"Some folks may be out of their home for a little bit," DeSantis said. "Maybe their home got totally destroyed and they need sheltering assistance."
The site has transformed into a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC), established by Hillsborough County and the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM).
"They will also help link you with what you need for FEMA and transitional sheltering assistance," DeSantis said. "That will be something you can use to stay in a hotel."
The center will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Friday.
Hope Navigators are available to connect residents with state and charitable services by providing 24/7 support through the Hope Line (1-833-GET-HOPE).
