United Way of West Florida raises more than $200,000 for local recovery efforts and partners with Cat Country 98.7 and WEAR ABC 3 for an all-day fundraiser.
Since Hurricane Isaias made landfall on October 9, 211 Northwest Florida has experienced a 437% increase in call volume as residents seek help with housing, utilities, food and other essential needs. United Way of West Florida (UWWF) continues to connect residents with available resources while coordinating community support for the storm’s ongoing impact in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Following the storm Oct. 9-13, 211 Northwest Florida received 1,253 calls from residents in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, including 846 calls from Escambia County and 407 from Santa Rosa County. The increase in demand highlights the need for accessible community resources as residents navigate storm damage, unexpected expenses and disruptions to daily life.
211 Connects Residents With Critical Resources
211 Northwest Florida is a free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral service connecting residents across 10 counties with local resources. Following Hurricane Isaias, the team has worked to help callers navigate available assistance while managing a significant increase in demand.
The 1,253 calls received from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties reflect the immediate need for information and assistance following the storm.
• Escambia County: 846 calls
• Santa Rosa County: 407 calls
• Total: 1,253 calls
Residents have turned to 211 for information about essential needs, including housing, utilities, food and other community resources. For households already struggling to cover basic expenses, storm damage, lost income and unexpected costs can create additional financial hardship.
Continuing the Connection
The 211 team continues to connect callers with available community resources and provide information about assistance options. Residents who need help can call 211 or text their ZIP code to 898-211. Assistance is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day.
Supporting Long-Term Recovery Through the UWWF Recovery Fund
While immediate cleanup efforts are underway, many residents face a longer process of repairing homes, replacing damaged belongings and regaining financial stability.
To help address these ongoing needs, UWWF established the UWWF Recovery Fund to support storm-related repairs and long-term recovery efforts in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
UWWF works with local organizations, partner agencies and the Long-Term Recovery Group to help direct resources toward community needs. The fund supports local agencies and coordinated recovery efforts rather than providing direct financial assistance or checks to individuals.
Strengthening Our Community
This work is particularly important for households that were already having difficulty making ends meet before Hurricane Isaias. Even after debris is cleared and power is restored, the financial effects of a storm can continue for months. The Recovery Fund helps strengthen local efforts to address those needs and support residents as they work to rebuild.
Corporate Partners and Individual Donors Contribute More Than $200,000
UWWF has raised more than $200,000 for local recovery efforts thanks to the generosity of corporate partners and individual donors. Contributions from corporate partners include:
• Navy Federal Credit Union
• Hancock Whitney
• Florida Blue
• Regions
These contributions will help provide resources for local recovery efforts and support the organizations working to meet ongoing needs in the community. UWWF thanks these corporate partners for their generosity, along with every individual who has contributed to the fund. Each donation helps strengthen the community’s response and supports work that will continue well beyond the initial days following the storm.
Relief Efforts Continue
Although more than $200,000 has been raised, recovery efforts are ongoing, and continued community support remains important.
Cat Country 98.7 and WEAR ABC 3 Host All-Day Fundraiser Wednesday
UWWF has partnered with Cat Country 98.7 and WEAR ABC 3 for an all-day fundraising event on Wednesday, October 21, at Cordova Mall outside of Best Buy. The event will give residents another opportunity to contribute to the UWWF Recovery Fund and support long-term recovery efforts in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Community members can help whether or not they were directly affected by Hurricane Isaias. Donations support the local organizations working to address storm-related needs and help residents navigate the challenges that remain. Not everyone can assist with debris removal, home repairs or physical cleanup, but contributing to the Recovery Fund is another way to support neighbors and help local recovery efforts continue.
UWWF encourages community members to participate in Wednesday’s fundraiser, share information about the event and consider making a donation.
Continuing the Work Across Northwest Florida
The 437% increase in call volume and the 1,253 calls received from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties underscore the continued need for assistance following Hurricane Isaias. At the same time, the response from corporate partners, individual donors and community organizations has demonstrated a strong commitment to helping affected residents.
UWWF will continue connecting residents with available resources through 211 Northwest Florida and working alongside local partners to support long-term recovery efforts.
Thank you to the donors, businesses, community organizations and volunteers who have stepped forward to help. Their support is helping local recovery efforts continue as residents work to repair damage, address unexpected expenses and regain stability.
The work is far from over. With continued community support, we can help Northwest Florida move forward.
How to Help
Donate to the UWWF Recovery Fund: Visit United Way of West Florida and support local recovery efforts.
Need assistance?
Call 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211. Help is free, confidential and available 24/7.
Join us Wednesday, October 21: Visit Cordova Mall during the all-day fundraising event with Cat Country 98.7 and WEAR ABC 3 to support recovery efforts in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.