Restoring Hope After the Storm: How the Nursey Foundation Helped Thousands Recover After Hurricanes Helene and Milton

May 21, 2025

In the final quarter of 2024, the state of Florida faced a devastating one-two punch from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In the aftermath, families were displaced, food pantries were overwhelmed, and many nonprofits were pushed to their limits. The Nursey Foundation stepped in to meet this urgent need, awarding grants to 15 nonprofit organizations serving the most vulnerable populations in their communities. This blog shares the collective impact of those grants across counties including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus, and Hernando.

A Snapshot of Impact

• 15 nonprofits funded

• $200,000+ in grant support distributed

• 20,000+ lives impacted

Partner Impact Highlights:

Mercy Full Project

• Supported over 50 families and took in more than 40 surrendered pets following the storm.
• Used funds for food pantry restocking, animal vetting, and backyard kennel repairs due to hurricane damage.

The Community Food Pantry

• Distributed over 400,000 pounds of food, translating to 335,805 meals.
• Served 4,480 families (approx. 17,000 individuals) in North Tampa between November and February.
• Over 7,000 volunteer hours were logged to meet the surge in need.

Hopeville Family Ministry

• Distributed 5,367 35-lb food boxes and Christmas gifts for 294 children.
• Supported 1,073 families including 728 seniors, 625 children, and 51 veterans.
• Provided hurricane flood relief and medical support for three families.

Pinellas Hope

• Helped 255 individuals return to shelter after being displaced by storm damage.
• Used funds for tree removal, ground repair, and rebuilding damaged shelter platforms.

Ready for Life

• Assisted over 200 individuals with emergency needs such as hot meals, pantry restocks, transportation, roof repairs, and utility assistance.
• Helped families regain access to safe shelter and basic resources following severe flooding and displacement.

Family Promise of Hillsborough

• Provided shelter, furniture, and home goods for two families (six individuals total) after FEMA assistance expired.
• Helped families move from living in cars into permanent housing.

Cove Behavioral Health

• Supplied food and shelter for 100 individuals during both hurricanes.
• Removed storm debris and invested in future preparedness, including tree removal and gutter system upgrades.

Disability Achievement Center

• Supported 19 individuals, ages 45 to 98, with mobility and medical equipment.
• Distributed or repaired 22 items including scooters, wheelchairs, rollators, ramps, and shower chairs.
• Helped clients remain independent and avoid institutionalization.

Mind Over Matter

• Increased weekly support from 525 to 655 children through its Food Packs 4 Kids program.
• Distributed 5,000 food bags, tripling contents during Spring Break to address extended school closures.

The Volunteer Way

• Served 126 seniors through its Senior Brown Bag Program.
• Provided hygiene items, pet food, undergarments, and Christmas gifts.

SOAR First

• Served over 2,000 individuals across 500+ families with hot meals and $30 gift cards.
• Mobilized 50 volunteers and is planning a follow-up hurricane prep event to continue community support.

The Skills Center

• Provided camps, clinics, and mental health training to over 200 youth.
• Supported participation in basketball leagues and camps while also offering Mental Health First Aid for coaches and anxiety training for students.

St. Vincent de Paul CARES

• Assisted 307 households across Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.
• Used funds for food, cookware, appliances, internet access, and furniture.
• Provided shelter, pantry boxes, and hot meals to over 700 individuals in partnership with 386 volunteers.

Inspira Tampa Bay

• Reached 1,065 individuals (224 families), especially those ineligible for SNAP or FEMA.
• Provided food, bottled water, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, and financial support for rent, utilities, and minor home repairs.
• Focused efforts on families with children with exceptional needs, many of whom were excluded from traditional relief channels.

Looking Forward

As we prepare for the next grant cycle opening July 1st, we continue our mission of supporting the nonprofits who show up first when disaster strikes.

We thank every partner, volunteer and supporter who helped make this work possible.