For homeowners across Manatee County, hurricane recovery continues long after the storms have passed. Damaged roofs, unsafe living conditions and the financial burden of essential repairs can make it difficult for families to feel secure in their own homes.

With funding from the American Red Cross, Rebuilding Together Greater Florida (RTGFL) is helping Manatee County homeowners address critical hurricane-related repair needs and restore safety, comfort and peace of mind.

For Peter, Dale and Lizandra, these repairs have made a meaningful difference in the places they call home.

Peter: Finding Peace of Mind After Hurricane Milton

When Hurricane Milton swept through Southwest Florida, Peter’s home in Palmetto’s Shadow Brook mobile home community sustained significant damage.

After evacuating to Ocala, Peter returned to find his roof damaged and his carport destroyed. Living on a fixed income, he faced the overwhelming costs of repairs and the challenge of finding reliable contractors.

Through American Red Cross funding, RTGFL helped Peter receive critical roof repairs and a replacement carport, improving his home’s protection and helping restore his sense of security.

The project also marked an important milestone for RTGFL as its first mobile home repair project.

For Peter, the impact extended beyond the physical improvements.

“After the storms, it mentally disturbs you. And I can’t say it didn’t to me. It truly did,” he shared.

As repairs moved forward, Peter began to feel more hopeful about his home’s future.

“She just gave me hope that we’re going to get this done,” he said, referring to RTGFL team member Rebecca.

After the repairs were completed, Peter noticed a difference in his home’s protection from the elements.

“I can hardly hear the rain anymore, so the roof is so good,” he shared.

Peter’s story demonstrates how hurricane recovery assistance can help homeowners regain confidence and peace of mind after a devastating storm.

Dale: Restoring Security Through Critical Home Repairs

For Dale Coyle, feeling safe at home had been a challenge for years.

According to his niece, Dale had lived without a proper front door and with boarded-up windows, leaving him feeling insecure and uncomfortable in his own home.

Through RTGFL’s American Red Cross-funded recovery program, Dale received critical repairs to his front entry door and windows, helping create a safer and more secure living environment.

His niece described the difference these improvements made in his daily life.

“We are just so grateful for the program, and it’s really changed his life in a very positive way,” she shared.

She also expressed appreciation for the work completed by RTGFL and its construction team.

“Everything was wonderful. They did a great job. He’s very lucky.”

For Dale, these improvements helped restore something every homeowner deserves: the ability to feel safe and comfortable in their own home.

His experience highlights the importance of addressing essential home repairs as part of long-term community recovery.

Lizandra: Protecting the Place Her Family Calls Home

For Lizandra Deulofue, damage to her home’s roof created serious concerns for her family’s safety and comfort.

Lizandra described a hole in the roof near her daughter’s bedroom, making the need for repairs especially important.

With funding from the American Red Cross, RTGFL helped Lizandra receive a roof replacement, including new roofing materials and related improvements to address the damage.

The repairs helped restore protection to an essential part of her family’s home.

“I’m so happy. I’m so thankful because they helped me with the roof,” Lizandra shared.

She also expressed gratitude for the assistance she received.

“I’m really thankful. I really appreciate all the help.”

For Lizandra and her family, the improvements addressed a critical repair need and helped provide greater reassurance about the condition of their home.

Her story reflects how essential home repairs can help families protect the places where they live, grow and create memories.

The Lasting Impact of Hurricane Recovery in Manatee County

Although each homeowner faced different challenges, Peter, Dale and Lizandra’s stories share a common theme: the importance of having a safe and stable place to call home.

From repairing hurricane-damaged roofs to restoring doors and windows, these projects demonstrate the impact of American Red Cross-funded hurricane recovery efforts in Manatee County.

Through its partnership with the American Red Cross, RTGFL continues to help homeowners address critical repair needs, preserve their homes and move forward with greater confidence.

These efforts are part of RTGFL’s broader commitment to helping communities recover from disasters and ensuring that homeowners have safer, healthier places to live.

Hurricane Home Repair Assistance Available

Homeowners who experienced damage from hurricanes Helene or Milton may qualify for critical home repair assistance through Rebuilding Together Greater Florida.

Learn more or apply online: RTGFL.org

Assistance is subject to program eligibility and availability. Community organizations, churches and neighbors are also encouraged to share this information with homeowners who may benefit from available resources.