Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that her “Hope Florida” program was on the ground in the Sunshine State’s Big Bend region as the state deals with the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
Hope Florida relies on other Floridians – known as “Hope Navigators” – to guide other Floridians to receive the help they need in order to support those who are going through tough times and might be dependent on the government. This organization works through collaborative efforts from the private sector, faith-based communities, nonprofits, and government entities.
On Oct 3, the “Hope Bus” or “Activate Hope” sites appeared in three locations in the Big Bend, including the city of Jasper in Hamilton County, as well as the towns of Suwannee and Horseshoe Beach in Dixie County to directly lend a hand to those greatly affected by the natural disaster.
The resources provided by Hope Florida include food, water, other resources, debris removal, and sheltering.
Hope Navigators also assisted in the Florida counties of Charlotte, Sarasota, Lee, Levy, and Manatee as they went “into neighborhoods directly impacted by the storm to offer resources and support.”
Moreover, First Lady DeSantis announced the Hope Line can be reached at 1-833-GET-HOPE and operates 24/7 for the next two weeks.
In June, the Florida First Lady hosted over 100 law enforcement officials in Tallahassee to highlight the new resources that will be provided to officers as part of the Hope Florida initiative.
“Florida law enforcement work tirelessly to protect Floridians,” said First Lady DeSantis. “Today, we are equipping them with resources to do even more good by referring those in need to Hope Florida.”
Furthermore, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner said it was “an honor” to work alongside the First Lady on this effort.
“A common denominator among many who answered the call to become a law enforcement officer is a strong desire to help people,” said Executive Director Kerner. “We at the Florida Highway Patrol are honored to work directly with First Lady Casey DeSantis, through Hope Florida, to amplify our community and faith institutions and uplift those in need. Through the distribution of the Hope Florida resource cards, law enforcement officers across the state will have the ability to bridge this gap by connecting those in need of hope to resources through the help of Hope Navigators.”
Since the implementation of Hope Florida, nearly 30,000 Floridians have decreased their dependency on the government, some of which are completely independent. The Executive Office predicts it will save Florida taxpayers $800 million over 10 years.
