By Hsiu-Lien Chu, Fuchi Prucha, and Mei-Chen Chien | USA 

Hurricanes Leave Devastation in Their Wake 

Between late September and mid-October 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck Florida just two weeks apart. Mobile home communities in Tampa Bay bore the brunt of the disaster, with destructive winds and surging floodwaters causing extensive damage. Many homes were left uninhabitable, and survivors faced immense challenges as their belongings were destroyed, and livelihoods disrupted. 

Tzu Chi's Orlando Liaison Office, led by Robert Lynch, immediately began planning relief efforts. To provide extra support, Texas Chapter volunteers, CEO Jenhsiung Lo and Deputy CEO Roger Lin flew in on October 31 to conduct disaster assessments and organize a distribution event. On November 9, 48 volunteers from Texas, Orlando, Miami, and Tampa gathered at the Barksdale Senior Center in Tampa to provide much-needed aid. 

On November 9, a disaster relief distribution was held at the Barksdale Senior Center in Tampa. Volunteers were ready to welcome survivors for registration. | Photo by Fuchi Prucha | USA | 2024/11/09

Resilience and Gratitude 

Survivors like Mexican immigrant Joanna have found ways to cope despite facing challenging circumstances. Arriving at the relief site two hours early, she explained how waist-high floodwaters destroyed her home and forced her family to sleep in their car for three nights. Now living in their garage, Joanna hoped the aid would help her family move toward recovery. 

Peruvian immigrant Andrew and his wife faced similar hardships. After floodwaters rose to their chests, emergency responders rescued them by boat. Losing their cleaning jobs after the storm, the couple now struggles to afford basic necessities. Andrew, who was first in line, expressed deep gratitude for Tzu Chi's support, saying it brought hope amid despair. 

Tzu Chi Miami volunteer Hsuan-Ting Huang (right) helped Andrew, the first in line for supplies, fill out his information. | Photo by Ching-Hung Yeh | USA | 2024/11/09

 Susan, a grandmother raising six children, including an autistic son traumatized by the hurricane, spoke of the challenges she faced. Her home suffered severe damage, forcing the family to live temporarily in South Carolina. She shared, “I’m so grateful to Tzu Chi for helping me during this difficult time. This cash card will ease our urgent needs.” 

Delivering Aid with Compassion 

The distribution began with a sign language performance of the song One Family, performed by volunteers to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Survivors joined in, smiling for the first time in weeks. Tzu Chi volunteers introduced the organization’s mission and encouraged eco-friendly practices to combat climate change. 

Heartwarming music and friendly smiles eased the survivors' anxiety, encouraging them to join in. | Photo by Roger Lin | USA | 2024/11/09 

Volunteers listened attentively to survivors’ stories, offering not just material aid but also emotional support. Carlos, a Venezuelan immigrant, shared photos of his storm-damaged trailer. After repairing it following Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton destroyed it once again. “I had hoped to reunite my family here, but the second hurricane shattered my plans,” he said tearfully. 

Jennifer, a yoga instructor and Buddhist, expressed her gratitude while holding a small Buddha statue she always carries. “It’s incredible that a Buddhist organization is helping me. This is truly a moment of faith and gratitude,” she said. 

For many survivors, accessing government aid proved difficult due to complicated application processes and delays. Residents of mobile homes, often without insurance, faced additional struggles. Survivors like Mary and Angela spoke of mold-infested homes and long waits for assistance. 

Mary, whose home of 20 years was destroyed, tearfully said, “I’ll use this cash card to buy a bed.” Angela, displaced by floodwaters, said the aid would help her repair her home’s damaged walls. “This is a lifeline,” she said, smiling through tears of relief. 

A Network of Love 

Tzu Chi volunteers worked tirelessly to make the event a success. Jeanette Mendoza, who drove four hours from Fort Lauderdale to assist as a Spanish translator, reflected on the impact of the day. “The volunteers’ kindness and compassion brought immense comfort to survivors,” she said. 

Jeanette Mendoza’s (right) assistance brought smiles to survivors as they gratefully received eco-blankets. | Photo by Ching-Hung Yeh | USA | 2024/11/09

Volunteer John Lee, a long-time Tzu Chi member from Tampa, played a pivotal role despite battling a brain tumor. “Bodhisattvas gave me a second chance at life, and I want to use it to help others,” he said. His dedication inspired both volunteers and survivors alike. 

After the distribution, volunteers visited survivors’ homes to better understand their challenges. Andrew and his wife, living in a moldy rented room, expressed profound gratitude for Tzu Chi’s unwavering support. 

Rebuilding with Love 

Though the hurricanes brought devastation, Tzu Chi’s relief efforts offered survivors hope and a path forward. Through cash cards, eco-blankets, and heartfelt support, the volunteers embodied the power of compassion. Their actions demonstrated that even in the face of disaster, love and unity can light the way to recovery.