Disaster: Hurricane Sally (September 2020)
Location: Escambia County, Florida, United States

When Recovery Begins with Listening

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sally, thousands of families were left navigating damaged homes, disrupted lives, and an uncertain path forward. Recovery takes time—and it often begins with something simple but powerful: being heard.

Please continue to hold disaster survivors in your thoughts and prayers as they walk the long road toward restored homes, stability, and hope.

Turning Stories into a Path Forward

World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) partnered with the Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE) and the Escambia County Long Term Recovery Group to support recovery efforts through a structured Needs Assessment process.

By providing a technology platform and hands-on guidance, World Renew DRS helped partners identify, document, and better understand the unmet disaster-caused needs of Hurricane Sally survivors. This information allows local organizations to prioritize assistance thoughtfully—much like a triage process—ensuring help reaches those who need it most, when it matters most.

World Renew DRS volunteers Tom and Cindy Visser, alongside staff members Diana Marquez and Sue Kuipers, provided coaching and ongoing support to BRACE leadership. Those leaders, in turn, trained University of West Florida social work interns and disaster case managers to conduct and document Needs Assessments with care and consistency.

For many survivors, these conversations became their first therapeutic opportunity to share the personal impact of the storm—losses, setbacks, and hopes for rebuilding. Being listened to with dignity can be a meaningful step toward healing.

Measurable Impact, Lasting Hope

Through this collaborative effort, teams connected with 851 families affected by Hurricane Sally. From those conversations, 142 families were identified and paired with case managers who continue to support them as they navigate recovery and rebuilding.

Michelle Luckett, CEO of BRACE, shared her appreciation for the partnership and support of World Renew DRS at a meeting of the Escambia County Long Term Recovery Group.

Disasters differ in size, location, and cause, but the need to listen well is universal. Whether recovery is happening in a coastal U.S. community or halfway around the world, understanding real, unmet needs helps communities rebuild more effectively—and with greater hope.

Will you join us in walking alongside communities affected by disaster?