BEAUMONT, Texas — As Florida recovers from the damage from Hurricane Ian, the Southeast Texas community is looking for ways to step in and help.
On Thursday, the Cajun Navy was in Tampa working on setting up the safe camp and getting the word out about it to families who didn't evacuate.
The Louisiana-based nonprofit travels from one disaster-torn area of the country to another, helping victims of natural disasters.
"Everybody is going to take a hit in these communities and the most important thing we can be doing right now as Americans is providing financial support, providing hands and your own time," said CEO and founder of the Cajun Navy Rob Gaudet.
Florida residents had to make a difficult choice, either evacuate their homes and leave everything they know behind or take on the dangerous risk of staying put.
As for Southeast Texans, Gaudet says we have a huge opportunity to help Florida right here in our community.
When the Cajun Navy is out working on disaster recovery efforts, they focus on three things.
First, is possession recovery to help families recover their valuables.
Second, home and reorganization that helps residents regain stability by putting things back in place after a storm.
Third, routine restoration where the Cajun Navy helps those impacted to get back to normal life and their everyday routines.
Gaudet and his team stay in these disaster zones helping people rebuild long after the winds and rains die down.
"The real crisis is truly just beginning. These individuals are facing their darkest hours and the things that they are fixing to experience deserve as much attention as the wind and the rain do," he said.
The Cajun Navy isn't the only Southeast Texas organization collecting supplies or donations.
Team 409 Search and Rescue will be accepting things like water, toiletries, medical supplies, non-perishable food items and more.
Donations will be accepted at the following locations through October 4:
- Ben's Tire & Lube- 7835 Business Row Orange, TX 77632
- Little Cypress Volunteer Fire Department- 8465 TX-87, Orange, TX 77632
- Allstate Insurance Agency: 688 TX-62, Buna, TX 77612
If you'd like to help Florida residents recover, you can show your support by sending donations to the Cajun Navy through their website.
As for how long they'll be working in Florida, Gaudet says this could be a six months or longer deployment.