ShorePoint Health Teams Up with American Red Cross of Central Florida to Shelter the Displaced
10/10/2022
VENICE, Fla. – ShorePoint Health has transformed the former ShorePoint Health Venice facility into temporary housing for those in need. In collaboration with the American Red Cross of Central Florida, the shelter is housing more than 130 children, adults and pets displaced by Hurricane Ian.
As the region continues to heal from the devastating storm, the shelter provides a safe-haven for families with private rooms, food, water and other necessities. For parents, the shelter also offers a kid zone where children can play games under the supervision of volunteers.
“The Red Cross is working tirelessly in communities impacted by Hurricane Ian to provide emergency shelter, food and comfort for people facing heartbreaking devastation – but we can’t do it alone,” said Chris Purnell, Executive Director of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross, based in Sarasota. “A disaster of this magnitude requires a team effort, and we’re grateful to have community partners like ShorePoint Health to provide safe shelter to our neighbors in Sarasota County recovering from this disaster.”
For Carl and Janina Migliaccio, the shelter is a place to stay until they can repair and return to their home in North Port. Since their rescue by local police and military personnel, the Migliaccio family and their dog Candy had been staying in another shelter which moved to the former hospital facility. Janina, who has leukemia, and Carl, disabled after suffering a stroke, are grateful for the help.
"It's good, all these people came to help,” said Janina Migliaccio. "We just need a place to sleep and wash."
In the week following Hurricane Ian, ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda remain the only hospitals open in Charlotte County to deliver care. To support ShorePoint Health employees, the hospitals have offered much needed supplies, donated scrubs, food, water and other care packages; brought in gas tankers and distributed 4,000 gallons of gas for employees to travel to and from work; and set up an on-site laundry facility. The hospital has housed nearly 200 staff members, their family members, and pets who have not been able to stay in their damaged homes. Impacted employees also have access to grants from the CHS Cares Fund that can provide financial assistance during a time of tragedy.
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