LULAC IS ON SITE AT GROUND ZERO IN FLORIDA: THE HURRICANE DEVASTATION IS UNIMAGINABLE
Nation's Largest and Oldest Latino Civil Rights Organization is Working with FEMA to Assist Families Who Suffered Traumatic Loss
Clearwater, FL — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is on the ground in Clearwater, Florida, responding to the devastation left after Hurricane Milton. LULAC's presence is part of a coordinated relief effort with FEMA and a coalition of 86 community-based organizations throughout the Southeast, focused on delivering immediate support to affected families. These communities, many of whom face severe destruction and displacement, are experiencing significant losses to their homes, livelihoods, and essential resources.
The scale of Hurricane Milton's impact is staggering. While recovery efforts from the recent Hurricane Helene had only just begun, Milton struck, resulting in an estimated additional $50 billion in damage across Florida. Together, these storms have devastated agricultural areas that supply $7.4 billion in annual crops and livestock, potentially wiping out nearly $1.5 billion in agricultural productivity. This natural disaster follows a heartbreaking human toll as well, with lives lost, homes destroyed, and the urgent needs of families growing daily. Click below to listen an audio interview with Sandra Escalona, Hurricane Milton Survivor.
LULAC National President Roman Palomares, who is on-site in Clearwater, shared the following firsthand account:
"I am walking through a 500-unit apartment complex that has been demolished by the fierce winds and flooding that swept through Clearwater, FL, during Hurricane Milton. There are no words to describe the scene, so please take a moment to look at the pictures and listen to a firsthand account from a resident and try to imagine what it is to lose everything in your home, your car, even your job because of a natural disaster that in minutes destroys everything you know. Yes, they are blessed to be alive, but they're still wearing the only clothes they had when they escaped the dangerous waters in the middle of the night and are trying desperately now to get back on their feet. I am here to work hand in hand with FEMA and ensure that the impacted Latino communities and others get the help they need and that LULAC is on the scene. Also, I am working with our LULAC leaders in the Southeast to coordinate with a coalition of 86 community-based organizations to align our response with the overall effort. The process will be long and difficult, but I am confident that working together, we will help restore stability and help these victims piece their lives back together."
LULAC's commitment is to remain on the ground as it coordinates both immediate and long-term relief efforts. The organization stands with the community through this challenging journey, providing on-site assistance and advocating for expedited aid. With dedicated local leaders and support from FEMA, LULAC's priority is to ensure families regain stability and access to resources for rebuilding their lives.
For more information or to support our efforts, please contact Asia Clermont, Florida LULAC State Director: (954) 625 9568 or asia1098@gmail.com
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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.