ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Ian is leaving thousands of people in need in southwest Florida.

There are many ways to help those in need, starting with the state’s Florida Disaster Fund.

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that within hours of activating, the Florida Disaster Fund has received over $10 million in donations to support communities impacted by Hurricane Ian.

The Florida Disaster Fund and Volunteer Florida are working with the Department of Children and Families and Sunshine Health through the First Lady's Hope Florida Initiative to open Family Resource Support Centers with one-on-one support for impacted families, including Hope Navigators and counseling resources on site for those who are struggling and need help.

The first resource centers will open in Tampa and New Port Richey, but anyone who needs help can call the Hope Line at 850-300-HOPE.  

To contribute, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP: