WIMAUMA, Fla. — As families across the state work to get help from FEMA to repair damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the need for toiletries and other essential items has continued to grow.

What You Need To Know

  • Beth-El Farmworker Ministry Inc. has been staying busy after Hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted several communities

  • The ministry is providing diapers, water, tarps and warm food

  • Pastor Tamar Leonard Lara says they need as many donations as they can get to continue meeting the needs of the community

Beth-El Farmworker Ministry in Wimauma workers report that they've had to adjust what they’re providing to the migrant and farm working community following the storm.

Pastor Tamara Leonard said the doors at Beth-El Farmworker Ministry haven’t closed since Hurricane Helene, with more than 100 families walking through their doors in search of some type of assistance in their recovery.

She it has stayed busy most of the week.

“Since Tuesday, it’s been full speed,” Leonard said.

The ministry works to provide diapers, cleaning supplies, water and warm meals to people in need.

Leonard said many of the families the ministry serves are migrant workers, and figuring out where to go after a natural disaster can be a challenge for them.

“When a hurricane happens, some of the federal resources may not be available," she said. "So some people really do depend on other kinds of resources, like help that we offer — tarps, MREs — even when people are without power."

Asuncion Hernandez got up bright and early to get her family’s next meal from the ministry. She has five children and said it hasn’t been easy since the storm.

“Because of the hurricane, our power went out and we don’t have water," Hernandez said. "And at least here they’re giving my family this warm meal. Rice and beans, which for my culture is something we enjoy.”

Leonard said the recovery process can be complicated and often involves multiple agencies.

“Even though we might not be able to meet every need, we can possibly help connect them with other services,” she said.

She said the hard work is worth it to see families leave the ministry with hope that their community will rebuild even stronger.

Leonard said the ministry is looking for donations and volunteers to help during this busy time. For more information on the ministry, visit the Beth-El Farmerworker Ministry's website.