RIDGE MANOR, Fla. — Much needed aid and relief are making their way to homeowners in Hernando County.

The Ridge Manor area received major flooding during Hurricane Milton — and Spectrum News meteorologists say part of the Withlacoochee River isn't expected to crest until Thursday.

As residents and businesses continued to deal with high flood waters, local volunteers were answering the call for help.

Volunteers with the United Way of Hernando, let by impact director Justine Peppe, are set up in the parking lot of Ridge Manor Park to help homeowners.

“We are here with some volunteers running the POD, or point of distribution, out at Ridge Manor Park,” Peppe said.

Residents impacted by flooding can receive free food and water at the park.

“(We’re) meeting them where they’re at,” Peppe said. “Hearing and listening to them and their needs and being able to give them the support through this traumatic experience.”

Boxes containing an assortment of boxed water and MREs were stacked and ready to be distributed at the site.

“The ones that we have out here currently have about 12 meals in the box, so they’re able to feed a family of two for at least a couple of days,” said Peppe. “Of course, we give whatever is needed for the families when they have larger groups in the car. Water, too. We’ve got that here on site. They’re in the cartons, too, so they don’t expire anytime soon. Same with the MREs — they’re good until about 2030, so you’re good for a couple of years with it.”

Hot food was also being supplied at a food truck, coordinated by World Central Kitchen. As for just how long they will be at the park, Peppe says that will depend on the needs of the area.

“We are here to serve," she said. "We’re ready, and when it’s time to focus more on long-term recovery and muck-out services for these houses and these residents, then we’ll move on to that.”