At 82 years old, Josie (pseudonym used to protect client identity) of Port St. Lucie never imagined she would face the devastation that Hurricane Milton’s tornado left behind. Her mobile home in Spanish Lakes—one of the hardest hit communities in St. Lucie County—suffered severe damage, including a roof that left her vulnerable to further loss.
Like many seniors recovering from disaster, Josie faced additional challenges. Unscrupulous contractors took advantage of her situation, leaving critical repairs unfinished. With remarkable determination, she stood up for herself, even bringing her case before the county housing board to demand completion of the services she had been promised. Still, she feared her home would never be fully safe again.
That’s when Catholic Charities stepped in. With the guidance and support of her case manager, Connie Williams, Josie found the hope and strength she needed to continue. Catholic Charities not only helped cover partial costs to complete the vital repairs to secure her roof but also reimbursed her for some of the expenses she had lost to dishonest contractors. This assistance allowed Marilyn to recover financially and finish her home repairs, restoring both her safety and peace of mind.
Josie’s journey shows how compassion and advocacy can make a life-changing difference for vulnerable seniors recovering from disaster. Thanks to the Disaster Recovery Program, with funding from Catholic Charities USA and American Red Cross, Josie’s home is once again safe—and she can move forward knowing she is not alone.
