• Hurricane Debby has put Taylor County residents at additional risk. They say they cannot afford basic necessities and building repairs, meaning many must live near the damage.
• Since Debby arrived, organizations have been on site to help the neighbors.
• Watch the video to learn about community members in Perry who have struggled and what support they need.

TRANSCRIPT OF THE MISSION:

Since Hurricane Debby, more and more people have struggled to afford food and make ends meet.

Neighbors said the impact of the recent storms has exacerbated the difficult times they have been going through since Hurricane Idalia.

Stressed, worried and anxious – three words that have described Perry’s neighbor William Terry since last August.

“I feel sorry for myself and the others in this county because now, eleven months in a row, this county has been directly hit by two hurricanes,” Terry said.

The damage from Hurricane Idalia and subsequently Debby caused major water damage.

“The center beam, look at the mold, look at the mold, it’s all over the house,” Terry said. “Our house is ruined and we don’t have the money for these repairs.”

This is because they live on a fixed income and the money has to be spent on essential items such as food.

SEE THE DAMAGE PERRY SUFFERED DURING HURRICANE DEBBY:

Hurricane Debby: Flooding in Perry, Florida

The Florida Baptist Convention is trying to make it easier for neighbors to decide whether they can afford food or repairs.

David Coggins, state director of disaster relief for the Florida Baptist Convention, said they have been providing hot meals and damage repair since Debby arrived.

“Due to the severity of the storm, the damage is not as extensive, but we have done repeated cleanup efforts,” Coggins said.

They conducted a similar mission during Hurricane Idalia and are back just 11 months later.

“Seeing how people are still suffering from the effects of the past year, the damage and trauma that came with it, and having to go through it all again, it puts a lot of strain on our volunteers,” Coggins said.

Monique Ellsworth, CEO of Second Harvest of the Big Bend, said over 20% of their post-Debby distribution went to Taylor County.

“Their resilience was tested last year and we are now seeing it tested again,” Ellsworth said.

However, Ellsworth said there is also some relief in Taylor County that the damage was minimal.

“We’ve found that a lot of people are just grateful that they’ve gotten through this year much better than last year,” Ellsworth said.

Terry is grateful, but worries about the future of his house in its current condition and given his lack of disposable income.

“We have two dollars, two one-dollar bills in the bank account,” Terry said.

Various groups have offered their support here.

Florida Baptist Disaster Relief Ministries said it will remain in the city for the next few weeks to provide assistance.

Coming soon: Farm Share and Victory International Prophetic Ministries will host a food drive on Saturday, August 17.