Help Doug start over after Hurricane Ian

My name is Erica Urbanovitch, and I am a student at UF, living in Pasco County, Fl. I heard Doug Harold was stranded in his apartment in Fort Myers after Hurricane Ian flooded his home and crushed his car.

How do I know Doug? His sister, Carolyn Harold Sherman, is the wife of the pastor of the church I attended as a child (AUMC in Seminole, Fl).

Doug’s family was unable to get to him quickly, and his apartment was unlivable due to water damage and fast-growing mold. I picked Doug up on Tuesday, October 4th, and he is staying with my family until mid-October, when he will relocate to north Florida to be closer to his sister.

Storm surge from Ian sent 10” of muddy water into his home, and the water and resulting mold destroyed most of his possessions. Everything we could salvage only filled four plastic storage bins, plus a few pictures that were safe up on his walls.

Doug is retired, and he will use the funds raised here to purchase replacement furniture, clothing, and household necessities, and to help with his bills as he gets settled somewhere new. If any funds are leftover, those will be put towards a car.

Doug is a kind and humble man. He checked on his neighbors as soon as he was able after the storm, and he shared what little supplies he had with his neighbors. He celebrated his 69th birthday just before the hurricane changed his life. If you can spare something to help a fellow Floridian start over, please consider helping Doug.