Support Jorge's Recovery from Hurricane Devastation

Hello, my name is Jorge Zapata, and I’m reaching out to you from the heart of Florida. I’m a 69-year-old resident of Largo, Pinellas County, where I’ve lived for the past 24 years, building my life and contributing to my community. I currently work part-time at Publix, and while I’ve faced challenges in the past, nothing has been as overwhelming as what happened this year.

In the span of just a few weeks, my world was torn apart by not one, but two brutal hurricanes. First, Hurricane Helene swept through in late September, unleashing her fury and leaving devastation in her wake. My home, which is my sanctuary, took a beating, but I was hopeful I could make repairs and recover.

Before I could even begin to catch my breath, Hurricane Milton crashed into our community with winds reaching 200 km/h. This time, the damage was far worse. My garage and porch were completely destroyed, one of the bedrooms in my mobile home was flooded, and the ceiling in my dining room became soaked, sagging under the weight of water and moisture.

Milton’s destruction forced an evacuation, and when I returned, my home was unrecognizable. The roof is damaged, walls are drenched, and the place I’ve called home for over two decades was no longer safe to live in. I’ve lost so much, not just in terms of possessions, but the peace and security my home once provided.

I have always been independent, doing my best to manage with what I have, but at this moment, I can’t do it alone. I don’t have the resources to rebuild, and that’s why I’m asking for your help. The road to recovery is long, and the costs are beyond what I can afford on my part-time income.

Every dollar raised will go directly to repairing my home, replacing essential belongings, and restoring some sense of normalcy. I’m not just trying to rebuild a house – I’m trying to reclaim my life, my stability, and my peace of mind.

If you are able to donate, I will be forever grateful. And if you can’t donate, even sharing my story would mean the world to me. With your help, I believe I can recover from this disaster. Thank you for reading, and thank you for caring.

Jorge Zapata

Largo, Florida