Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis unveiled “Activate Hope” Wednesday, a new initiative under the Hope Florida program designed to assist Floridians recovering from disaster impacts.
This expansion mobilizes the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to expedite recovery efforts, offering essential services such as food provision, household goods, and home repairs.
Governor DeSantis emphasized that Florida is a national leader in storm preparation and disaster response. “Activate Hope,” in partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, aims to harness the established Hope Florida network to ensure swift and effective aid for those affected by disasters.
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First Lady Casey DeSantis highlighted the proactive approach of this initiative, stating, “Activate Hope allows us to bring immediate relief to communities hit hardest by storms or other emergencies, connecting them with Hope Navigators for essential services and supplies.”
Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, praised the innovative approach, noting that Activate Hope exemplifies the state’s commitment to pioneering in disaster recovery practices. The program’s expansion includes a new box truck and an ADA-accessible Hope Bus to further aid distribution efforts at critical points such as distribution sites and recovery centers across Florida.
Additionally, the launch of a toll-free Hope Line (833-GET-HOPE) was announced, providing a direct line for affected Floridians to access help and connect with resources for recovery. Since its inception in July 2022, Hope Florida has helped nearly 30,000 Floridians reduce or eliminate their reliance on government assistance, saving the state an estimated $800 million over the next decade.
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For more information or to seek assistance, Floridians are encouraged to visit www.HopeFlorida.com or call the Hope Line. Organizations looking to collaborate with Hope Florida’s CarePortal can also find details on the program’s website.
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