ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, the City of St. Petersburg is stepping up to help its residents recover. Mayor Kenneth T. Welch announced the launch of the “We Are St. Pete Fund,” a collaborative effort with the Pinellas Community Foundation to provide financial assistance to those affected by the storm.
“We are St. Pete, and that means we stand together in times of crisis,” said Mayor Welch. “This fund is a lifeline for our residents, small businesses, and city employees who are facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.”
The fund aims to provide direct support for immediate needs like temporary housing, food, and medical supplies, while also laying the foundation for long-term recovery efforts.
The City of St. Petersburg has made a significant initial contribution of $200,000, with the first $100,000 dedicated to covering administrative costs to ensure that 100% of public donations go directly to those in need.
The “We Are St. Pete Fund” has already garnered strong support from the community, with major pledges of $100,000 each from The Foundation for a Healthy St. Pete, the Tampa Bay Rays, and St. Pete residents Trevor Burgess and Gary Hess.
Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction in its wake, with a storm surge exceeding six feet and widespread flooding affecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
“The road to recovery will be long, but we are resilient,” said Mayor Welch. “With the support of the ‘We Are St. Pete Fund,’ we will rebuild our city stronger than ever.”
To contribute to the fund or learn more about the City’s recovery efforts, please visit WeAreStPete.org or StPete.org/Helene.
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