Communal Trauma in Florida Big Bend: Salvation Army offers Emotional and Spiritual Care to Reeling Community

With Hurricane Helene making landfall in Florida’s big bend area, residents found themselves dealing with their third major hurricane in 13 months. There is a certain amount of shellshock visible over residents as they slowly begin to venture out, check on neighbors, and see what remains of their houses and community.

Salvation Army crews were onsite to distribute boxed meals tonight with hot meal service beginning tomorrow. In addition to food, crews were available to listen as resident after resident spoke about the collective trauma the region is reliving.

Jennifer, who is still living in a FEMA trailer after Hurricane Idalia destroyed her home, broke down in tears as she walked up to the Salvation Army team. She spoke of how she had once again found herself in the dark, searching for phone service, desperate to figure out where and if help was available.

“I can’t believe we are going through this again,” she whispered. “How is this even real?” After receiving a hug and meal kits and the comfort of knowing she was safe, Jennifer continued. “The Salvation Army is what pulled me through Hurricane Idalia. I knew I could find you again, and I would be okay.”

Jennifer spoke of her favorite place to take her children for a special treat, now only cinder blocks. Other residents described entire neighborhoods leveled, empty beaches with posts that used to hold houses, and the repeated refrain: “How did it happen again?”

The Salvation Army remains committed to providing not only meals and water to the residents of the big bend communities, but also emotional and spiritual care as they process this collective hardship. “Thank you for showing up,” Jennifer said, smiling as she walked away. “You made us feel like we’re not alone.”