Days after the landfall of Hurricane Ian, numerous establishments in the state of Florida, including private campgrounds, RV parks, and state parks, have been severely impacted by the disaster.
To help with the redevelopment, a few good-willed associations have pulled up relief funds to help different campground owners and state parks recover after the storm.
The Florida State Parks Foundations, for instance, announced last October 3 that they would provide a $50,000 relief fund in partnership with the Florida Park Service Ranger Association.
The fund will provide immediate financial support to Florida Park Service staff and volunteers who suffered extensive hardship as a result of Hurricane Ian, according to a press release.
Affected Florida Park Service employees and volunteers can apply for up to $1,000 in relief funds through the Ranger Association’s James A. Cook Humanitarian Relief Fund Application Form. In severe cases, employees may apply for multiple grants.
The Ranger Association is committed to reviewing and evaluating all requests within 24 hours of submission. Financial assistance provided through these funds is not meant to replace other forms of disaster relief. Instead, it is to provide immediate assistance before other aid forms become available.
“Our top-notch Florida Park Service employees and volunteers are devoted to protecting our precious natural resources while helping visitors enjoy treasured state park experiences,” said Florida State Parks Foundation President Tammy Gustafson in a press release.
“With so many of our committed state park staff personally impacted by Hurricane Ian, we are honored to serve and assist those who serve our state parks.”
Unfortunately, Hurricane Ian did not only impact Florida and Carolina, but dangers persisted and even worsened in other places. Virginia was doused with heavy rain, while officials warned of the potential of major flooding along the coast, with a coastal flood warning in effect this week, as per the News & Insights report of the RV Industry Association.
As campgrounds and RV parks across the country continue to be impacted by these natural disasters, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) Foundation has developed a much-needed and immediate financial support fund to help these parks.
The ARVC Foundation is raising funds to help campground owners and their communities. Donations to the ARVC Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund will go directly to campgrounds affected by these natural disasters. To donate to the Disaster Relief Fund, click here.
The Florida RV Park and Campground Association (FRVCA) also took steps to help the communities in Florida recover. They were quick to act when the hurricane struck, immediately calling for donations to its Florida Association Disaster Relief Fund.
The association has also promised to circulate a call for help in any manner for damaged parks with special needs.
In a recent email to member parks, FRVCA President and CEO Bobby Cornwell said they were receiving reports of campgrounds that are still open and unaffected, while others said they suffered minor damage or power outages but will reopen as soon as possible.
“Our Florida RV park and campground industry is very strong, and our park owners and operators are some of the best people in the world. I have no doubt the industry will rally together and support all those in need,” he said in the email.
Member parks in need of financial assistance can contact the FRVCA office at 850-562-7151 or email [email protected]. The association will also be posting updates and information through its consumer Facebook page.
Other than RV parks, campgrounds, and state parks, numerous other communities are still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Ian. Funds and support these associations provide are the first steps to move forward from this catastrophe.
