Healing Through Helping in Florida after Helene and Milton: Captain Aaron’s Story

After Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated Florida in late 2024, local charter captain Aaron put his fishing business on hold to clear dangerous storm debris from local waterways. Nearly two years later, as long-term recovery continues, All Hands & Hearts is stepping in to help Aaron repair his own storm-damaged home.

In late September and early October 2024, Florida was hit by two massive storms: Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The back-to-back hurricanes brought heavy flooding, high winds, and major damage to local towns. Streets were flooded, buildings were damaged, and homes.

Captain Aaron normally takes his boat onto the water with fishing clients, but after the hurricanes, the waterways around his community were impossible to navigate. Propane tanks, coolers and storm debris had been swept into the mangroves, making it impossible to safely return to business as usual.

Knowing his community needed help, Captain Aaron and other local captains stepped in. They put their fishing businesses on hold and used their boats to clear out the water. They spent long days pulling tons of trash and wreckage out of the mangroves so boats could move safely again.

Prioritizing community healing:

For Aaron Hefty, the water has always been his livelihood. In the days after the hurricanes, his boat also became a tool for recovery.

But while he was helping with that work, he had his own recovery ahead of him, with his home having also been affected by the storms. Nearly two years later, that part of the recovery is still underway.

Now, rebuilding his own home:

All Hands & Hearts is helping Captain Aaron repair his house as part of our continued work with communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Long-term recovery is not immediate. Homes need to be repaired. Livelihoods need to restart. Work that could not happen in the first days or weeks still needs to be completed months or even years. After helping clear the way for others to recover, Captain Aaron is now working for his own home, and we are here to support him.

Help Communities Rebuild for the Long Term

Recovery takes time long after the headlines fade. Every contribution directly funds sustained, long-term recovery efforts where they are needed most. Donate today to help families rebuild their homes and lives.

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