What to do before a hurricane and how to support your community

Help our homeless neighbors before, during, and after a storm

Hurricane season affects everyone, but for individuals and families without stable housing, the risks are far greater. While many prepare by boarding up windows or stocking supplies, our homeless neighbors often face storms without shelter, transportation, or access to basic necessities.

If you’re looking for ways to make a difference in your community during Florida’s storm season, here’s how to prepare and support our homeless neighbors before, during, and after a hurricane in Seminole County.

Before the storm: Prepare with compassion

Share critical info

Our homeless neighbors may not have access to the internet or receive emergency alerts. Help distribute printed information about shelters, evacuation zones, and local assistance.

Sign up for alerts here.

Donate emergency supplies

Local nonprofits, such as The Sharing Center, provide hurricane preparation kits to our homeless neighbors. Your donations help supply:

• Flashlights and batteries
• Non-perishable food
• Reusable water bottles
• Ponchos and tarps
• Travel-size hygiene kits

Volunteer before the storm

The need for hands-on help increases as storms approach. You can assist with packing kits, organizing supplies, or distributing food to those living outdoors or in vehicles.

Your extra supplies could be a lifeline for a neighbor in crisis.

During the storm: Know where to direct help

Emergency shelters for homeless residents

Seminole County opens general, pet-friendly, and special needs shelters that also accept individuals without housing. Sharing this info or offering transportation can be lifesaving.

See a full list of local shelter and resource options in Seminole County here.

Stay in touch with support centers

Organizations like The Sharing Center continue to provide critical services when it’s safe to do so. If you know someone experiencing homelessness, guide them to the nearest shelter or resource hub. The Oasis, located on The Sharing Center campus, offers showers, meals, laundry, and support, making it a critical stop for our homeless neighbors after the storm.

Learn more about The Oasis.

Offer encouragement

Storms can be emotionally overwhelming for people already living in survival mode. A moment of compassion or conversation can be grounding in the chaos.

After the storm: Help rebuild stability

Support basic needs recovery

After a hurricane, our homeless neighbors often lose what little they had, dry clothes, food, or safe places to rest. You can help by donating:

• Fresh meals
• Clean clothing
• Sleeping bags, tents, or tarps
• Gas gift cards or bus passes

Volunteer for recovery efforts

The Sharing Center offers hot meals, showers, laundry access, mental health services, and housing referrals. Volunteers are needed to help distribute supplies, clean up, and check on community members.

Sign up to volunteer here.

How to be part of the solution

Whether you know someone facing housing instability or you simply want to help, there are many ways to take action:

• Print and share resource guides
• Check on those living outdoors or in vehicles
• Volunteer with a local organization
• Donate thoughtfully and consistently
• Speak with empathy and use people-first language

In times of disaster, our response defines us. Let’s show our homeless neighbors that they’re not forgotten, and that they deserve care, safety, and community just like anyone else.

Want to help now?
Your gift or your time could mean everything to someone facing a storm without shelter

Learn more, volunteer, or donate here