Federal help is finally on the way for one of the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Irma in Southwest Florida. Irma caused widespread damage and serious storm in Everglades City and nearby Chokoloskee when the massive storm made landfall in Collier County on Sunday, leaving a thick layer of mud inside homes after the water receded. Friday was the first day FEMA volunteers were in town to assess the damage.
"It has taken a lot of resources to do that," said FEMA volunteer Lisa Borbe. "We have folks all over."
"We're waiting for more resources, but we're doing the best we can," she added.
FEMA volunteers set up a table near Everglades City Hall for people to register for federal assistance, to cover housing and other costs.
"They've told us that once you do an application, somebody will be in contact with you in seven to ten days," said Parker Oglesby. The Everglades City Council member's home was one of more than a hundred in which storm surge flooded several feet high, leaving every room caked in mud.
"It's going to be a long process for us all," Oglesby said of the clean-up efforts in the area.
Ruby Stiltner, whose rented mobile home in Chokoloskee was also severely damaged by Irma's storm surge, requested food and clothing assistance from FEMA.
"I know that God will provide," Stiltner said. "He always has."
"I hope and pray that this storm will open eyes," she added, before getting emotional and stopping the interview.
National Guard troops were also in town Friday also, loading residents' vehicles with water and food at a pick-up location near the FEMA table.
Other volunteers, like several with the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, were also in the area, helping residents with food and medical needs.
"Everybody is fighting hard," said Neil Volz with FRRC. "And there are people with a lot of needs, but they are helping each other, and it is amazing to see such a unified community."
"It's bad - really, really bad," Nicholas Potter of Chokoskee said of the mud left behind by Hurricane Irma. "But, it won't be bad for long."
