Upon witnessing the effects of Hurricane Ian in Florida, Tzu Chi volunteers from the Southern Regional office and additional United States regional offices swiftly gathered in Florida to provide their love and relief. Together, they assessed the situation on site and began a six-day, seven-session distribution effort as of October 15, 2022. The latest and largest event was held on November 5 in Lee County’s Fort Myers community. With both hands outstretched and heads bowed in reverence, Tzu Chi volunteers delivered cash cards, eco-blankets, and essential supplies to survivors.

On October 30, 2022, Tzu Chi held its third hurricane Ian relief event in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club of Lee County in Fort Myers. On this day, 566 impacted households received relief from 10 AM to 5 PM.

On October 8, 2022, Pine Island was opened for the first time since Hurricane Ian overwhelmed parts of Florida’s western coast. At the time, a Tzu Chi disaster assessment team entered the island to assess needs, and volunteers discovered that many community residents lost their means of transportation due to the storm’s damage. Hoping to provide effective care and relief, Tzu Chi volunteers visited Pine Island Community Church on October 29, holding two hurricane relief distributions for survivors.

A Tzu Chi USA team set up a registration station at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Lee County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Fort Myers, Florida. As Hurricane Ian impacted residents arrived, Tzu Chi volunteers listened attentively and took down their information, knowing that timely cash card distributions are forthcoming. Tzu Chi USA’s disaster assessment documentation also revealed the gravity of the need here as people begin their long and arduous journey to full recovery.

Working together with local community organizations, Tzu Chi volunteers continued their Hurricane Ian assessment mission in Florida by visiting the nearby Cape Coral neighborhood and the hard-hit Caloosa Mobile Home Community.

Led by Zachary Stokes of the American Red Cross South Florida Region, Tzu Chi Southern Region and Media Production Center volunteers visited Pine Island, Florida, an area that was hard-hit by Hurricane Ian.

Hurricane Ian battered much of Southwest Florida on September 28, 2022, causing immeasurable and devastating damage, including the loss of life. To begin the difficult work of disaster recovery, Tzu Chi volunteers from the Miami Service Center made contact with Collier County Commissioner Penny Taylor on October 2 to visit Naples and Everglades City and assess the current situation.