AARP Florida announces $325,000 in grants from AARP Foundation to support victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – AARP Florida today announced grants totaling $325,000 from the AARP Foundation that are going to local organizations providing relief assistance to older victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“We know from past experience in Florida that recovery and rebuilding from disasters like these take months and years, even as public attention shifts after days or weeks,” said Jeff Johnson, AARP Florida State Director. “With the generous support of the AARP Foundation and its donors, we can directly assist older Floridians affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton while also laying the groundwork for long-term recovery.”

Last fall, Hurricane Helene carved a 500-mile path of destruction across the Southeast, claiming more than 200 lives and becoming the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina, while Hurricane Milton was one of the worst storms to hit Florida in over 100 years. AARP Foundation’s grants are going to organizations offering direct aid and services in the state, including:

· Taylor County Senior Citizens Center, Perry, Fla. - $100,000

· Pinellas Community Foundation, Clearwater, Fla. - $100,000

· Senior Friendship Centers, Sarasota, Fla. - $125,000

“Millions of people across the Southeast — particularly older adults living with low incomes— have faced immense challenges as they rebuild from the devastating impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” said Claire Casey, president of AARP Foundation. “We are directing these funds to local organizations with deep roots in their communities so that Floridians get the support they need.”

To donate or learn more about the AARP Foundation’s disaster relief effort, visit www.aarpfoundation.org/disasterrelief.