Collier Community Foundation to work in conjunction with Everglades City Mayor and Council to raise several homes to prevent future flood damage
Naples, FL ( As part of ongoing Hurricane Ian recovery efforts, the Collier Community Foundation continues its long-standing support of Everglades City by committing at least $1.6 million to raise several homes to mitigate damage from future
hurricanes.
After Hurricane Irma, the Collier Community Foundation funded the raising of two homes, which later sustained no flood damage from Hurricane Ian. Thanks to a state grant from the Collier Housing Resilience Project, approximately ten Everglades City homes will be lifted. State Senator Kathleen Passidomo (R-FL) advocated for $4.9 to be directed to the Collier Community Foundation for hurricane mitigation programs.
“While Everglades City is a small coastal area with 352 year-round residents, it is an important part of our community and vital to the history of Collier County,” said Eileen Connolly-Keesler, Collier Community Foundation President and CEO. “We are honored to work with the City of Everglades on this critical resilience project again.
Once the costs and the complexity of the homes involved are determined, the number of homes may vary. Related costs include raising the home with a hydraulic jack and placing it on stilts, a new foundation, stairs, and a landing. Other costs include permits and an engineering inspection.
“It has been a pleasure working with Collier Community Foundation with all the projects. Collier Community Foundation is a blessing to the City of Everglades and the surrounding communities,” said Everglades City Mayor Howie Grimm. “We are looking forward to collaborating with Collier Community Foundation on future projects that will benefit the residents of this community.”
Up to nine feet of surge washed over Everglades City during Hurricane Ian. “People with elevated homes had less damage and anyone at ground level had water in their living area,” said Everglades City Councilman and executive committee chair of the Communities of Everglades Disaster Recovery task force member Tony Pernas. “The long-term solution is to elevate your home. We’re trying to help people out, so they don’t have to go through that again.”
About the Collier Community Foundation
Collier Community Foundation™ is a tax-exempt, public, charitable organization established in 1985 to increase and focus on local private philanthropy. Today, the Collier Community Foundation manages over 850 funds, works with hundreds of nonprofits, and has granted over $328 million to nonprofit organizations, community programs, and scholarships. Informed giving. Powerful results.® Learn more at colliercf.org or call 239-649-5000..