Hurricane Ian Resources

FISH OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA IS OPERATING ON SANIBEL AND TEMPORARILY IN FORT MYERS AND AVAILABLE BY PHONE FOR ASSISTANCE AND REFERRALS FOR THOSE IMPACTED BY THE HURRICANE. PLEASE CALL 239-472-4775 DURING BUSINESS HOURS OR 239-472-0404 OUTSIDE OF THOSE HOURS. YOU CAN ALSO EMAIL INFO@FISHOFSANCAP.ORG AND A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU.

LONG-TERM RECOVERY: FISH is working around the clock to identify Ian survivors’ still needing assistance in hopes of ascertaining repairs, obtaining bids and expediting the rebuilding process. We have also initiated our Long-Term Recovery program with the goal of identifying and assisting those still struggling with the financial burden from Hurricane Ian.

The Long-Term Recovery program is available to those that live – homeowners and/or tenants — or work full-time on the islands only. The amount of financial assistance is limited and may only cover partial payments toward the cost of repairs. Payments are made to vendors who are providing services or recovery efforts due to Hurricane Ian and not to individuals. These may include but are not limited to housing repairs, permitting costs, temporary housing, loss of goods and furnishings, and any other hurricane related needs. for primary homes only.  

To apply for the FISH Long-Term Recovery program, an application must be completed. Interested individuals can download the application below or can visit FISH at 2422 Periwinkle Way. Certain documentation is required as well as an initial intake session with their Disaster Case Manager, Nitza Lopez. Completed applications and documentation may be delivered to FISH at 2422 Periwinkle Way between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday-Friday, or scanned and emailed to nitza@fishofsancap.org. Community members are encouraged to visit with the FISH team and refer the program to other residents and workforce, even if they don’t think they are eligible, as FISH may be able to provide additional resources for assistance including legal aid and opportunities to fast track the recovery process. For those unable to visit FISH on Sanibel, please contact Nitza Lopez at 239-472-4775 — se habla español.

MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE: Mental Health Wednesdays are located at Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, located at 2304 Periwinkle Way, on a weekly basis, with a few exceptions. Individual sessions must be scheduled in advance by emailing erika@fishofsancap.org. Sessions will take place in the library of Saint Michael’s Church, located in their main building. Please contact FISH or visit the organization’s social  media pages for updates on schedule changes.

FURNITURE DISTRIBUTION: Furniture and rebuilding supply distribution continues to take place every other Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Anyone who lives or works in Sanibel or Captiva is welcome to come to our Furniture Distribution, a FISH of SANCAP and United Way program.

  • Important details:
  • All participants have 7 minutes to select their items
  • 3 items per household
  • This program is free, thanks to United Way, FISH and donors
  • Volunteers and staff are not permitted to lift, please plan accordingly
  • Where: Original FISH Building 2430 Periwinkle Way (NOT the new building)
  • Who: Residents and workforce of Sanibel and Captiva
  • PLEASE BRING…
  • AT LEAST 2 PEOPLE TO HELP YOU LIFT. Anyone who turns up without a crew to lift their furniture will be asked to return later on with helpers.
  • Proof of Sanibel/Captiva residency OR employment (bill, pay stub, W2, license with address, etc.)
  • A valid form of I.D. (license, passport, etc.)
  • Vehicle to transport your new furniture item

FISH & ROTARY TOOL SHED PROGRAM: Realizing many residents have lost critical tools for completing Hurricane Ian recovery repairs to homes and businesses, FISH OF SANCAP and Rotary Club of the Sanibel Captiva have partnered to launch the Tool Shed Program. The program is available to residents of Sanibel and Captiva, on a first come, first served basis. The Tool Shed Program allows islanders to borrow tools they need temporarily and at no cost.  No reservations are required and availability changes frequently. Tools offered may include electric drills, hammers, tool sets; shovels, mops, utility buckets; wheelbarrows, hoses, leaf blowers; chainsaws, saws, crowbars, and more. Tools may be picked up at the FISH site located at 2430 Periwinkle Way during regular operating hours, Monday – Friday, 10:00a-2:00p. To learn more about the Tool Shed Program, please contact Manuela Martinez at FISH, 239-472-4775 or manuela@fishofsancap.org.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: FISH provides an updated Hurricane Preparedness Packet annually which includes useful information to prepare for hurricane season.

United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades: United Way 211 is a program that provides free information and referral to health and human service agencies within Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties. United Way 211 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by dialing 211 or by calling 239-433-3900.

Lee County Hurricane Ian Disaster Recovery CDBG-DR: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) directly awarded Lee County $1,107,881,000 in funding to support long-term recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian.  Lee County is required to submit an Action Plan to detail how funds will be allocated to address remaining unmet needs in Lee County. For additional information, call: 239-533-2315