In Hudson, Florida, families are feeling the strain this holiday season after back-to-back hurricanes turned their lives upside down. Metropolitan Ministries, a local nonprofit, has seen about a 20% increase in families seeking help for essentials like food, toys, and financial aid. But just when the need is highest, donations have taken a hit, dropping by 23% compared to last year.
Susan Neff, who runs the “Neighbor Hope Project” at Metropolitan Ministries, knows just how tough things are for these families. She works closely with people on the brink of homelessness, and the hurricanes have only made their situations more precarious.
“In places like Hudson and Shady Hills, we’re seeing families who may not have lost everything but are still struggling,” Neff shared. “Even minor damage to their homes or a temporary job loss can push them over the edge, especially during the holidays.”
Neff herself is living through the challenges. After Hurricane Helene flooded her home with over four feet of water, she returned to find it unlivable. Without walls, electricity, or running water, she’s now staying in a trailer outside her house.
“It’s been eye-opening,” she said. “I’ve experienced just a glimpse of what homelessness feels like, and most people in this situation didn’t do anything wrong. Circumstances just took over.”
For Neff and many others, the struggle is compounded by the emotional toll. Although Hurricane Milton didn’t cause further physical damage for her, it added to the mental weight of an already tough situation.
The hurricanes have displaced many of the families Metropolitan Ministries was already helping, making their work even more urgent. But the storms didn’t just affect the families they serve; they also impacted the volunteers. With so many people busy repairing their own lives, the number of helping hands has dwindled.
Still, Neff is holding onto hope. She believes that if the community pulls together, the holiday season can still bring moments of joy and relief for those in need. Metropolitan Ministries is actively collecting donations both online and in person, and every little bit helps.
“This is a time for us to show up for each other,” Neff said. “Together, we can make miracles happen—even in the toughest times.”
