ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Some families are spending the holiday away from home weeks after suffering damages from back-to-back hurricanes.
Amid the recovery, one Shore Acres neighbor in St. Petersburg is helping bring relief one meal at a time.
“You can never underestimate the power of humanity when you give it the opportunity to actually thrive in the way that it should,” said resident Matt Thorn.
With ongoing help from others, Thorn started what’s been dubbed the neighborhood’s Relief Market and Grille. It’s become a haven for meals he cooks, supplies and company during some of the most traumatic times.
“This keeps me kind of going every single day,” Thorn said.
On the front yard, several tents with tables are set-up, complete with a projector screen to watch films. Here, neighbors can pick up supplies such as linen sheets or pet food.
There are even places for pets and kids to decompress.
Most importantly, perhaps, it’s been a space to find company from the mental toll the recovery can take.
The purpose is deep in Thorn’s heart.
It’s a means to honor his late grandmother who instilled passion for cooking in his family. Through that, Thorn said he saw how much of an impact his grandmother’s meals made when it prompted people to come together.
“That's what gets me through the day, and hearing everybody's story and having them sit around the table and share their lives,” Thorn said.
The work to serve others is non-stop despite Thorn having to rebuild himself.
His home got flooded during Hurricane Helene. He’s been hosting meals at his friend’s house ever since.
The timeline to return home remains uncertain, but the refuge Thorn built reminds storm survivors they don’t have to weather the storm alone.
At the same time, Thorn said his mental well-being is benefiting from seeing people come together.
“We're all going through this trauma together, but we've also found friendship with each other we found. We found commonality,” Thorn said.
The Relief Market & Grille is expected to remain as long as needed. Already, Thorn said he’s been able to help bring supplies for other communities in St. Pete and has worked with other nonprofits as well.
Several events throughout the holiday are also planned and are aimed at bringing the neighborhood together, alongside providing relief.
The Relief Market and Grille can be reached at 202-200-0153 for anyone interested in donating or helping.