RUSKIN, Fla. — My Warrior’s Place has been a saving grace for veterans, first responders and their families, helping them deal with post-traumatic stress disorder for over a decade.
Now, the nonprofit is working to rebuild after a majority of their cottages were damaged by Hurricane Helene.
“Nobody expected it to be this bad,” Dalton Wells, My Warrior’s Place property manager said.
The calming waters at a safe haven turned destructive during the storm.
“Me and Doug, our maintenance manager, were sitting right there on that porch watching all of it get washed down the road and all of my potted plants and everything pretty much was just floating,” Wells said.
“The waters even got into the AC units... gone as well,” Kelly Kowall, My Warrior’s Place founder and president said.
Kowall walked around her property in disbelief. Rushing water made its way in through the windows, damaging all cottages except one.
“Our refrigerator was right here and it picked it up and when the waters receded it left it here. Look at the floor, this is all new flooring. We just got this cottage done a month ago,” Kowall said.
Kowall started this nonprofit in honor of her son.
“My son was killed in Afghanistan, and I saw how it devastated those he served with and I saw how it imploded my family,” Kowall said.
My Warrior’s Place has been a home away from home for many people going through rough times.
“I’ve had several that have called me and said I know you didn’t know it but I was suicidal I would’ve been one of the 22,” Kowall said.
To continue helping, Kowall said she needs help. Things were just returning to normal after Hurricane Idalia last year.
“I didn’t expect to have to do it again,” Kowall said.
And now, facing the expense of rebuilding again, she’s starting to feel overwhelmed.
“I’m hoping that people out there realize how much this is needed how bad it’s needed to help those who have made it home,” Kowall said.
Kowall said she will have to cancel reservations while they work to restore these cottages and to get their programs up and running.
If you would like to help My Warrior's Place, you can find more information on how to donate here.
