NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Residents in Pasco County are taking relief efforts into their own hands.
Several community and volunteer groups are now working together as a new group called Pasco Brave.
Angel Cook is one of the founders of the group. She says Brave stands for Bringing Relief And Volunteer Efforts.
"Let’s get together," Cook said. "Let’s make one group effort. We’ll cover a lot more ground and make a lot more progress and help a lot more people. So here we are.”
On Wednesday morning, Pasco Brave will open to the public inside Our Lady Queen of Peace.
The pastor of the church, Father Sebastian, says he hopes this center will bring comfort to victims of Hurricane Helene.
"Many of them lost their houses, lost their car, lost everything," he said. "They have no place to lay down their head.”
“They can just show up," David Cruz with Knights of Columbus said. "We don’t want anyone to be afraid of coming here.”
Inside, there are hundreds of free hygiene kits. Each contains a towel, comb and deodorant.
"Shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap," Cruz said.
Cleanup kits are also available, complete with dustpans, brushes, mops, brooms, gloves and more.
Donated nonperishable food items, ready-to-eat meals and water are also available at no cost.
“We just want as many people to come here and get help as necessary," Cruz added.
Rows of diapers and boxes of baby food sit ready to be picked up.
"A lot of assortment of different baby diapers," Cruz said.
Organizers say the church will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Wednesday, Oct. 2. The goal is to stay open for at least two weeks.
"My hope is that this room is filled with volunteers and people in the community who need it most," Cook said. "I know that it will be. I know that we’re going to make a big difference.”
Anyone needing assistance or willing to volunteer with Pasco Brave can call 727-457-4849 to contact the group directly.