TAMPA, Fla. — Two comfort stations are now open in the city of Tampa for victims of Hurricane Helene.
Each day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Desoto Park and Marjorie Park will offer free food, water and ice.
“Water has been a pretty, no pun intended, hot item," said Maribel Garrett, community engagement coordinator and Hispanic liaison for the city of Tampa.
Each station also offers free restrooms, showers, laundry services and cooling spaces.
"So people can come in, sit down, and just cool down," Garrett said.
The two stations opened in partnership with Hillsborough County and the Florida Department of Emergency Management.
Organizers say there are six comfort stations across the county, which are expected to be open until at least Thursday.
Terry Bos has lived in Tampa for 22 years. Hurricane Helene flooded his home.
“Everybody asks me how I’m doing, and I say, 'I’m not sure,'" Bos said.
When the storm rolled through Thursday night, Bos stayed at his neighborhood church with his dog. He says he went back home to find feet of water inside his home.
“I have no appliances working," he said. "It’s over the breaker box.”
On Monday, he went to the Desoto Park comfort station looking for answers and help.
Tampa’s Building and Construction Department was on site to talk about permits and inspections.
"They are here to answer questions," Garrett said. "The fees are being waved, so if someone has questions, all they have to do is come here. We do realize that a lot of community has lost a lot. That’s why we’re here. We’re trying to perhaps give them a little bit of those many things that they need.”
“I had no idea what to do or where to go," Bos said. "My daughter looked up some stuff online and told me to come down here and see what I could find out. I’ve just been taking it day by day, trying to figure out what to do next.”
Residents who can't make it to a comfort station in person can also access resources online.
You can also text TAMPAREADY to 888777 to receive assistance via text message. Spanish assistance is available by texting TAMPALISTA to 888777.