ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — We're hearing more stories of neighbors helping neighbors as the Tampa Bay area recovers from back-to-back hurricanes.
One of those efforts got underway Friday in St. Petersburg at the Gateway Mobile Home Park on Gandy Boulevard.
“I can't even describe it in words,” said Mariann Palumbo.
She and several neighbors said they are beyond grateful.
“They're helping me move. Thank goodness," Palumbo said. “They're volunteers that we've been fortunate enough to have arranged by the people that are here in Gateway.”
“We actually just found out about this trailer park 36 hours ago from a resident,” said volunteer Ashley Cruz. “And we didn't realize how much need they actually were in. So, it's really just neighbors helping neighbors.”
Through the weekend, volunteers planned to help residents of the mobile home park — a community of more than 55 people where majority of the 200 mobile homes took on two feet of water or suffered extensive roof damage.
“Our house is unlivable,” said Marylyn Stevens. “It's full of mold. It's got damage inside. Roof outside. Car parked to part outside. No water heater. No utilities.”
“Some of the homes that are closed up, their ceilings are falling down because it's been moist inside there and, you know, additional damage is happening,” said resident Connie Aguero.
Many of the people living in the community are on fixed incomes. Some — still without power — are disabled or homebound.
Volunteers found some still sitting in their homes with water-soaked furniture and drywall.
“We have shut-ins who can't get out of their houses, so we are trying to make sure that they get food,” said Aguero. “And people are working and trying to get stuff done and get a hot meal.”
Volunteers are helping to carry out damaged furnishings, tarping roofs and spraying to prevent mold.
Organizers say those who’d like to help can join them this weekend at the Gateway Mobile Home Park, located at 10100 Gandy Blvd. North in St. Petersburg.
If you don't have time, you may have tools to lend. They also need all sorts of supplies, including contractor bags, N95 masks and gloves, which can be dropped off at the mobile home park office.
For those who’ve lost so much, it's been a gesture of community and generosity which they say they won't forget.
“When people are on long less for charitable organizations or government help, neighbors come out and they help,” said Cruz. “And so, it's been truly amazing.”
“Everything else I can kind of handle myself. But the physical help is what I really needed at this point,” said Palumbo. “And the emotional support that everyone here in Gateway has given me, the residents — It's unbelievable.”