Hurricane Ian Relief for Low Income Families

Hi, my name is Dr. Parisima Taeb, an internal medicine physician in Fort Myers, Florida. Southwest Florida is my home - our neighbors and community members are kind and generous and it’s time for us to give back and help the families struggling after Hurricane Ian.

My family and I have been visiting and volunteering at various hurricane relief centers. Unfortunately, the areas with low-income and immigrant families have been hit the hardest and still struggling. Many of these families have lots of young children, toddlers, and newborns. Most of their homes are entirely demolished or flooded, forcing the parents and children to sleep on wet and muddy floors or in small tents outside with all their belongings. Their landlords demand rent even though their homes are NOT habitable - most don't have running water, kitchen sinks, or appliances. Every penny I receive from your donations, I use to buy necessities for these families.

My sister and I constantly communicate with the children and families we met in Linda Loma, so we know their urgent needs regarding appliances, mattresses, furniture, etc. Thanks to the generous support of neighbors and friends, we have helped the family of an 11-month-old baby girl, and now we are assisting the family of a six-year-old, and a pregnant woman who is expecting on November 16.

If you would like to deliver gift cards to the families, we can also go there together so you can hand deliver the gift cards or donated items. Otherwise, if you are not able to be there personally, I will hand deliver the donated goods. Please donate any amount, as every dollar will go a long way to give these families a glimmer of hope. It's truly unbelievable and unconscionable the way these families are being treated by their landlords, and hopefully through our efforts, we can provide these families with hope, joy, and basic necessities (and some toys for the little ones :)) during the holidays.

Thank you for your kind efforts.