In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, St. Rita Catholic Church in Dade City is organizing a community cleanup effort to assist residents affected by the recent flooding. Scheduled for Saturday, the initiative aims to address significant damage caused by the hurricane, which inundated many homes in the area.
Tommy Fitch, a local resident, shares the widespread devastation experienced in his family home. The floors remain wet, furniture is damaged beyond repair, and black mold covers walls and doors. “There is a lot of mold everywhere,” Fitch explained, describing the ongoing challenges his family faces. The situation has profoundly impacted Fitch, who retired and moved back to Dade City to live with his parents, ultimately hoping to pass the family home to his son.
Hurricane Milton’s heavy rains caused nearby rivers to overflow, unexpectedly flooding numerous homes, including the Fitch residence. The destruction reached irreplaceable items like the family’s Bible. Despite these losses, Fitch maintains his faith, recalling how he was moved to tears by the extent of the damage.
Amidst this adversity, Father Carlos Rojas of St. Rita Catholic Church made a crucial phone call to Fitch, not to deliver a sermon, but to offer tangible help. “God allowed this,” Father Rojas stated, viewing the situation as an opportunity to live out their faith through action.
On Saturday, Father Rojas will lead a team of volunteers to clean and repair affected homes, including Fitch’s. The work will involve removing damaged items and addressing structural issues. However, additional volunteers and supplies are needed, particularly personal protective equipment such as masks, boots, and coveralls.
The church encourages those willing to participate in the cleanup to gather at 14404 14th St. in Dade City at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Donations to support the clean-up efforts are also welcome through the church’s platform.
To Fitch, the assistance offered by the church and volunteers fulfills a prayer, bringing hope and the promise of recovery. “It’s God. God took care of all of us,” Fitch commented, expressing his gratitude and optimism for the future.
The community-driven cleanup spearheaded by St. Rita Catholic Church exemplifies the resilience and solidarity of Dade City residents following Hurricane Milton’s devastation. As volunteers prepare to assist those in need, the effort reflects a commitment to rebuilding and supporting each other.
Source: ABC Action News
