Moving Forward Update #29

Dear Friends,
 
I have been reminded by a couple people that this time of recovery is a marathon and not a sprint, and I want to share that with you in today's update. This is a long process we are in, and we all need to exercise patience, graciousness and understanding as we enter the next stage of the rebuilding and recovery process. It takes a toll of one's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual state and one way we can all help each other is to listen and learn from others who have walked this journey before. I highly encourage you to take the time to join us tomorrow night at 6pm for a special zoom with guests Rev. David and Jennifer Knight, seminary classmates and friends of ours who lost their parish during hurricane Katrina. It was literally swept away with only the concrete foundation left. David and Jennifer will share thoughts on "after the storm"; some of the emotional and spiritual aspects of that experience, the joys and sorrows and how they came out on the other side with God's help. 
 
The link is here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7022884993
 
Reminder: PLEASE SEND MAIL TO OUR NEW PO BOX
 
St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
15880 Summerlin Rd, Ste #300

PMB #420
Fort Myers, FL 33908
 
Sue and I have also obtained a PO box as well. Our personal address is now:
Bill and Sue Van Oss
15880 Summerlin Rd, Ste #300
PMB #473
Fort Myers, FL 33908
 
We are back in our home as of last night and so grateful for all the help and support; from people dropping off meals, letting us borrow a car, housing us, and helping us get the house ready. Our wish is that others may know this joy at some point in the near future.   
 

Sanibel Resources:   
- The FEMA Town Hall meeting last week was very informative. Here is the link to the recording; https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=546107170698953&ref=sharing (fast forward as they started the live feed before the meeting started:)  Call or stop by one of the FEMA disaster centers on Sanibel or Bass Road in Fort Myers if you have questions. One key take away is that if you are considering applying for a SBA loan, know that you can not also apply for a Hazard Mitigation Grant; it must be one or the other. You also can't phase repairs when dealing with the 50% rule. 
 
- Those of you who were flooded out by Hurricane Ian may get a reduction in your Lee County Property Taxes next year. Call the Property Appraiser's Office at 239-533-6100 and tell them you wish to claim that your property is "unusable due to Hurricane Ian". You must have a copy of your latest tax bill available because they will ask for your Personal ID # (they call it an alternate key #) which is below your account # and it begins with 21-00. Do not call until you have the bill in your possession. Answer a few questions and you are noted for the new tax assessment beginning January 1 2023. Call now and you could possibly get a reduction on next years Property Taxes. This information is from the www.leegov.com site, hurricane resources tab website "Real Estate Property Tax"
 
- There is another program on Wednesday that looks to be very informative too and could answer questions several of you have asked recently; 

Hurricane Ian: Moving Forward with Recovery

Join Claire Balsley, Director of Disaster Assistance Programs for SBP, a national disaster recovery and resilience organization, to learn how to navigate recovery processes (such as FEMA vs. SBA programs) on Wednesday, December 14^th at 12:00 p.m. at the Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel Captiva Rd. After the presentation there will also be time for individuals to ask questions. They will cover navigating federal assistance, working with insurance, working with contractors and avoiding fraud and mold suppression.  Pre-registration not required. Contact 239-472-0302 or 239-395-1860 with questions.
 
Hope to see you on zoom tomorrow night; 
Peace, Bill+