PCAT Literacy Ministries: Supporting Students and Families Through Hurricane Recovery

When Hurricanes Helene and Milton swept through Tampa Bay, they left behind more than damaged buildings and flooded streets—they uprooted lives. At Ruskin Elementary School, PCAT Literacy Ministries faced a crisis as their office flooded, leaving them scrambling to restore services to the families they serve. Despite these challenges, PCAT’s team was determined to turn their adversity into an opportunity to uplift the community.

“We knew that while we were affected, many of the families we work with were facing unimaginable hardships,” said PCAT Director WeClaige Moise. “Our mission is to support these families, and this storm only reinforced how vital that mission is.”

Providing Critical Support to Families in Need

Thanks to a grant from Community Foundation Tampa Bay, PCAT Literacy Ministries quickly mobilized to support the families of Ruskin Elementary students who lost everything in the hurricanes. The funds have been used to address immediate needs and offer a glimmer of stability during an incredibly uncertain time.

Hot Meals and Essential Supplies — PCAT worked to ensure families had access to warm meals, distributing grocery gift cards and laundromat vouchers to help them regain a sense of normalcy. These seemingly simple items have been a lifeline for families navigating the complexities of displacement and loss.

Addressing Housing Challenges — For families who had to separate temporarily—sheltering with different relatives or in overcrowded spaces due to limited housing—PCAT provided hotel vouchers to reunite loved ones and offer a safe space during their time of need.

Trauma Training for Families — The storms didn’t just damage physical structures; they left emotional scars as well. Recognizing an influx of students struggling with anxiety, PCAT used the grant to plan a trauma training session for families. This training aims to equip parents and caregivers with tools to support their children’s emotional well-being, fostering resilience in the face of uncertainty.

“We’re seeing families divided and children carrying heavy emotional burdens,” PCAT shared. “The trauma training is one way we’re helping to heal and strengthen our community.”

Join Us in Supporting Critical Nonprofit Recovery

Your generosity can make an enduring difference for nonprofits like PCAT. By contributing to Community Foundation Tampa Bay’s Rapid Response Fund, you can help ensure vital resources—like meals, shelter, and emotional support—reach the families who need them most. Together, we are helping nonprofits in our region rebuild and restore hope. Your support fuels the work of organizations that provide not just assistance, but also a path to recovery.