Miami, FL, July 13, 2022 —
United HomeCare®, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) home and community-based charitable organization providing care to the most vulnerable populations in South Florida, has teamed up with Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), the Florida Council on Aging (FCOA), and local community partners for a second consecutive year to pack and deliver more than 7,300 hurricane preparedness meal kits containing a three-day supply of nutritious food, water and snacks to homebound seniors in need of assistance and living in the most underserved communities in Miami-Dade County.
“Addressing the needs of our community’s underserved populations is one of United HomeCare’s most important strategic initiatives, and I can speak for the rest of the board members in saying that we are very proud of what United HomeCare’s team is doing together with our local and statewide partners,” said José Keichi Fuentes, United HomeCare Board Chairman.
The hurricane preparedness meal kits, made possible through a generous donation from FPL to FCOA and United HomeCare (UHC), were distributed in collaboration with The City of Florida City, Mayor Otis Wallace and Commissioner Eugene D. Berry; Senator/Commissioner Rene Garcia; H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Every Day); Hialeah Housing Authority; The Village of Allapattah YMCA Family Center; and Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center.
UHC and FPL led the efforts to reach older adults bringing them much needed resources all throughout the North and South corridors of Miami-Dade County. “FPL is happy to partner with United HomeCare to help more than 800 seniors in Miami-Dade County prepare for hurricane season. These residents may not have the ability to leave their homes after a storm, and this allows us to help them prepare with kits containing meals, water and snacks for three days, should they need them in an emergency,” said Armando Fernandez, FPL Director of External Affairs.
UHC’s AVUS Connect youth volunteers and summer interns are also helping in the distribution efforts and preparing kits for seniors with information about community resources, programs and services that will empower them with the information they need to access the care they need at home.
“United HomeCare is extremely proud of our partnership with FCOA and FPL for a second consecutive year. The hurricane meal kits boost services to older adults, especially those in times of need. It is a blessing for seniors and their families, knowing that there are organizations and volunteers who care deeply and want to help them be prepared for hurricane season as well as their future homecare needs,” said Carlos L. Martinez, UHC President and CEO.
The collaboration of state and local community partners reflects the importance of coming together for a common cause and a greater good.
###