Building Resilience, One Family at a Time

Hope DeSoto LTRG’s 2024 Giving Challenge:
Building Resilience, One Family at a Time

In April 2024, Hope DeSoto Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), a young but mighty nonprofit just over a year old, took on the 2024 Giving Challenge with unwavering determination. The result? An inspiring $1,119.13 raised from generous individual donors, funds that directly fueled impactful disaster recovery and preparedness efforts in DeSoto County. This blog post celebrates the organization’s achievements, the community’s support, and the tangible difference made in the lives of families like the Lewises, Smiths, and Ramoses.

A Young Organization with a Big Mission

Founded in October 2022, Hope DeSoto LTRG hit the ground running, driven by a mission to aid families recovering from Hurricane Ian and to build a more resilient community. By April 2024, the organization was already a cornerstone of hope, tackling multiple initiatives to support DeSoto County residents. From home repairs to disaster preparedness education, Hope DeSoto LTRG’s work was transforming lives, one project at a time.

The 2024 Giving Challenge, a 24-hour online fundraising event, provided a critical opportunity for the organization to amplify its impact. With every dollar donated, Hope DeSoto LTRG was able to expand its reach, ensuring that families affected by disasters could rebuild not just their homes but their futures.

Partnerships That Power Progress

Hope DeSoto LTRG’s success in 2024 was fueled by strategic partnerships that brought expertise, resources, and volunteers to the table. One key collaboration was with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS), whose skilled volunteers worked alongside Hope DeSoto LTRG to complete multiple home repair projects. These efforts restored safety and stability to households hit hard by Hurricane Ian, allowing families to move forward with dignity.

Beyond repairs, Hope DeSoto LTRG prioritized preparedness through its “Hurricane Ready” training program. Partnering with Suncoast Remake Learning Days and The Patterson Foundation, the organization educated over 250 families on how to protect their homes and loved ones from future storms. These workshops empowered residents with practical knowledge, from securing windows to creating emergency plans, fostering a culture of resilience across the community.

Additionally, Hope DeSoto LTRG extended its impact by supporting other nonprofits through the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund and the Sarasota Community Foundation. By sharing resources and expertise, the organization strengthened the region’s collective ability to respond to and recover from disasters. This collaborative spirit amplified the Giving Challenge funds, ensuring that every dollar went further.

The Power of $1,119.13

The $1,119.13 raised during the 2024 Giving Challenge may seem modest, but its impact was profound. Every cent was carefully allocated to maximize benefits for the community. The funds were used to purchase essential tools for installing smoke detectors, ensuring families could live in safer homes. They also covered the cost of volunteer shirts, fostering a sense of unity and pride among those giving their time to the cause. Most significantly, the donations provided critical hardware for home repair projects, directly benefiting three families: the Lewises, the Smiths, and the Ramoses.

For the Lewis family, the funds meant a restored kitchen, complete with new sink hardware to replace a leaking, dysfunctional system. The Smiths received hardware for new windows and floor repairs, making their home safer and more comfortable. The Ramos family, meanwhile, saw their damaged walls rebuilt, restoring a sense of normalcy after months of hardship. These projects were more than just repairs—they were lifelines, offering hope and stability to families navigating the long road to recovery.

Stories of Impact: The Lewis, Smith, and Ramos Families

The Lewis family’s kitchen had been completely unusable after storm damage left their sink leaking and countertops in disrepair. Hope DeSoto LTRG, with the help of MDS volunteers, used Giving Challenge funds to purchase sink hardware and other materials, transforming the Lewises’ kitchen into a functional space again. “We can cook and clean without worry now,” said Mrs. Lewis. “It’s like getting our home’s heart back.”

The Smith family’s home had been battered by the storm, with leaks that threatened to cause further damage. Hope DeSoto LTRG, with the help of MDS volunteers, used Giving Challenge funds to secure critical roofing materials, transforming the Smith’s home into a safe haven once again. “I thought I’d never feel secure again,” said Mr. Smith. “Now, I can sleep soundly, even when it pours.”

For the Ramos family, the damage was emotional as much as physical. Their home’s crumbling walls were a constant reminder of the disaster they’d endured. Using hardware purchased with Giving Challenge donations, Hope DeSoto's Construction Manager and volunteers rebuilt the walls, restoring the family’s sense of pride in their home. “It’s more than walls,” Mr. Ramos shared. “It’s a fresh start.”

Volunteers: The Heart of Hope DeSoto LTRG

The Giving Challenge funds didn’t just support materials—they also celebrated the volunteers who make Hope DeSoto LTRG’s work possible. The purchase of volunteer shirts wasn’t just about uniforms; it was about recognizing the dedication of those who show up, hammer in hand, to rebuild lives. These shirts became a badge of honor, symbolizing the collective effort to uplift the community.

The smoke detector installations, another key use of the funds, highlighted the organization’s commitment to prevention. Smoke detectors were donated by The American Red Cross for Hope DeSoto LTRG to use in an on-going Sound the Alarm Campaign. By equipping homes with these life-saving devices, Hope DeSoto LTRG ensured that families were better protected against future emergencies. This proactive approach underscored the organization’s holistic vision: recovery is vital, but preparedness saves lives.

A Community United

The $1,119.13 raised during the 2024 Giving Challenge was a testament to the power of community. Each donation, no matter the size, represented a shared belief in Hope DeSoto LTRG’s mission. From individual donors to partner organizations like Mennonite Disaster Service, Suncoast Remake Learning Days, The Patterson Foundation, Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund, and The American Red Cross, the Giving Challenge showcased what’s possible when people come together.

For Hope DeSoto LTRG, the funds were a catalyst, enabling the organization to expand its reach and deepen its impact. The repairs, training sessions, and support for other nonprofits were all made possible by the generosity of donors who believed in a stronger, more resilient DeSoto County.

Looking Ahead

As Hope DeSoto LTRG reflects on the 2024 Giving Challenge, the organization is filled with gratitude and determination. The $1,119.13 raised was more than a dollar amount—it was a lifeline for families, a boost for volunteers, and a foundation for future growth. With ongoing partnerships and a growing network of supporters, Hope DeSoto LTRG is poised to continue its mission of rebuilding homes, empowering families, and strengthening the community.

The story of the 2024 Giving Challenge is one of hope, collaboration, and impact. For the Lewis, Smith, and Ramos families—and for countless others in DeSoto County—Hope DeSoto LTRG’s work is a reminder that even in the wake of disaster, a brighter future is possible. Thank you to every donor, volunteer, and partner who made this possible. Together, we’re building a stronger tomorrow.

Why Support the 2026 Giving Challenge?

Donors’ support for Hope DeSoto LTRG in the 2026 Giving Challenge will be critical to sustaining and expanding this vital work. Every contribution, no matter how small, directly translates into tangible outcomes—repaired homes, safer communities, and empowered families. As climate-related disasters become more frequent, the need for long-term recovery and preparedness grows. By supporting Hope DeSoto LTRG, donors invest in a resilient future for DeSoto County, ensuring that families can rebuild, recover, and thrive. Join us in 2026 to continue this transformative journey.