Hurricane Ian Response

September 2022
Area Assisted: Southwest Florida

On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa, Florida, as a powerful Category 4 storm with 150 mph sustained winds—tying the record for the fifth-strongest hurricane to ever strike the United States. It was the strongest hurricane to hit Florida since Michael (2018) and the first Category 4 storm to impact Southwest Florida since Hurricane Charley in 2004.

Just two days after landfall, Sol Relief was among the first organizations in the air to assess the devastation. On September 30th, as soon as Albert Whitted Airport reopened, our team conducted an aerial assessment flight to evaluate the damage and determine immediate needs.

That same morning, four Sol Relief team members were on the ground, working alongside local volunteers and first responders.

SWIFT AID FOR SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Aviation For Disaster Relief

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Sol Relief leveraged aviation as a lifeline, delivering critical aid, emergency personnel, and essential supplies to the hardest-hit communities. By mobilizing our network of volunteer pilots, partner organizations, and first responders, we were able to rapidly transport resources to areas where ground access was limited or impossible.

Provided critical communication devices to a partner organization conducting search and rescue missions on Pine Island.
Coordinated a flight for World Hope International to transport water kits and a water technician to affected areas, enabling the production of 800 gallons of drinking water per day.
Partnered with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) to transport 28 firefighters to impacted areas over six consecutive days, helping to clean out over 10 local firefighters' homes.
Funded $43,000 in grants to three Southwest Florida organizations to support recovery efforts.
Delivered 800+ lbs. of requested supplies—including baby food, diapers, wipes, blankets, and pillows—to Lee County Parks & Rec and the Arcadia Shelter.
Repaired the broken fuel pump at Arcadia Airport, restoring fuel access for emergency personnel conducting airboat search and rescue missions.
Partnered with a local physician and nurse to provide hydration treatments to first responders in Fort Myers.
Sourced and flew in 100 steaks for the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District, after first responders reported that hot meals were not yet being delivered to the island.
Partnered with Amazon Relief Fund to fulfill a $25,000 request for 700 youth bedding sets ($15,600 in-kind from Amazon, $8,600 funded by Sol Relief).

SUPPORTING SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Community Empowerment

After Hurricane Ian, Sol Relief remained committed to helping communities rebuild by funding long-term recovery efforts for local organizations. Our support focused on education, family stability, and essential resources for those hardest hit by the storm.

Quality Life Center of Fort Myers

📍 Tice Neighborhood – Supporting Youth & Families

Sol Relief provided funding to Quality Life Center, a youth organization serving families in one of the hardest-hit, low-income areas of Fort Myers. Many families lost their homes, household belongings, and jobs in the storm.

80% of funds covered tuition for students to attend the afterschool program.
20% of funds supported community outreach efforts, providing essential resources to families in need.

Jesus the Worker Church, Fort Myers

📍 Tice Neighborhood – Supporting Communities in Need

This church became a critical relief hub, serving over 3,000 people the day after Hurricane Ian made landfall.

Funded direct relief efforts, including gift cards, hot meals, fresh produce, and emergency response support.
Coordinated baby & hygiene supply donations by connecting the church with Babycycle.org for baby and adult diapers and wipes.

United Way of Lee, Hendry & Glades

📍 Student Resource Center – Helping Children Return to School

The Student Resource Center faced an overwhelming demand for essential school supplies, clothing, and shoes for children who lost everything in the storm.

Provided a $10,000 grant to help families replace school essentials.
Supplied bedding for 700 children through $8,600 in purchased bedding and a $15,500 in-kind donation from Amazon coordinated by Sol Relief.

Through these efforts, we ensured that families had access to critical resources, children could return to school, and local organizations could continue their vital work in the community.

Holiday Gift Drive & Fly In: Spreading Joy After Ian

The Sol Relief Annual Toy Drive & Fly Out was a tremendous success, bringing holiday cheer to children affected by Hurricane Ian. Thanks to our generous donors and partners, we collected over 1,400 lbs. of toys, filling 7 airplanes with gifts for families in need.

The toys were flown to Fort Myers and distributed through our partners at the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties, ensuring they reached children in storm-affected communities.

Local Support Made It Possible!

We partnered with Crunch Fitness, Kahwa Coffee, The Rock & Gem Shop, Foxy’s Studio 57 Hair Salon, and St. Pete Air as toy drop-off locations, along with several companies that hosted private drives.

Through this annual event, we continue to bring hope and happiness to families recovering from disasters.