PUNTA GORDA — As water rushed into her home, Angela Hogan was texting Charlotte County Emergency Manager Patrick Fuller on how to best respond to other’s needs after the storm.
Not only did Hurricane Ian rip away parts of Hogan’s house, but it damaged her bedroom and closets. She didn’t have time to think about how she would replace her 87 pairs of shoes — she knew others lost so much more.
Hogan is the CEO of the Gulf Coast Partnership Inc., a nonprofit that finds solutions to countywide homelessness and supports the community through emergency situations.
The Gulf Coast Partnership recently honored dedicated nonprofits, businesses and first responders who stepped up after Hurricane Ian rocked Charlotte County.
Hundreds gathered at the Community Leaders Breakfast at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center in Punta Gorda.
Fuller and others spoke about the response, aftermath and resilience after the hurricane.
“We didn’t have enough affordable housing prior to the storm,” he said. “We know that and we lost and very critical senior housing. So it’s going to take us some time to rebuild.”