20 Years of Responding to Florida Natural Disasters
Over the past two decades, Compassionate Alliance has been dedicated to supporting Florida through its numerous natural disasters. The state has faced a variety of hurricanes and tropical storms, with some reaching major hurricane status upon landfall. In 2017, Hurricane Irma struck as a Category 4 storm in the Florida Keys, causing widespread flooding and damage across the region. The following year, Hurricane Michael made landfall as a Category 5 storm—the strongest to hit Florida since Hurricane Andrew in 1992—bringing devastating destruction. More recently, hurricanes such as Ian in 2022, Idalia in 2023, and Helene/Milton in 2024 have significantly impacted the west coast of Florida. In addition to hurricanes, Compassionate Alliance responded to the devastating 2007 tornado that hit Paisley and Lady Lake, Florida, which tragically resulted in 19 fatalities.
Throughout these challenging times, Compassionate Alliance has remained committed to providing aid and relief to those affected. Our efforts were recognized nationally when Governor Charlie Crist honored us as the recipient of the 2010 Humanitarian of the Year Award at the Governor’s Hurricane Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, on May 28, 2010. The Awards Committee, composed of representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FEMA), Florida Emergency Preparedness Association, American Red Cross, and the National Weather Service, selected CA based on our activities and accomplishments in emergency response and humanitarian aid.
Disaster Response
Our Mission
As an ESF 15 (Emergency Support Function 15- Volunteers and Donations) Supporting Agency of Florida's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, Compassionate Alliance plays a "Ready on Demand" role in utilizing its donated goods and services by transporting them to Points Of Distribution (PODs). Credentialed in Florida as a member of the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), CA is often first on scene to local natural disasters. We immediately mobilize our trained personnel to the affected communities. Our ESF responsibilities include the following:
• Aiding communities after disasters.
• Food distribution.
• Mobilizing volunteers.
• Deployment of resources.
• Logistics chain of procuring donations.
• Shelter distribution.
• Medical supply distribution.
Compassionate Alliance is prepared to respond to natural disasters around the world and can mobilize and deliver hundreds of tons of aid to the United States and other countries. Whether disasters occur through natural phenomenon such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, tsunamis and volcanoes, or man-made disaster such as wars or political dysfunctions, we are equipped and compelled to aid those who are hurting or suffering in their recovery and healing. The most basic needs become scarce and dire in the event of an emergency: health, water, shelter, sanitation, livelihoods, safety, and education. Compassionate Alliance provides long-term humanitarian aid internationally by funding construction projects to recover lost schools, churches, housing, orphanages and medical clinics around the world.
If you would like to donate, we need the following items following a disaster:
- Non-perishable foods
- Water/Beverages
- Hygiene supplies- soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, feminine hygiene supplies, etc.
- Refrigerated food items
- Baby items- diapers, wipes, formula, food (all types)
- MRE's- Meals Ready to Eat
- OTC's- Over-the-counter medicines
- Tools, tarps, blankets
- Office supplies