Donors to the John’s Island Foundation, which provides grants for capital repairs and improvements, were welcomed to a Donor Reception, where board president Don Steiner announced their commitment to provide $413,203 in grants to three nonprofits to address capital repairs related to the recent tornadoes and hurricane.
“Thanks to your generosity, we had our most successful year ever. And we donated just under $2 million to 26 nonprofit agencies, including our largest grant ever of $500,000 to try and double the capacity of Hope for Families,” said Steiner, adding that nearly half of Indian River County residents struggle to provide basic life necessities.
He said that between the JI Foundation and the JI Community Service League, John’s Island residents are likely to grant some $5 million this year.
After thanking the event sponsors, Steiner paid tribute to the JIF volunteers and board members, and to the many agencies who assist those in need.
As the Foundation had presciently developed an accelerated grant process in 2023 for emergent needs, it was able to approve emergency storm-related relief dollars for three agencies: $50,000 to the Veterans Council of Indian River County to repair veteran-owned homes; $175,000 to Indian River Habitat for Humanity to repair low-income homeowner homes; and $188,203 to United Against Poverty for roof and air-conditioning repairs to the UP Center.
Representatives were invited to speak to the donors and each expressed their gratitude.
Trevor Loomis, Habitat CEO, noted the Foundation’s recent focus on addressing our housing affordability crisis, and said the storm exacerbated an already existing problem.
It severely damaged hundreds of homes, particularly in the south county area, where many low-income families lost everything. One home belonged to an 88-year-old Korean War veteran and his wife who were displaced from their home of 55 years. They had dropped their insurance after it quadrupled in price.
“With the help of funding provided by John’s Island Foundation, we will be able to completely repair and get them back in that house within the matter of a couple of weeks,” said Loomis.
“I’m just so blown away by the generosity of John’s Island, by each and every one of you individuals here in the room this evening,” said Matt Tanner, United Against Poverty executive director.
“It affords us the ability to keep our concentration where it should be, which is on our mission and on our programs,” said Tanner. The funding enabled them to repair damages to their own battered facility so that it could be quickly opened as a Multi-Agency Resource Center, where needed services and resources were provided under one roof.
“We had 1,800 families that came through that were in need,” said Tanner. He noted that while wealthier individuals affected by the storms have the resources to rebuild their lives quickly, it can be crippling to families already struggling to keep their heads above water.
Cynthia Ryan, Veterans Council executive director, said there are 16,000 veterans in Indian River County, adding that among their core programs is providing direct aid for essential living needs, home repairs and handicap accessibility modifications.
“Since 2020, John’s Island Foundation Capital Grants have provided home repairs to over 60 veterans,” said Ryan. This grant will enable them to provide critical home repairs in collaboration with Habitat.
“I want to thank everyone here tonight. It’s because of you that we’ve been able to step up during these difficult times, helping veterans regain safe and stable housing,” said Ryan. “Your support has had a profound impact, not just on homes, but on their lives. Together we are rebuilding and restoring hope. Thank you for believing in the mission.”
For more information, visit JohnsIslandFoundation.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
