The start of hurricane season is always a reminder of how vulnerable our community can be, especially for people living unsheltered and CFTH plays a critical role in preparing our local homeless response system ahead of any major storm. 

As the designated coordinator for The Way Home, we help bring together outreach teams, emergency protocols and service providers to ensure the system is ready when bad weather strikes.  

Here’s how we’re preparing for this year’s hurricane season: 

• Checking in with our partners and confirming communication lines are clear 
• Helping outreach teams stock up on supplies through donations like tarps, water, and ponchos 
• Monitoring storm forecasts alongside the City and County, including their respective Office of Emergency Management 
• Staying ready to share timely updates with the public and partner organizations 

Outreach teams also begin engaging with individuals in known hotspots, offering support and encouraging them to access available services, especially if it’s known our region will be expecting extreme weather conditions. These teams are a vital link during hurricanes, but it’s important to remember that they are not emergency responders. Their safety matters too, so teams only go out during storms when conditions allow.