Golden Valley Nonprofit Gives Update on Hurricane Relief Efforts

Members of a Golden Valley nonprofit are now on the ground in Florida working to pick up the pieces after hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Minnesotan-turned-Floridian Candice Leitner is one of them.

She’s volunteering with Headwaters Relief Organization and said the area she’s in was hit by Helene then affected by strong winds from Milton.

“You drive down the main highway, which is 19, and everything looks normal. Everything looks fine,” Leitner said. “But if you turn down one of these side streets, it’s debris piled up everywhere. People sleeping in tents; people who’ve lived here for years and years and have lost everything.”

Headwaters volunteers in Florida.

Headwaters staff and volunteers are connecting with impacted residents to help tear down and eventually rebuild their longtime homes. Ashley Emry, program director for Headwaters, said their number one goal is to connect and stay connected.

Kelly Trolander, another longtime volunteer, said their presence is a welcome one.

“I think that’s important because it gives you hope. And I think people need that, you know? When you’ve lost everything, you need to hold on to something. So it means a lot to be a part of that,” Trolander said.

Those in Minnesota can help with the efforts by bringing donations to Headwaters’ donation drive next week. That’s happening at Amazing Alterations in Anoka, 2665 4th Avenue, Suite 29.  The drive goes from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23. People can also make donations online at Headwaters Relief Organization’s website.

Golden Valley