FISH of Sanibel-Captiva (FISH) is thrilled to announce that they have been awarded $6,990,194.00 in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding in cooperation with the City of Sanibel. This vital federal funding will cover much of the costs required to repair and rebuild FISH facilities, which sustained significant damage during Hurricane Ian.

With this generous capital grant funding, FISH will be able to repair and rebuild their facilities that support all community programs. It will allow the organization to continue providing essential services to the Sanibel and Captiva communities while also building back better to ensure future resilience. The organization is deeply grateful for the partnership with the City of Sanibel and the support of the Lee County Commissioners, who have recognized the critical needs of the local community through this award.

“We are overwhelmingly thankful for this funding, which allows us to address the damage to our facilities and enhance our ability to serve our neighbors,” said Maria Espinoza, Executive Director of FISH. “Our heartfelt thanks go out to the City of Sanibel, Lee County Commissioners, and everyone involved in recognizing and supporting our community’s recovery needs. We are excited to begin our repairs and remain committed to serving our community today and in the future.”

FISH plans to reveal detailed plans for the repair and rebuilding process to stakeholders in the near future. The organization is eager to begin this new chapter and continue to be a beacon of hope and support for the residents and workforce of Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

For additional information on the FISH organization and their programs and services, please contact Maria Espinoza, Executive Director at 239-472-4775 or visit their website at www.fishofsancap.org.

About FISH of SANCAP

FISH of Sanibel-Captiva has been a ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ organization on Sanibel and Captiva for over 40 years. As a social service organization, FISH has been ground zero, in recent years, from natural and environmental crises to the impacts of COVID and now, for catastrophic Hurricane Ian. FISH offers something for everyone—if there is not a service in place for unmet needs of community members, they work to meet it through their expansive regional network. In addition to their Long-Term Recovery program, FISH continues to offer programs representing their four major pillars – Food, Island Based Education, Social and Senior Services, and Helping Hands.

Although FISH has grown from the grassroots organization it started as, it remains a network of ‘neighbors helping neighbors;’ a group of community members committed to the betterment of the islands and southwest Florida community by assisting one neighbor at a time. FISH is proud to say that 86% of every dollar donated goes directly to programs and services including but not limited to:

 

Long-Term disaster recovery

Emergency financial assistance

Food pantry

Non-emergency transport

Temporary loan of health equipment

Hurricane preparedness information

Daily hot meals program

 

More information about FISH is available online at fishofsancap.org, as well as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). For details about hurricane recovery and other services, contact Maria Espinoza, FISH Executive Director, at (239) 472-4775.