Salvation Army, private foundation to give SWFL families disaster relief

The Salvation Army in Naples, Fort Myers and Port Charlotte is partnering with the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation to aid victims of Hurricane Ian through a joint disaster assistance program.

Funds will be available to those impacted by the storm, including a designated amount for “hometown heroes” working toward community safety, rebuilding infrastructure and educating children.

According to the Salvation Army, funds will be dispersed to eligible households in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties by using technology which the organization says “will enable our ability to efficiently and effectively meet the needs of thousands of families impacted by Ian.”

Families will be able to apply for funds using a computer or their smartphones to link to a questionnaire that will determine their eligibility. Each application will then be vetted and approved by a case manager, with funds being distributed immediately.