Estero Recreation Center moves people to new North Fort Myers shelter

Reporter: Emma Heaton Writer: Jasmine Singletary
Published:
(CREDIT: WINK News)

Those sheltering at Estero Recreation Center are being moved to the new North Fort Myers shelter, joining those from the Hertz Arena who got there earlier this week.

The county hasn’t shared plans for a long-term solution to temporary housing and people are wondering how long they will be able to stay there.

Melanie Michael, a state spokeswoman for the shelter said people can stay as long as they need to get back on their feet.

The county says it’s working with the division of emergency management on a long-term solution to temporary housing.

In the meantime, FEMA says that’s true but has not yet explained what that solution will look like and when it might happen.

Michael said the FEMA tents set up have representatives at the county state and local levels working with guests to set them up with long-term temporary housing.

“It’s not going to be something that’s quick. But we are prepared for that. And we have so many people here so many first responders, staffers, volunteers’ people that are wanting to get our residents here who have been displaced by the storm back on their feet. And it’s not a temporary solution. It’s a long-term solution. So there’s also HUD that’s inside that’s going to help the elderly. We want to make sure this is a solution that goes well into the future and it’s not just a band-aid but something to get them back on their feet, because we know how tough it is during a storm to be displaced and this entire area has suffered so as Floridians we need to come together and we need to support one another for that,” Michael said.

There are currently 515 people inside and more people are registering.

Micahel said they’re not turning anyone away and are welcoming all.

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