Helping Martin County Prepare, Respond, and Recover
When disaster strikes, United Way of Martin County is here to help our community recover and rebuild. As the official Martin County partner for organizing volunteers and donations during a crisis, United Way plays a vital role in coordinating local recovery efforts.
Volunteer & Donation Coordination
Through our Volunteer Center, United Way of Martin County leads the effort to:
- Mobilize volunteers for post-disaster recovery
- Track, consolidate, and distribute incoming donations
100% of your gift goes directly to helping those in need.
Long-Term Recovery Coordination
United Way is a key partner in the Martin County Long-Term Recovery Group, a collaboration managed by the Martin Interagency Network for Disasters (MIND). This group unites local nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations to support residents in the aftermath of a disaster.
MIND Leadership
- Board Chair: Carol G. Houwaart-Diez, United Way of Martin County
- Vice Chair: Michelle Miller, Martin County Human Services Department
- Secretary: Rob Ranieri, House of Hope
- Treasurer: Steven T. Swindler, HBK Financial Services
- Board Member: Elizabeth Barbella, Community Foundation of Martin-St. Lucie
- Staff Member: Cher Fisher, MIND Program Coordinator
Core partners include:
- Community Foundation of Martin-St. Lucie
- House of Hope
- HBK Financial Services
- Martin County Human Services Department
- United Way of Martin County
These organizations work alongside additional partners such as the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, and the Martin County Emergency Operations Center — all working together to meet both immediate and long-term needs in our community.
Case Management Support
The coordination of this recovery effort is supported by the American Red Cross, with unmet needs addressed through resources from:
- Catholic Charities
- Salvation Army Disaster Department
- Martin County Human Services Department
- Martin Interagency Network for Disasters (MIND)
For more information or assistance, please contact Cher Fisher, MIND Program Coordinator, at cfisher@unitedwaymartin.org or call 772-283-4800.
Local Resources
Stay in the know by downloading or following these helpful and trustworthy organizations and services.
Local updates:
- ALERT MARTIN: Text the word ALERTMARTIN to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts
- Visit the County’s website for a hurricane guide, info on open shelters, and evacuation zones: www.martin.fl.us/Hurricane
Weather updates:
- National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov
- National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/mfl
Emergency Help:
- Call 911 if your household needs emergency assistance during a storm
Help After a Hurricane:
- Our partners at the 211 Helpline are a great place for resources after a disaster. Call them 24/7/365 at 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211
- MIND: The Martin Interagency Network for Disasters (MIND) is here to support residents in the aftermath of a storm. Please contact Cher Fisher, Program Coordinator, at cfisher@unitedwaymartin.org or 772-283-4800 for assistance