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 Group
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
- This position is solely funded by the American Red Cross
MIND Partners
These organizations work alongside additional partners to meet both immediate and long-term disaster recovery needs in our community:
- American Red Cross
- Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach
- Community Foundation of Martin-St. Lucie
- Habitat for Humanity
- House of Hope
- HBK Financial Services
- Martin County Emergency Operations Center
- Martin County Human Services Department
- Salvation Army Disaster Department
- United Way of Martin County
- And many more
Contact Us
For more information or immediate assistance, 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: Sign up for Martin County Emergency Alerts at www.martin.fl.us/AlertMartin or text the word ALERTMARTIN to 888777
- Visit the County’s website for a hurricane guide, info on open shelters, and evacuation zones: www.martin.fl.us/Hurricane
- Call the Martin County Community Information Center at 772-287-1652
- 211 Helpline: provides resources during or after a disaster. Call them 24/7/365 at 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211
Weather Updates:
- National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov
- National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/mfl
Help After a Hurricane:
- FEMA: If you have insurance, you MUST FILE A CLAIM with the insurance company FIRST. If you don’t have insurance, or insurance does not cover your claim, you need to apply for FEMA assistance:
- Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
- On the FEMA Mobile App
- Calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA)
- 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
- Emergency Services: If you're experiencing urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911