P.I.L.T.R.O.
The eye of Hurricane Charley passed over the northern end of Pine Island, leaving in its wake destruction in three of the mobile home parks. One of these trailer parks housed migrant workers and other low-income residents. The rest of the island sustained severe damage due to high winds, tornados and rain. It had been over 40 years since a hurricane had ventured near Pine Island, and many were unprepared to have a direct hit. After many meetings, a plan was formed to establish an agency that would handle island recovery. Pine Island Long Term Recovery, Organization (P.I.L.T.R.O.) Beacon of H.O.P.E. opened our doors November 14, 2004. Originally created to help Pine Island with their immediate post-hurricane needs and problems, P.I.L.T.R.O. has developed into a long-term hurricane recovery center. Clients are able to come to the center for emotional support, information and resources to help them get back to their pre-hurricane lifestyle. The benefits to the organization and the community are that we will all be able to rest in the fact that our community is well housed and our emotional well being has been re-established.
? Mission Statement:
The Pine Island Long Term Recovery Organization has been established to address the immediate and emerging needs of residents of the ?greater Pine Island? community in response to the devastation of hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne.
Our objectives are the following:
Provide coordination and management of long-term recovery efforts while working within the context of governmental codes and regulations;
Provide assistance to all displaced residents in securing affordable replacement housing;
Provide a safety net for recovery for those who fail to qualify for local state or federal assistance;
Provide systems for emotional, spiritual and mental health support during long-term recovery;
Advocate for ongoing preparedness within the community and cooperation with governmental and voluntary agencies active in disaster.
This prayer written by Deacon Nancy Smith is our statement of faith:
A Prayer From The Beacon of H.O.P.E.
Nancy Metze Smith
Jan 21, 2005
From the Beacon of H.O.P.E.
How we do pray
That we will be your light today
To lighten your load along your way
To fulfill your dreams each coming day
To help you attain your goals as you may
To mend your soul
To put hope in your life
A shine in your eyes will be our delight
A relief of your burdens
A dove in your sky
We?ll soar with you too
On the wings of your dove
May God give you peace
Through His Beacon of Light
Sent to you from His Love
He keeps you in His Sight
So let us all join in our Beacon?s Light
To Love one another no matter our plight
We are all God?s Children, Equal in His Sight
Thus joining together, We Give Him Delight
