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COLLIER and LEE, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2018) – Two teams of local Hurricane Irma survivors have just deployed to respond to the long-term needs of their neighbors in Lee and Collier counties. Project H.O.P.E. provides free, confidential emotional support and resource linkage to individuals, families, groups, businesses and organizations such as faith-based communities, schools and neighborhood associations that are still dealing with the aftermath of the storm. Everyone within Lee or Collier county lines is eligible, and can reach Project H.O.P.E. by calling (239) 260-7302. The grant-funded program provides intensive training to the small army of outreach workers, who will soon become a common sight in Southwest Florida neighborhoods, at public events and at information tables at agencies and facilities such as United Way Houses, food pantries and community centers. While many survivors have been able to move on with their lives in the months following the hurricane, many are still facing challenges. As neighbors came together spontaneously in the immediate aftermath, that spirit of helping is still needed to ensure a vibrant Southwest Florida community for residents, businesses and visitors for years to come. Using data from the state of Florida, the federal government designated three of the state’s 67 counties in need of a Project H.O.P.E. – a team has also deployed in the Keys. The project will be in place through September 30, 2018. About Project H.O.P.E. for Irma Project H.O.P.E. team members engage fellow survivors of Hurricane Irma to listen to their stories and help them identify their inner strengths and resiliency, lean on their existing support network and navigate community resources to support their recovery. We provide free, confidential services anywhere, including homes, businesses, schools, colleges, houses of worship, shelters and community centers, for anyone affected by Hurricane Irma, including businesses, community groups, service organizations, schools, individuals and families. Services include individual outreach, informational and educational support, community support group development, community networking, support resource linkage, assessment and referral. Project H.O.P.E. = Helping Our People in Emergencies. Call (239) 260-7302.