GPIA discusses progress being made on island

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

The Greater Pine Island Alliance, which was founded following Hurricane Ian, held its monthly meeting July 18 at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church covering a number of topics

According to co-founder American Legion Post Commander Aaron Barreda, a $5,000 grant was given to the GPIA organization by Week of Compassion Christian Church as well as $15,000 from the Red Cross. Tammy S a g e r w a s i n t r o d u c e d a s G P I A D i s a s t e r R e s o u r c e Coordinator Barreda reported a pause on the placing of temporary storage containers

“Pathfinder Mission did end up moving back to Texas, however, in that time, they provided us with all of their information on how to build the sheds so we are looking forward in August to get back up and being able to

One of the homes on Pine Island being elevated by Davie Shoring

The company has been busy lifting houses since Hurricane Ian.

PHOTOS

PROVIDED BY DAVIE

SHORING

“There is a collaboration between everyone on the island. There is no island on this island. We all talk, all the time … we all work together ” put these storage containers back out for folks and being able to offer that again,” Barreda said

To date, he said, the GPIA has put together over 51 temporary storage containers and they continue to seek donations The cost of a temporary container is approximately $750 Earlier in July there was a group of volunteers from Johns Creek Presbyterian Church in Georgia, who donated over 550 hours of labor to Pine Island Honc Industries was instrumental in obtaining much