The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left communities across the region reeling, and few places have felt the devastation more deeply than Harbor Lights Club, a Roots Management Group community. Once a thriving neighborhood, it now faces widespread destruction, with many residents experiencing heartbreaking losses. Roots Management Group has swiftly stepped in to provide relief, and we stand united with those impacted as we begin the difficult journey of recovery.
On the Ground Support
Immediately following the storm, Roots Management Group mobilized its teams to Harbor Lights Club. Our goal has been to provide support and relief from day one, ensuring that residents receive the assistance they need. Contractors were on-site clearing roads, removing debris, and helping residents dispose of trash and household items damaged by the storm.
As Corey Wikstrom, Executive Vice President of Operations at Roots Management Group, shared, "At the community meeting, we had discussions about the hurricane and how saddened we were about the situation. Our primary purpose is to be here with our residents, work with them, help them physically, and go over the action plan for moving forward to get the community functioning again.
Having contractors on-site has been a saving grace for the residents who couldn't get around without debris being cleared and hauled away. "We have had contractors on site since day one to help with cleanup, ensuring roads were clear and helping take away any trash, household items, and debris that residents needed to get out of their homes. The crowd of residents gave all of the service workers a huge applause."
Addressing Residents' Concerns
As part of our ongoing communication with residents, Roots Management Group has been actively working to provide updates and answer questions. While some questions, such as specific timelines for repairs, are still being addressed, we are committed to transparency. "We fielded a lot of tough questions that we didn’t have answers to, but we committed to finding out," Wikstrom added. Much of the area is still without power, so making sure we are communicating with the power company and getting the most up-to-date information to the residents is crucial. "We are working with officials at Seminole City Hall, and all of the local municipalities to ensure the immediate needs of the residents are met, and quickly."
Though recovery will take time, we are focused on making progress every day and openly communicating with residents throughout the process.
Rebuilding the Heart of the Community
Rebuilding Harbor Lights Club will not only involve physical reconstruction but also restoring the spirit of the community. Roots Management Group is fully committed to this effort, offering rent concessions to residents whose homes have been deemed uninhabitable and ensuring they are supported during this challenging time.
Roots Management Group's President Tom Stapley reaffirmed this in a letter to the residents: “Our commitment to Harbor Lights Club is unwavering. While this event is unprecedented in the community's decades-long history, Roots is dedicated to rebuilding and restoring all damaged amenities, buildings, and common areas so that all residents can continue to take pride in their beautiful community.”
Looking Ahead with Hope
Roots Management Group is committed to helping Harbor Lights Club rise once again. With support from our teams on the ground, partnerships with local authorities, and the resilience of our residents, we will rebuild stronger than before.
Together, we will overcome this hardship, and Harbor Lights Club will shine once more.