Roots Management Group Stands Strong: Dedicated Support as Harbor Lights Club Rebuilds After Dual Hurricanes

A Double Blow for Harbor Lights Club

In September 2024, the Harbor Lights Club, a vibrant community managed by Roots Management Group, faced a staggering challenge. Within the span of just two weeks, the community was struck by two destructive hurricanes, Helene and Milton. The dual disasters left the neighborhood in ruins, displacing residents, causing devastating property damage, and upending the lives of many—including the community manager, who lost everything. In the face of this tragedy, Roots Management Group sprang into action, proving its dedication to the community’s recovery and future resilience. This case study outlines the immediate response, sustained support, and advocacy efforts Roots Management brought to Harbor Lights Club, highlighting how trust, dedication, and determination are integral to the company's mission.

"Roots Management acted swiftly, arranging for contractors to clear debris, remove hazards, and assess individual residences.

This ensured that roads were passable, homes were accessible, and safety was quickly restored. Contractors and Roots’ own staff worked tirelessly to stabilize the community, allowing residents to begin returning home and starting the process of rebuilding" says Rick Tubaugh, Senior Vice President East Coast. "We helped them prepare, then once it was clear for us to head in to help we did." 

Resident Communication and Guidance 
Understanding that residents needed both emotional support and practical information, Roots hosted community town hall meetings to share updates, outline recovery steps, and address residents' questions and concerns. This open communication has been crucial in creating a strong sense of community, helping residents to feel secure, informed, and supported in a time of crisis.

Connecting Residents with Relief Resources
Roots executive leadership went to the city and county offices and made sure they had names and dates of who said they were coming to help and when. "We acted as a vital link between residents and government agencies, aiding individuals in navigating the complex application process for federal disaster relief. This included assisting residents with FEMA applications, advocating for priority access to county services, and coordinating with local relief organizations. Roots’ proactive approach ensured that residents received the necessary support to move forward.

Following the immediate response, Roots shifted its focus to long-term rebuilding efforts, providing ongoing support and personalized assistance to meet each resident's unique needs.

Repair and Rebuilding Assistance  
Roots coordinated with contractors to handle individual unit repairs and restore community facilities to ensure all rebuilds met safety standards and local codes. By leveraging partnerships with local contractors, Roots was also able to secure discounted services, alleviating some of the financial burdens on residents. The organization’s commitment to these efforts reflects its dedication to creating a safe and stable environment for all Harbor Lights residents.

On-Site Assistance and Advocacy
Roots’ office staff at Harbor Lights Club has been fully available to residents throughout the recovery period, providing answers, coordinating resources, and advocating for continued relief from county and state agencies. This ongoing support ensures that residents have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives and homes. "I've been with Roots for six years, this is my fifth hurricane season and we have not seen anything this bad for these residents in a long, time if ever" says Tubaugh.

Community and Emotional Support 
Recognizing the emotional impact of these disasters, Roots has prioritized mental well-being. The property manager who also lives on-site needed time to gather herself and get her own things together so she could be of service to others. "We need to take care of our employees, and step in for them so they can take care of themselves too" added Tubaugh. By facilitating regular community events and support meetings, Roots has created a space for residents to connect, share their experiences, and find comfort and strength in each other’s presence.



Roots Management Group understands that resilience is not only about recovery but also preparation. In addition to response and rebuilding efforts, Roots has taken significant steps to educate Harbor Lights residents about hurricane preparedness to help safeguard against future storms.
 
The “Resident Hurricane Readiness Quick Book,” distributed to all Harbor Lights residents, offers a checklist for essential supplies, evacuation routes, and home protection strategies. Residents were equipped with practical tips on securing windows, assembling emergency kits, and planning evacuation routes—information that proved invaluable during the storms.

Roots has incorporated hurricane preparedness into its ongoing community engagement efforts at Harbor Lights, offering educational seminars and sharing readiness materials.

With 68 of Roots 225 communities affected by the hurricanes, many residents are facing destroyed homes and displacement. Roots Management Group is committed to helping them rebuild, working closely with local and government agencies to provide support day by day.

In the aftermath of these back-to-back hurricanes, Roots Management Group is transforming hardship into hope, setting a powerful example of true community care and resilience.