Longboat Key community centers set up comfort stations

After a time of destruction after Hurricane Helene, the Rev. Julia Piermont from Christ Church of Longboat Key wanted to offer a glimmer of positivity.

Entering its comfort station, bible verses with themes of strength were placed on each wall of its entrance hall. Uplifting music played from a radio at the charging station. For the children, volunteers made goodie bags that included coloring books and markers. 

Photo by Petra Rivera

Along with Christ Church, community centers such as All Angels By the Sea Episcopal Church, the Paradise Center and Temple Beth Israel opened up their doors to residents as comfort stations after Hurricane Helene starting at 9 a.m. on Oct. 1. They provided places to get clean water, snacks, air conditioning, electricity to charge phones and emotional support if they needed. 

"We really haven't seen anyone," said Amy Steinhauser, the executive director of the Paradise Center. "This just is supposed to be a place for support and bond with people after the hurricane, but many people on the island have great connections to support them already." 

Most of the other comfort stations didn't see many Longboaters utilize the comfort stations since 90% of properties on the island had their power restored by Oct. 2. The Rev. David Marshall of All Angels saw the most residents at a comfort station on the first day they were open. 

Photo by Petra Rivera

"Since we are right by town hall, they would send people to us whenever they had questions," said Marshall. "On Tuesday afternoon, we were probably the busiest. I think around eight people came in." 

These select locations continued their comfort stations to the end of the week before returning to regular services on Monday, Oct. 7. Leaders such as Steinhauser and Marshall said their focus for the upcoming weeks would be to offer healing services that continue to comfort Longboaters through this tragedy.