Ten Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) members deployed to Panama City in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. They spent 18 days repairing houses, removing debris and building shelters.
“We were there to help people,” FLCC member Ryder Hochmuth said. “Some of these people had lost everything they owned and had been moving shelter to shelter, not knowing when or if they would return to their own home. In each case, we were able to come in and assist with a need that they had so that we could return a small slice of normal to their lives.”
Service to others is one of FLCC’s core values. For Ryder, the time he spent in Panama City was difficult but worth it.
“You could see the joy and gratitude in people when they got back something that resembled their normal life. It was the most gratifying feeling that I have ever felt,” Ryder said. “I absolutely loved being able to help some of our residents that needed us and to start them on the road to recovery.”
