Newtown Residents: Your Voice Can Secure the Funding We Deserve
Letter to the Editor
Resilient SRQ is Sarasota County’s program for allocating $210 million in federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This funding is specifically meant to address unmet needs from the 2024 storms—Debby, Helene, and Milton— that caused widespread damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure. The county is finalizing its action plan for how these funds will be used. Seventy percent (70%) of this money is supposed to go to low-income communities—but only if we speak up and demand our fair share. Newtown Nation is advocating for Newtown residents to receive the funding they need to rebuild.
Did the 2024 Storms Impact You? We Need to Hear from You!
If your home, street, sewer system, or property was damaged, you may be eligible for assistance—but first, we need your story. Sarasota County will only prioritize Newtown if we can show the direct impact of these storms on our community.
How to Get a Storm Impact Form:
• Visit any church in Newtown – printed forms will be available there.
• Email Newtown Nation at (vbuchand@newtownnation.com) to receive a PDF version of the form. (Note: If you receive a digital copy, you must still print it and submit it in person or by mail.)
How to Submit Your Form:
• Drop off your completed form at any participating Newtown church (look for the collection box).
• Mail your form to: The Newtown Nation Inc. P.O. Box 2111 Sarasota, FL 34230
Deadline: March 25, 2025
All forms must be submitted by this date to be included in the funding request.
How This Funding Can Help Newtown
Newtown Nation has officially submitted a request for funding to support homeowners and families in need. If approved, this money could go toward:
• Emergency home repairs (roof, electrical, water heaters, and structural damage)
• Sewer and drainage system improvements to reduce flooding
• Street repairs in areas damaged by storms
• Job training programs to help residents access disaster recovery jobs.
To ensure that Newtown’s needs are represented in Sarasota County’s action plan, Newtown Nation has brought on a government policy advocate to help fight for our community. This means we have someone actively working within the system to secure our fair share of funding—but we need your voice too.
Act Now: Don’t Let Newtown Be Forgotten!
Sarasota County has already drafted its Resilient SRQ Action Plan, which is available online at ResilientSRQ.net. However, nearly 50% of Newtown residents do not have internet access, making it crucial that we mobilize through our churches and community networks. If you or someone you know was affected by the 2024 storms—whether through home damage, lost income, or personal hardship—fill out this form. This is our chance to make sure Newtown gets the funding it deserves. For questions or assistance, contact Newtown Nation at (941) 544-3262 or speak to your local church leader. Act now. This is our community, and this is our moment to make a difference,
Abundance!
Valerie Buchand
PO Box 2111
Sarasota, Florida 34230
