From Survivor to Advocate: ‘They Need to Know They’re not Alone’

WATCH OUR NEW VIDEO ABOUT LISA’S PATH TO RECOVERY

When Hurricane Idalia swept through Florida’s Horseshoe Beach in the fall of 2023, Lisa Bregenzer’s home was submerged under three feet of floodwater. Her home and most of her belongings were destroyed. The initial FEMA support she received — just over $11,000 — barely covered a fraction of what was needed to give her a safe place in which to live.

But Lisa did not give up. With SBP’s help, she appealed her case to get FEMA’s assistance for home repair, personal property, storage, and hotel reimbursement. Through multiple FEMA appeals, SBP helped Lisa secure over $20,000 in additional funding that would allow her to continue plans for rebuilding. It was a lifeline, and Lisa felt she could finally move forward.

That sense of progress was short-lived. Just 14 months later, Hurricane Helene tore through Florida’s Gulf Coast and Lisa’s life was in shambles once again.

“It’s hard moving forward with Helene,” Lisa says. “Anything that we had left on our property after Idalia, we lost in Helene. Now it’s worse because my home’s septic tank caved in, the sea wall received further damage, the boat lift was ruined, and the only building left on our property was a handcrafted shed my daddy had built. What little we’d managed to save from Idalia was stored in that shed — and now that’s gone too.”

The emotional and financial toll of rebuilding a home after two major hurricanes has been unimaginable. “You think you take one step forward, and you’re taking 10 steps back,” Lisa said. She and her husband are currently living in another travel trailer as they await updates on assistance from FEMA and their insurance following Hurricane Helene.

‘People need to know that the program exists’

Despite the relentless setbacks, Lisa has become a passionate advocate for SBP and is eager to share her story in hopes it might inspire others to seek the help they need.

“I mean, people [affected by Helene and Milton] live in tents, they don’t have access to computers and cell service, and they need to know they’re not alone. They need to know what SBP has to offer,” she explained. 

SBP’s assistance, especially from Senior Manager of Disaster Assistance Programs Becky Bagley, has been a guiding light during this difficult journey. Becky’s role went beyond paperwork and appeals — she became a source of much-needed support for Lisa and made a daunting process feel possible. “Regardless of my outcome with FEMA, I know what Becky’s done on our behalf. I know how hard she works, and people need to know that the program exists,” Lisa said. 

Despite the long road ahead, Lisa’s determination to spread the word about SBP’s work could make a difference for others who feel isolated and overwhelmed after a disaster. She tells her neighbors about the FEMA application process and encourages them to appeal their case if they don’t initially get what they need to recover and rebuild. And she is ready to volunteer with SBP in any capacity, whether helping with paperwork or hammering a nail in a survivor’s new home.

Through SBP’s support, Lisa is navigating this new chapter in her disaster recovery with more hope and confidence. She also has a newfound purpose — to ensure others like her don’t face a disaster’s aftermath alone.

If You Need Help

• For homeowners affected by the storm, SBP offers free assistance navigating the federal assistance process, particularly with filing FEMA appeals. 
• SBP’s free resources provide guidance for navigating the first steps of the disaster recovery process, including working with insurance companies, and avoiding contractor fraud. 

How You Can Help

Help us support communities impacted by hurricanes. Please donate now to help build the way home for the most vulnerable families.