One Month After Helene: Sources of Solace

In Hurricane Helene’s wake, one survivor has found a way to transform destruction into art.

Debra Bakeman of Tampa, Florida, draws inspiration from the ocean to create glass sculptures, freshwater pearl and crystal jewelry, and paintings. She frequently donates or sells her art to support the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to the dolphins and jellyfish that inspire her work. She exhibits locally and hosts twice-yearly art sales at her home, where neighbors gather in what has become a cherished community tradition.

A month ago, Hurricane Helene flooded Debra’s home with three and a half feet of water. SBP’s disaster response team helped muck and gut her home to salvage what was possible and prepare for rebuilding, but mold had already ruined many of her household items, including the tools and supplies she used to make her art.

“My God. I’m so thankful they [SBP] came,” Debra says. “The first day that they showed up, I was so overwhelmed because I had lost everything, and I didn’t know what to do. I was in tears when the crew came, and then boom, they did their thing.”

It may be a while before she can host her neighborhood art event again, but Debra’s resolve is unwavering. Today, weeks after the floodwaters receded from her home, she gathers sea glass and rocks that the storm had washed ashore onto her property. She plans to use them for new jewelry pieces and, in the process, transform the hurricane’s debris into works of art.

The Long Journey Home

The road to recovery will be long and challenging for communities devastated by Helene—especially for those hit by Milton just two weeks later. Rebuilding homes and restoring lives after such enormous devastation takes time, resources, and immense resilience. SBP intends to help as many affected families recover, rebuild, and return home as possible.

For households affected by the storm, SBP’s free resources provide guidance for navigating the first steps of the recovery process, including working with insurance companies, avoiding contractor fraud, and navigating the federal assistance process, where applicable. 

How you can help

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

(Photos: Douglas Kalagian for SBP)