We are a Nonprofit

On 17 October 2022, less than three weeks after Hurricane Ian, a handful of concerned citizens in Arcadia formed Hope DeSoto Long Term Recovery Group, Inc. The necessary paperwork for local, state, and federal governments was completed and submitted. And the mission of Hope DeSoto LTRG was established.

The Board of Directors began meeting multiple times a month to gain partnerships with the community nonprofits and organizations and with regional and national Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). These partnerships were crucial to developing a solid base of support for Hope DeSoto LTRG. 

The Board of Directors meets twice a month now and the Partnerships Meeting is once a month.

Hope DeSoto Long Term Recovery Group, Inc., is a nonprofit under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) with the Public Charity Status 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). It took approximately 361 days to get the approval, but we have it! With this designation, individuals and organizations can donate to Hope DeSoto LTRG and receive a tax deduction. Arcadia-DeSoto Habitat for Humanity will continue as the fiscal agent for Hope DeSoto LTRG for another year. As fiscal agent, Habitat helps to manage the donations and grant funding for Hope DeSoto LTRG.

For the past year, Hope DeSoto LTRG has received over 200 requests for assistance, including referrals from FEMA, World Renew, and Habitat. Catholic Charities acts as case management for Hope DeSoto LTRG. Through this partnership Hope DeSoto LTRG is able to support the whole community in DeSoto County.

The Administration Team of Hope DeSoto LTRG is Amanda Reuter, Executive Director, and Latwania Peterson, Administrative Assistant.