Florida Woman Pays It Forward After 2018 Hurricane Loss

When Hurricane Michael destroyed Shiela Shores' Florida home in 2018, volunteers she'd never met showed up to help her rebuild. Now she's in Simmesport, Louisiana, securing tarps on strangers' roofs after flooding damaged homes across Avoyelles Parish.

Shores is one of dozens of volunteers responding to help families recover from nearly two feet of water that swept through the community. She says experiencing her own disaster taught her something powerful about showing up for others.

"It's an eye-opening experience when you can experience what other people are going through," Shores said. For her, the work isn't just about manual labor. It's about listening.

Samaritan's Purse, the relief organization coordinating the effort, currently has 73 active work orders with more requests pouring in. Volunteers are clearing debris, treating mold, and covering damaged roofs throughout the parish.

Danielle Kuykendall with Samaritan's Purse says the emotional support volunteers provide matters just as much as the physical help. "These people have had a lot going on in their lives before the storm ever hit," she explained.

Shores learned that lesson during her own recovery. The volunteers who helped her didn't just swing hammers. They listened to her story and made her feel seen.

"Being available when they need you and when they need to talk, being that ear for them," Shores said. "Just listening more than anything."

Sunny's Take

There's something beautiful about watching pain transform into purpose. Shores could have simply felt grateful for the help she received and moved on with her life. Instead, she turned her gratitude into action, traveling across state lines to give others the same gift she received.

Her story reminds us that we don't forget who showed up when everything fell apart. And sometimes, the best way to honor those who helped us is to help someone else.

Samaritan's Purse will stay in Avoyelles Parish until every family gets the support they need. Those interested in volunteering can visit Hessmer Baptist Church at 2927 Main Street at 7 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., or call 337-331-5968.

Homeowners who need assistance can call 833-747-1234. The work continues, one roof and one listening ear at a time.