
Our work starts when others end.
In the aftermath of a hurricane, the real stories begin, stories of families who lose everything in a single night. One such story is of a close friend, his wife, young son, and mother-in-law. As floodwaters swallowed their home, they strapped on life jackets, threw their child on their back, and waded into the dark, waterlogged streets, dodging open manholes, praying for safety.
Then there was the elderly couple. As water surged through their windows, they swam out into the storm and clung to a deck through the night, drenched, cold, and utterly alone. That could be our parents. Our grandparents.
These aren’t just stories. They’re wake-up calls, reminders that behind every disaster statistic is a human being who’s scared, stranded, and in desperate need of help long after the headlines disappear.
After Hurricane Ian struck North Fort Myers, a few of us jumped into a car, not because we had a plan, but because we couldn’t ignore what was happening. We had no training. No gear. Just a conviction that doing something was better than doing nothing.
What we found shook us: entire neighborhoods leveled, families without food, and an overwhelming silence where help should’ve been.
We realized our role wasn’t to be first, it was to be next. To show up when the spotlight fades. To bridge the gap between emergency response and long-term recovery. To be the hands, feet, and hearts that stay.
What began as a spontaneous trip became a movement. Today, 2nd Responders exists to bring compassionate relief, equip local champions, and remind storm survivors: you’re not forgotten, and you’re not alone.
We realized our role wasn’t to be first, it was to be next. To show up when the spotlight fades. To bridge the gap between emergency response and long-term recovery. To be the hands, feet, and hearts that stay.
Second Responders exists to serve and equip local champions—the workers who will continue responding to disaster recovery efforts in Gulf Coast of Florida long after we are gone. Our mission is not only to offer immediate aid and relief but also to ensure that local communities are empowered and sustained through the recovery process.
We are here to help today, but our true goal is to leave behind a network of empowered local leaders who can continue serving their communities for a long time to come.

1913 Oakwood Ave
Tampa FL 33605
(813) 421-1475
We welcome outreach from potential partners and volunteers.