The City of St. Petersburg, in collaboration with the Pinellas Community Foundation, has introduced the "We Are St. Pete Fund" to support disaster relief efforts for residents, small businesses, and city employees affected by Hurricane Helene.

The fund allows donors to specify how they want their contributions used, and all donations will be allocated directly to those impacted by the hurricane. 

Mayor Ken Welch emphasized the importance of community solidarity stating, “Many of our St. Pete residents and small businesses are facing devastation after Hurricane Helene—now is the time to come together as a community.”

“The We Are St. Pete Fund will have a direct impact on our community by addressing immediate recovery needs and laying the groundwork for longer-term efforts that will prepare us for future disasters,” said Welch. “I encourage those who can to give; every contribution will help us rebuild.”

To kickstart the fund, the City of St. Petersburg has donated $200,000. The first $100,000 will cover administrative costs, ensuring that 100% of all donations go directly to those in need. The remaining $100,000 will be distributed to disaster relief efforts.

Additionally, three major pledges of $100,000 each have already been made by The Foundation for a Healthy St. Pete, the Tampa Bay Rays, and local residents Trevor Burgess and Gary Hess.t

The family of John Catsimatidis and developer Red Apple Group, who is building The Residences at 400 Central, have also chipped in $10,000 to the fund.

Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage throughout St. Petersburg, with a storm surge surpassing six feet and more than 100 miles of roads submerged, leaving numerous homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure severely affected.

To learn more about the We Are St. Pete Fund and the City's ongoing Helene recovery efforts, visit StPete.org/Helene.

You can make a donation to the We Are St. Pete Fund by clicking the button below: