For Sex Workers and Survivors
Brenda and her two children were forced to leave their Gulf Coast trailer park two weeks ago during the last hurricane and move 30 miles away to higher ground. It didn’t seem far, but it was all the gas her Honda Civic had left. Gas stations were empty, and Brenda had no money. She’d used her remaining CashApp balance to book a cheap motel for a week and filled her tank with $10 of gas, hoping to return home soon. But a week later, Hurricane Milton was approaching, seemingly set to hit her neighborhood directly. Frantic calls to the trailer park went unanswered, and she was too afraid to return.
Brenda was a trafficking survivor who had escaped a violent partner three months earlier and was slowly piecing her life back together. She fled Ohio with her children, driving to her grandmother’s home in Florida. Her grandmother sheltered them for two weeks before her ex discovered their location when one of the kids accidentally turned on their tablet’s location service. Brenda escaped to a domestic violence shelter just hours before he showed up, demanding her location. The shelter helped her secure a trailer and enroll the kids in school. But just weeks after settling in, the first hurricane forced them to evacuate. Now, with Hurricane Milton approaching, Brenda realized she wouldn’t return anytime soon—if at all. With no other choice, she reluctantly opened her laptop and logged into an adult advertising platform she hoped she’d never use again. Her kids were her priority, and she had to keep them fed and housed.
Widespread Devastation
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, on October 9, 2024, with sustained winds of 140 mph. The Category 4 storm caused widespread destruction, flooding, and storm surges up to 15 feet, leaving entire neighborhoods underwater. Areas like Siesta Key and parts of Sarasota County were declared uninhabitable. Hundreds of thousands were displaced, and millions were left without power. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the damage is still being assessed, and it’s clear that Hurricane Milton has forever altered the lives of those in its path.
What its like to be in a Hurricane
For those who’ve never experienced a hurricane, it’s a terrifying ordeal. Winds reaching 130 to 156 mph roar like a freight train, shaking homes, bending trees until they snap, and sending debris flying through the air. The drop in atmospheric pressure makes it difficult to breathe, and indoors, windows and doors rattle under the storm’s force, making you fear they’ll burst at any moment.
Outside, torrential rains flood streets and seep into homes. Storm surges push massive walls of water inland, swallowing buildings and entire neighborhoods. Visibility drops to near zero, and the world outside feels like it’s being torn apart. Power is usually gone by this point, leaving people in the dark with only the deafening howls of the wind and rain. Inside, you feel every tremor as walls shake and floors vibrate, and you wonder if the structure will hold.
Being Prepared
Floridians are used to hurricanes, and most residents begin preparing as soon as a storm is forecasted. They stock up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, and medications, secure their homes by boarding up windows, and clear outdoor items that could become projectiles. Gas tanks are filled, and evacuation plans are reviewed. For those in flood-prone areas, sandbags are distributed, and generators are prepared for power outages that can last days or even weeks.
Shelter Shortages and Barriers
However, vulnerable populations like sex workers, trafficking survivors, and homeless individuals face greater risks during these storms. Emergency shelters are opened, but many individuals hesitate to seek refuge due to fear of losing personal belongings, pets, or distrust of the system. Recent policy changes barring registered sex offenders from entering shelters during hurricanes further complicate their access to safety.
Supporting sex workers, survivors, and homeless individuals on the Gulf Coast after a hurricane requires a compassionate, trauma-informed approach. Immediate housing and shelter are essential, with nonprofits and local governments expanding options to ensure privacy and security, particularly for survivors of violence. Access to basic necessities like food, hygiene products, and medical supplies should be prioritized, especially through mobile outreach teams that can reach the most vulnerable.
Long-term recovery efforts should focus on economic stability, providing job training, financial aid, and pathways to stable employment. Tailored programs for sex workers can help them regain safety and stability while recovering from the disaster.
Community-led initiatives that allow survivors to take an active role in their recovery are crucial for fostering resilience and trust. Empowering affected individuals to shape their futures strengthens the recovery process and ensures that no one is left behind.
Mobilize Community Outreach
SWOP Behind Bars has mobilized outreach teams in the Gulf Coast to assist Hurricane Milton survivors. You can help by donating your time, skills, and resources to support these efforts. This hurricane season is expected to bring devastating impacts to vulnerable communities who lack the means to recover on their own. In times like these, mutual aid is one of the most powerful tools we have.
Mutual Aid is Critical
We encourage everyone to donate to our Mutual Aid Fund and seek out other mutual aid organizations providing relief. As the hurricane season continues, followed by a harsh winter in the northern states, our collective efforts will make all the difference for our most vulnerable community members.
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