Helping Miami Prepare for Heat and Hurricanes

United Way Miami staff recently gathered to assemble more than 1,200 emergency preparedness kits for residents in some of Miami-Dade County’s most hurricane-vulnerable communities. 

The work is part of United We Prepare, a multi-year disaster readiness and community resilience initiative launched by the United Way Worldwide in partnership with Verizon.

“Preparing our community before disaster strikes is one of the most important investments United Way Miami makes, said Symeria Hudson, president and CEO of United Way Miami. 

“That’s why we’re expanding our preparedness efforts through United We Prepare, helping more families gain the knowledge, resources and supplies they need before the next storm. For more than 20 years, we’ve helped communities prepare for and recover from disasters.”

The initiative includes 10 heat and hurricane preparedness workshops hosted by the CLEO Institute and community distribution events focused on reaching neighborhoods at-risk during hurricane season. 

Participants will receive emergency preparedness kits containing first aid supplies, LED flashlights, phone power banks, emergency blankets, batteries, non-perishable food, ponchos, waterproof bags, insect repellent, sunscreen and other essential items to help families remain safe before, during and after a storm.

Hudson said through partnerships like United We Prepare, United Way Miami is doing more than preparing for storms; it is helping families gain peace of mind, protect what matters most and face the future with greater confidence and resilience.

Through Operation Helping Hands, United Way Miami raised and distributed more than $100 million to support disaster relief and recovery efforts, most recently assisting families affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela. 

“Our commitment begins long before an emergency and continues long after the crisis has passed because true recovery isn’t just about rebuilding homes and infrastructure,” Hudson said. “It’s about strengthening resilience and ensuring no family faces a crisis alone.”