Dade Metropolis church on the lookout for volunteers, provides forward of post-Milton cleanup

DADE CITY, Fla. — There’s a query even the strongest believers ask.

Why does God enable dangerous issues to occur to good folks?

Contained in the Dade Metropolis dwelling the place Tommy Fitch lives, most individuals would shortly ponder that query.

The flooring are nonetheless soggy. Furnishings is in ruins. Partitions and doorways are peppered with black mould.

“There may be plenty of mould in all places,” Fitch mentioned.

The house — and noxious scent of mould — will choke you up in additional methods than one.

“I’m a 46 12 months outdated man, and I used to be crying for a pair days once I noticed this,” he mentioned.

The house belongs to Fitch’s mother and father. Months in the past, he retired, offered two houses in Cleveland, and moved again in along with his mother and father. He hoped to reside the remainder of his days there and ultimately go the household dwelling onto his son, 18, who additionally moved down just lately.

Then, Hurricane Milton hit. Eight days after, the house and far of Dade Metropolis flooded.

“This was simply unreal,” Fitch recalled.

When close by rivers crested from Milton’s rain, it flooded a lot of the realm and stunned households just like the Fitches.

It destroyed their houses and most treasured belongings.

In Fitch’s dwelling, even the household Bible was soaked to its core.

“You understand, my mother — she’ll cry sooner or later, and I’ll hug her. And my dad’s as onerous as nails. It’s onerous,” he mentioned with tears welling in his eyes.

It will be simple to query God in a scenario like this, however Fitch by no means did.

In actual fact, he was in the midst of prayer when he received a joyful cellphone name. He received a name from Father Carlos Rojas, the pastor of the St. Rita Catholic Church in Dade Metropolis.

“God allowed this,” Father Rojas mentioned. “This has given us a chance to reside out our religion and put our religion in motion.”

However the native priest didn’t name Fitch to supply a sermon. He referred to as to supply assist.

On Saturday, Rojas will lead a workforce of volunteers to begin the method of eradicating injury from ten — perhaps 15 — houses throughout Dade Metropolis. Fitch’s house is on the listing.

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“We’ll should go inside and intestine every little thing. Empty the, you realize, furnishings, mattresses, home equipment, clothes, toys. Every thing goes out. After which, begin getting the drywall, the carpets, the flooring,” he mentioned.

Proper now, Rojas wants extra volunteers and donations of individual protecting gear like masks, boots, and coveralls.

For those who’d wish to take part within the clean-up, you’re requested to report back to the St. Rita Catholic Church at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23. The church is positioned at 14404 14th St. in Dade Metropolis.

You can too donate to the church’s effort at this hyperlink.

To Fitch, any assist represents an answered prayer — a cause to maintain the religion and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

“It’s God. God took care of all of us,” he mentioned. “It’s going to be joyful.”