Aaliyyah “AD” Dyani, graduate admissions counselor at NSU’s Tampa Bay Regional Campus, was heavily impacted by Hurricane Milton.
“I live on the first floor, so pretty much everything flooded for me. Water was coming through the floors, through the doors, every direction. It happened so fast,” Dyani said. “Being without electricity for over a week, our food spoiled, we threw a lot of food away. Also with not having electricity or any constant airflow, some of our furniture molded.”
Dyani also got a new car a month ago, which is now flooded.
The NSU Cares Fund, a relief fund that gives aid to people affected by disasters, helps people like Dyani.
Kristen Anti, director of annual engagement in University Advancement Services, said the NSU Cares Fund started with the Annual Giving office.
“It’s 100% done by donations from the community and NSU community,” Anti said. “We provide as much relief fund as possible.”
People can apply to the NSU Cares Fund on www.nova.edu/nsu-cares. Applicants have to be from NSU, their individual gross salary must be under $100,000, they must live in a declared disaster zone, and they must apply within one year of the disaster. They can list how much money they need.
Yuli Dorado, graduate student and admission services representative at the Tampa Bay Regional Campus, was also affected by the hurricanes. Dirt and water came into her house, damaging the walls and furniture.
“I did lose a lot of my childhood memories, unfortunately. Especially some stuff I had in high school that I had in a bottom drawer. I just lost it all,” Dorado said.
Aside from the NSU Cares Fund, other organizations may offer aid, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Disaster Assistance Improvement Program.
When looking for resources, Dyani said to beware of scams.
“A lot of people have been creating different things because they know folks are in crisis. Just have more diligence as you are in a panic, trying to get your life back on track,” Dyani said.
Originally from Kansas City, Mo., Dyani experienced her first major hurricane with Hurricane Milton. Dyani advises people to over prepare for future hurricanes. Although it damaged her home, she appreciates how the community came together.
“One of my neighbors gave us a grill. We grilled food for multiple people. We were helping each other out,” Dyani said. “I really saw the community come together in spite of it being almost a disaster to be honest.”
The NSU Cares Fund is part of One NSU, a fundraising campaign.
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