'Your whole life is gone': Elderly retirees in Florida struggle to rebuild after Ian
FORT MYERS, Fla. — In a parking lot in Fort Myers surrounded by barren trees, dozens of people gather under a white tent. It's a sunny, breezy Sunday morning at Southwest Baptist Church.
Service has been held outside since Hurricane Ian flooded their building in late September. The congregation, which is about 98 percent seniors, provides a comforting life rhythm for its members, with Bingo Nights and Bible studies. Robert Walker said he tried a few churches before settling here at Southwest Baptist.
"I really like the church. It helps the healing. It really does," Walker said. "This is family."
Walker's home got flooded. He doesn't have insurance or the means to hire help, but he's a retired builder and can use his tools and skills to do the work himself.
