Many across Central Florida felt the devastation of this year’s hurricane season. Flood waters and wind damage forced several residents into instant uncertainty about their living conditions. Some even turned to hurricane shelters to avoid sleeping on the street.

“My peace was beginning to crumble,” said Gloria Gonzalez. Hurricane Ian destroyed her apartment.

While the American Red Cross operated a temporary shelter, Gonzalez spent several days sleeping at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. She didn’t know how she would recover.

“These are curtains I used to have at the other apartment,” said Gonzalez while pulling a load of laundry from her washing machine.

She doesn’t take for granted having a roof over her head, or being able to clean her place.

“I thought I was going to end up hotel like many residents are still right now,” Gonzalez explained.

After multiple days of staying at the temporary shelter, Gonzalez says things suddenly looked up when she least expected it. Between members of her church and a women’s faith conference in town, volunteers began helping her search for a new place to which she could move.

The remaining dominoes fell into place when the Daytona Beach Housing Authority notified her of an available rental unit on October 12.

“I really believe it’s because of my faith in God and the favor of God in my life that he moved quickly on my behalf.” Gonzalez smiled.

The Daytona Beach resident credits her faith for helping her through the most challenging moments in life. The same faith brought her peace after tragically losing her only son in a 2014 train accident.

“We can’t give up,” Gonzalez said.

Viewing the pictures from hurricane Ian is still challenging, but looking back, she’s proud those moments of adversity didn’t break her.

“I always see the light at the end of the tunnel. I always know that this too shall pass,” she said.