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Listen "S2 Ep1195: "Turning Resilience Into Action: The St. Pete Way" with Sarah Hipps and Matt Thorn"
Episode Synopsis
Tune in to this conversation that began at a City of St. Petersburg press conference marking the anniversary of Hurricane Helene. The gathering recognized community members who transformed disaster into community-led action.
Karen Carmichael sits down with Sarah Hipps, founder of Show Up Relief Alliance, and Matt Thorn, founder of The Relief Market & Grill, to explore how grassroots relief efforts blossomed into full-fledged nonprofits after Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated parts of St. Petersburg.
Together, they share stories of boots-on-the-ground action, neighbors helping neighbors, and the deep emotional and logistical challenges that come with disaster recovery. If you've ever wondered what true community leadership looks like—this episode is it.
🧑🔧 Matt Thorn
Founder, The Relief Market & Grill
A grassroots operation born in his flooded driveway, Matt’s organization served over 25,000 hot meals post-hurricane. Today, it’s a mobile nonprofit offering food, supplies, emotional support, and critical connection during times of crisis.
🌐 reliefmarketgrill.org
📱 Instagram/Facebook: @reliefmarketgrill
👩🏫 Sarah Hips
Founder, Show Up Relief Alliance
With a focus on year-round disaster preparedness and no-cost relief, Sarah’s team mobilizes rapid response crews to clean out homes, distribute supplies, and advocate for more resilient infrastructure across St. Pete.
🌐 showupreliefalliance.com
📱 Instagram/Facebook: @showupreliefalliance
🧵 Key Topics Covered:
What it was like to live through Hurricane Helene & Milton
The emotional toll of disaster recovery
How both organizations began and scaled from the ground up
Stories of neighbors sleeping in garages and being helped back on their feet
The importance of community-led, long-term disaster response
Why disaster relief doesn’t end when the storm does
How personal connection drives lasting impact
🤝 How to Get Involved:
Volunteer Opportunities:
Both organizations welcome volunteers of all kinds — whether you can gut a flooded house, cook a hot meal, coordinate logistics, or just show up with good energy and a helping hand.
Show Up Relief Alliance: Needs volunteers for storm preparedness, physical labor, event support, and South Side outreach.
The Relief Market & Grill: Looking for guest chefs, event support (like the annual Halloween festival), supply organizers, and community connectors.
📩 DM either org or reach out via their websites. They will respond directly and personally.
📲 Stay Connected & Support
Show Up Relief Alliance:
🌐 showupreliefalliance.com
📱 IG/FB: @showupreliefalliance
The Relief Market & Grill:
🌐 reliefmarketgrill.org
📱 IG/FB: @reliefmarketgrill
🔖
#WeAreStPete #ShowUpForStPete #ReliefMarketGrill #GrassrootsRelief
#StPeteStrong #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #DisasterReliefDoneRight
#CommunityOverCrisis #ResilienceInAction #PreparedNotScared
Karen Carmichael sits down with Sarah Hipps, founder of Show Up Relief Alliance, and Matt Thorn, founder of The Relief Market & Grill, to explore how grassroots relief efforts blossomed into full-fledged nonprofits after Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated parts of St. Petersburg.
Together, they share stories of boots-on-the-ground action, neighbors helping neighbors, and the deep emotional and logistical challenges that come with disaster recovery. If you've ever wondered what true community leadership looks like—this episode is it.
🧑🔧 Matt Thorn
Founder, The Relief Market & Grill
A grassroots operation born in his flooded driveway, Matt’s organization served over 25,000 hot meals post-hurricane. Today, it’s a mobile nonprofit offering food, supplies, emotional support, and critical connection during times of crisis.
🌐 reliefmarketgrill.org
📱 Instagram/Facebook: @reliefmarketgrill
👩🏫 Sarah Hips
Founder, Show Up Relief Alliance
With a focus on year-round disaster preparedness and no-cost relief, Sarah’s team mobilizes rapid response crews to clean out homes, distribute supplies, and advocate for more resilient infrastructure across St. Pete.
🌐 showupreliefalliance.com
📱 Instagram/Facebook: @showupreliefalliance
🧵 Key Topics Covered:
What it was like to live through Hurricane Helene & Milton
The emotional toll of disaster recovery
How both organizations began and scaled from the ground up
Stories of neighbors sleeping in garages and being helped back on their feet
The importance of community-led, long-term disaster response
Why disaster relief doesn’t end when the storm does
How personal connection drives lasting impact
🤝 How to Get Involved:
Volunteer Opportunities:
Both organizations welcome volunteers of all kinds — whether you can gut a flooded house, cook a hot meal, coordinate logistics, or just show up with good energy and a helping hand.
Show Up Relief Alliance: Needs volunteers for storm preparedness, physical labor, event support, and South Side outreach.
The Relief Market & Grill: Looking for guest chefs, event support (like the annual Halloween festival), supply organizers, and community connectors.
📩 DM either org or reach out via their websites. They will respond directly and personally.
📲 Stay Connected & Support
Show Up Relief Alliance:
🌐 showupreliefalliance.com
📱 IG/FB: @showupreliefalliance
The Relief Market & Grill:
🌐 reliefmarketgrill.org
📱 IG/FB: @reliefmarketgrill
🔖
#WeAreStPete #ShowUpForStPete #ReliefMarketGrill #GrassrootsRelief
#StPeteStrong #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #DisasterReliefDoneRight
#CommunityOverCrisis #ResilienceInAction #PreparedNotScared
In God we trust