‘You’re not alone:’ 2 flood-impacted women deliver supplies door-to-door in Palm Bay

More than a week after catastrophic flooding tore through parts of Brevard County, two women, who were also hit by the floodwaters, are helping neighbors recover one doorstep at a time.

Mariah Colon, owner of The Aesthetic Xperience, and Winnye Vicente, owner of Winnye’s Bakery, packed two cars with pet food, baby supplies, hygiene products, water and other essentials to deliver directly to flood victims in Palm Bay.

The flooding left homes damaged, cars destroyed and families sorting through waterlogged belongings piled along the curb. With the holidays just weeks away, Colon and Vicente said they wanted to help people facing the hardest recovery.

“We’re two moms. We feel for the families that are out here,” Colon said.

Both women said their own families were affected by the flooding. Colon said water entered two front rooms of her home and that a truck in her household was flooded. Still, they said they know many others are facing far greater losses.

“My son slept in his bed today. My husband got to work. My lights turned on, and I slept in my bed,” Vicente said.

That perspective pushed them to start collecting and distributing supplies. The women have been going door to door, asking residents what they need and handing out items as quickly as they receive them.

For flood victim Arlene Ivankovich, the gesture brought comfort during an isolating time. “They’re out here offering whatever they can just to help their communities,” Ivankovich said. “That means a lot. It makes you feel not so alone.”

Vicente said the effort is about reminding people that help is close by. “Our town is only as big as we come together to make it,” she said. “You’re not alone.”

Supplies continue to go quickly, and the need remains high. Colon and Vicente are accepting donations to keep delivering help to families recovering from the floods. If you would like to help, you can call 321-208-2718 or email admin@winnyesbakery.com.