[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E513-E514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING REBECCA SEILS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 2025

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
contributions that Rebecca Seils has made through her work with the 
Pasco County Human Services Team. The Pasco County Human Services Team 
has proven itself to be a cornerstone of resilience, innovation, and 
unwavering commitment to the community. Amidst the devastating impacts 
of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, they emerged as an indispensable 
force, transforming challenges into triumphs and ensuring no resident 
was left behind. The team managed and helped coordinate efforts for 
shelters that housed 485 residents. When Hurricane Milton struck 
shortly thereafter, the team rose to even greater heights, coordinating 
shelters for 5,800 individuals and 1,315 animals--an extraordinary feat 
of operational precision and compassion. Despite personal hardships, 
including one case manager losing her home while another lost her 
rental property, the team prioritized the welfare of the community, 
working tirelessly to ensure safety and stability for all. Post-storm, 
the team was responsible for helping shelter residents whose homes were 
no longer safe, find appropriate alternatives for housing. Their 
dedication shone through in rapid response efforts. In the days 
immediately following Hurricane Helene, 49 residents received critical 
assessments and essential resources. After Hurricane Milton, they 
worked with 225 displaced individuals who remained in shelters, 
demonstrating their unparalleled ability to adapt and respond under 
pressure. The team leveraged the Human Services. Needs app to 
streamline disaster case management, supporting 1,351 residents. Their 
follow-up system, in partnership with other agencies, ensured 
personalized service for every individual. This innovative approach 
epitomized their ability to harness technology and partnerships for 
meaningful impact. Beyond immediate relief, the team worked with 
individuals and families who would require long-term recovery efforts. 
For approximately 150 permanently displaced residents, they implemented 
a housing eligibility process, with the intent of ensuring fair and 
transparent allocation of resources. By securing placements at 
facilities like Pasco Hope, the team supported individuals and families 
along a pathway to rebuild their lives. Between September 28 and 
October 18, 2024, the team managed an overwhelming volume of calls--
1,194 through their direct line and another 1,214 through work phones. 
Yet every call was met with care, professionalism, and actionable 
solutions, reflecting the team's deep commitment to being a lifeline 
for the community. The Pasco County Human Services Team exemplifies 
what it means to serve with excellence, compassion, and innovation. 
Their remarkable achievements during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, 
coupled with their dedication to long-term recovery and cutting-edge 
approaches to disaster management, have left an indelible mark on Pasco 
County.
  It is clear Rebecca Seils has made a profoundly positive impact on 
our community through her work as part of the Pasco County Human 
Services Team, and I am grateful for her service. May we all strive to 
serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

[[Page E514]]

  

                          ____________________