United Way 2008 Hurricane Recovery Fund Established

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

August 31, 2008 — United Way today announced the creation of the United Way 2008 Hurricane Recovery Fund to support long term recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout the states that have been devastated by the intense 2008 hurricane season. Several Gulf Coast states have been severely impacted by Hurricane Gustav, with thousands of people evacuated and untold destruction to homes and businesses. People throughout Florida and other Southeast states are now bracing for Hurricane Hannah, with other major storms immediately following.

“United Way is committed to meeting the immediate and long-term needs of the communities affected by this intense hurricane season,” said Alex Sanchez, senior vice president at United Way of America. “We intend to be a constant and very visible partner to the individuals and families of this region in their efforts to rebuild their lives.”

The focus of the United Way 2008 Hurricane Recovery Fund will be to support the long-term rebuilding of lives and communities. Projects may include ensuring quality education, improving the financial stability of those affected and improving access to health care, including mental health services for those affected by the tragedy. United Ways throughout the affected states and in the states accepting large numbers of evacuees will work together, and with community partners and volunteers, to develop strategies to address the long-term needs of the communities affected.

United Way also takes a leadership role in ensuring the strength of 2-1-1, a three-digit number that can be dialed for people who need services or for those who want to offer help. Thousands of people in the region are getting connected with the services they need through 2-1-1, such as finding temporary shelter and food. 2-1-1 provides an invaluable service in times of crisis, providing maximum community access to critical resources and information to help reduce the harmful effects of the disaster.

United Way’s community partnerships will be critical to the long-term recovery efforts. United Way is a member of both the Coordinated Assistance Network (CAN), formed to organize relief efforts in the wake of natural disasters, and the Major Relief Agency Consortium (MRAC) co-chaired by American Red Cross and United Way of America. Within this network, the initial response to disasters is led by the American Red Cross while United Way takes the lead in long-term recovery. Red Cross and United Way are joined by partners such as Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), Alliance of Information and Referral System (AIRS), Salvation Army, FEMA and many others in this critical work.

Financial donations can be made by credit card online at www.liveunited.org/recoveryfund, or by phone at 1-866-404-5826. Checks can be mailed to:

United Way
5195 Hamstead Village Way
Suite 135
New Albany, OH 43054

Checks should include "United Way 2008 Hurricane Recovery Fund" on the memo line. Questions about the fund can be directed to 1-866-404-5826.

People who live in the region and want to volunteer to help with flood relief efforts are being encouraged to call 2-1-1. United Ways in the area are not looking for volunteers from outside the region at this time.

People interested in making a product donation can contact AidMatrix Network at: www.aidmatrix.org, or 1-469-357-3185; or Gifts In Kind International: Gifts In Kind works primarily with corporate donors who give in large amounts, but anyone interested can find out more at: www.giftsinkind.org, or 1-703-836-2121.

United Way 2008 Hurricane Recovery Fund Key Messages

Basic Points on United Way’s Response

United Way is here now to provide help with unmet needs and ensure the strength of 2-1-1, and we will be here for the long-term to support the whole community’s recovery.
United Ways across the Gulf are working with each other and with community partners to help the communities affected by Hurricane Gustav.
United Ways throughout the Southeast are now anticipating Hurricane Hannah. Other major storms are expected behind these hurricanes, so the 2008 season is expected to cause major destruction throughout many states.
Working together, we can rebuild our communities even stronger than they were before the storm.