Corporate Social Responsibility Press Release
provided by 
9.02.2008 - 09:09am ET
News from:
United Way of America
United Way 2008 Hurricane Recovery Fund Established
Funds Will Support Long-Term Recovery Efforts in States Devastated by 2008 Hurricanes
(CSRwire) ALEXANDRIA, VA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- September 2, 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 Hanna, 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.
About United Way
United Way is a global network, including nearly 1,300 local organizations
in the U.S. that advance the common good, creating opportunities for a
better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of
education, income and health. The United Way movement creates long lasting
community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that
prevent progress in these areas.
LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change.
For more information about United Way, please visit:
LIVEUNITED.org.
For more information please contact:
Sally Fabens
United Way of America
703-836-7112, x401
www.unitedway.org
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