Friday, September 23, 2005

reviewjournal.com -- News: Ensign plans trip to Gulf to help with stranded p...

reviewjournal.com -- News: Ensign plans trip to Gulf to help with stranded p...: "Ensign plans trip to Gulf to help with stranded pets
By SAMANTHA YOUNG
STEPHENS WASHINGTON BUREAU



WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., is planning to travel to New Orleans next week to pursue naming a federal coordinator to take care of animals left behind after Hurricane Katrina.
Aside from the humanitarian wish to rescue thousands of dogs, cats and other pets, Ensign, a veterinarian, said stranded animals pose a public health risk if left to fend for themselves. "

The Chronicle, 9/22/2005: Giving to Katrina Relief Groups Surpasses $1.2-Billion

The Chronicle, 9/22/2005: Giving to Katrina Relief Groups Surpasses $1.2-Billion: "Giving to Katrina Relief Groups Surpasses $1.2-Billion
By Nicole Lewis
Americans have given more than $1.2-billion to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The donations now nearly match the $1.3-billion that American charities raised to provide relief aid after the South Asian tsunamis.
The pace of giving continues to be faster than after the 2001 terrorist attacks. It took more than four weeks after the attacks for charities to raise $1-billion; more than $2.2-billion was eventually raised to help victims."

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Reuters AlertNet - Direct Relief International, Hurricane Relief: $465,000 in Emergency Grants for Frontline Health Services

Reuters AlertNet - Direct Relief International, Hurricane Relief: $465,000 in Emergency Grants for Frontline Health Services: "Direct Relief International, Hurricane Relief: $465,000 in Emergency Grants for Frontline Health Services
22 Sep 2005 02:11:00 GMT
Source: NGO latest
Direct Relief International

Direct Relief International (DRI) - USA
Website: http://www.directrelief.org
Infusion of Cash to Clinics, Hospital Augments $13.7 Million, 32 tons of Medical Aid

Santa Barbara, CA, September 21—Direct Relief International today made three cash grants totaling $465,000 to support frontline health services in hurricane-affected areas of the Gulf Coast."

The Chronicle, 9/22/2005: New Tax Breaks for Hurricane Relief Efforts Fall Short, Critics Say

The Chronicle, 9/22/2005: New Tax Breaks for Hurricane Relief Efforts Fall Short, Critics Say: "New Tax Breaks for Hurricane Relief Efforts Fall Short, Critics Say

By Elizabeth Schwinn
Washington

Congress passed several tax breaks designed to encourage donors to give to hurricane-relief efforts.

But many nonprofit leaders were frustrated that the measure did not include provisions that might do more to help charities raise money, especially for long-term hurricane-recovery efforts.

While the Senate initially passed a provision that fund raisers had long sought -- to allow people to give money in their individual retirement accounts to charity tax-free -- it was deleted from the final version of the bill approved by the House and the Senate."

Gordon's Helmet Back on EBay for Charity

Gordon's Helmet Back on EBay for Charity: "Gordon's Helmet Back on EBay for Charity

By JENNA FRYER, AP Motorsports Writer

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

(09-21) 19:28 PDT Charlotte, N.C. (AP) --

The helmet that Robby Gordon threw at Michael Waltrip was temporarily pulled off the online auction site eBay on Wednesday after bidding exceeded $10 million.

The site ended the auction because it was unable to verify the legitimacy of the bids and because Gordon didn't have the proper documentation showing that he planned to donate the proceeds of the sale to charity, eBay spokesman Hani Durzy said.

The helmet was re-listed late Wednesday night with the assistance of AuctionCause, a company known for helping in fund-raising efforts with experience in prequalifying bidders.

Gordon listed the helmet on eBay on Tuesday and planned to donate all proceeds to the Harrah's Employee Relief Fund, a charity designed to aid Harrah's employees affected by Hurricane Katrina. Bidding was spirited all day and the helmet was listed at more than $100,000."

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/22/2005 -- 02-Senate Panel Backs Away From Proposals to Recall Student Aid From Colleges Closed by Katrina

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/22/2005 -- 02: "Senate Panel Backs Away From Proposals to Recall Student Aid From Colleges Closed by Katrina

By STEPHEN BURD

Leaders of the U.S. Senate's education committee are reconsidering a proposal that would require colleges temporarily closed by Hurricane Katrina to return federal student-aid dollars they have received this semester.

When higher-education lobbyists learned that hurricane-relief legislation under consideration by the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions contained provisions requiring the return of aid, they expressed shock and dismay. The lobbyists were especially surprised because the Bush admi"

Fund-raiser collect huge sum for aid - Wilmette Life [09-22-05]

Fund-raiser collect huge sum for aid - Wilmette Life [09-22-05]: "und-raiser collect huge sum for aid

Hurricane relief fund raising will continue throughout the year in area schools, but Highcrest Middle School in Wilmette exceeded its reputation for disaster relief this week when teachers counted $135,932.10 in collections from a Sept. 9 readathon event."

Saguaro Seminar: Civic Engagement in America, at JFK School of Government, Harvard University

Saguaro Seminar: Civic Engagement in America, at JFK School of Government, Harvard University: "ARTICLES RELATING TO SOCIAL CAPITAL IMPACT OF HURRICANE KATRINA AND 9-11
For September 11 materials click here

Hurricane Katrina

Our thoughts go to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

How to help: you can find worthy organizations to donate to here and here.
.Launched by Saguaro member Paul Resnick, there is an Interesting and nice graphical interface to help connect Katrina refugees with offers of private housing at katrinahousing.net (click on 'try searching our map').
.there is also a good integrated site with resources for those who want to help (including site that enables people to connect with lost friends, relatives).

Civic implications: - There have been interesting pieces about the civic implication of Hurricane Katrina including:
. Thomas Friedman’s “Osama and Katrina”"

House Committee on Financial Services [Hearings]

House Committee on Financial Services [Hearings]

Hurricane Rita - Katrina Help Wiki

Hurricane Rita - Katrina Help Wiki: "Hurricane Rita
From Katrina Help Wiki
Table of contents [showhide]
1 Hurricane Rita Information

DeKalb gets rid of Red Cross at help center | ajc.com

DeKalb gets rid of Red Cross at help center | ajc.com: "DeKalb gets rid of Red Cross at help center
DeKalb CEO says group 'chaotic'

By CHARLES YOO
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 09/20/05

DeKalb County is kicking out the Red Cross from its one-stop help center, creating extra red tape for those displaced by Katrina seeking emergency cash.

On Monday, the Red Cross packed up and evacuated from its location near Panola Road, the most popular destination among the three mega service desks created in the past week as tens of thousands of evacuees flocked to metro Atlanta."

PsycPORT.com | Thrust Into Caregiver Role Post-Katrina

PsycPORT.com | Thrust Into Caregiver Role Post-Katrina: "hrust into caregiver role
USA TODAY - September 22, 2005

When Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, the upheaval of having to evacuate hit the elderly and those with disabilities especially hard.

Now, relatives who help take care of these most vulnerable evacuees -- aging parents with Alzheimer's, kids with autism, frail grandparents with multiple health problems who are trying to remain in their own homes as long as possible -- are scrambling to find new homes and services for loved ones.

Families nationwide are struggling to get up to speed with new caregiving responsibilities that often can be more involved than they imagined."

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

IBJ Story

IBJ Story: "Therein lies the problem.

'It's hard to tell that story,' said Nancy Frick, immediate past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals' central Indiana chapter. 'Other agencies are so single-focused that everyone understands and knows what they do. United Way is raising money for many organizations. ... That's a challenge.'"

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Groups Lobby for Faith-Based Initiative

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Groups Lobby for Faith-Based Initiative: "Groups Lobby for Faith-Based Initiative

Monday September 19, 2005 8:01 PM
By RACHEL ZOLL

AP Religion Writer

Where the government stumbled, churches rushed in. That's the message religious disaster relief groups already are bringing to Capitol Hill, hoping the dramatic example of how they sped aid to Hurricane Katrina survivors along the Gulf Coast will build new momentum for President Bush's drive to expand federal funding for faith-based groups."

Katrina Donations Pass $1 Billion Mark

Katrina Donations Pass $1 Billion Mark: "Katrina Donations Pass $1 Billion Mark

By ALEKSANDRS ROZENS
The Associated Press
Monday, September 19, 2005; 5:33 PM

NEW YORK -- In the three weeks since Hurricane Katrina and its floods created watery havoc in U.S. Gulf states, Americans have donated just over $1 billion to charities aiding families displaced by the disaster.

That pace of giving exceeds the rate in the two weeks following the Sept. 11 attacks on America, and in the two and half weeks after 2004's massive tsunami."

Chefs For Humanity

Chefs For Humanity: "What's in the Works:

* Our Executive Director, Debra Rainey, continues to work from our Gulfport, Mississippi site. Our organization held a benefit in Gulf Shores Alabama with Lulu Buffett raising over $20,600 for local authorities. We have additional council and celebrity chef's arriving this week. Cat Cora, our President, is returning to the area again next week.
* We are partnering with local charities and authorities and feeding thousands more hot meals each day in the Gulfport region, both in the emergency services ranks and also at two Gulfport shelters. We have been warmly received and feel very proud and priviledged to feed the heart and souls of these good people. "

Charity holds Katrina cash

Charity holds Katrina cash: "Charity holds Katrina cash
We'll use it in Sullivan, local United Way says

By Heather Yakin
Times Herald-Record
hyakin@th-record.com

Monticello – The United Way of Sullivan County has decided to hold on to the $5,000 in donations it's received for Hurricane Katrina relief – and instead give the money to help hurricane victims who come to Sullivan County.
But the United Way hasn't yet identified any victims who would be eligible for the money."

USATODAY.com - Local charities fear hurricane relief will siphon donations

USATODAY.com - Local charities fear hurricane relief will siphon donations: "Local charities fear hurricane relief will siphon donations
By Charisse Jones, USA TODAY
Charities that feed and clothe the needy year-round are concerned that they will see a drop in contributions as Americans donate at a record pace to relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Corporate and private donations for Katrina relief passed the $1 billion mark on Monday, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy."

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/20/2005 -- 02

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/20/2005 -- 02: "Katrina-Relief Bill in Senate Would Give Online Colleges Long-Sought Break on Student-Aid Rule

By DAN CARNEVALE


A bill to provide education relief to victims of Hurricane Katrina would temporarily remove a controversial distance-education regulation, allowing some students attending virtual colleges to receive federal financial aid for the first time.

Embedded in the $3.7-billion education-relief bill (S 1715), which was introduced last week in the Senate, is a provision that would alter the definition of an "

The Chronicle, 9/19/2005: Red Cross Sets $2-billion Fund-Raising Goal for Katrina Aid

The Chronicle, 9/19/2005: Red Cross Sets $2-billion Fund-Raising Goal for Katrina Aid: "Red Cross Sets $2-billion Fund-Raising Goal for Katrina Aid

By Grant Williams

The American Red Cross is estimating that it will eventually need more than $2-billion to cover its expenses related to emergency care for survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

The Red Cross, in Washington, said that it had raised nearly $765-million, of which approximately 33 percent was in pledges. The charity said it has already spent and distributed more than $521-million."

Corporations Provide Financial Support to Hurricane Victims Through Online Workplace Giving Campaigns; Kintera Provides Corporations with Comprehensiv

PRESS RELEASE

Corporations Provide Financial Support to Hurricane Victims Through Online Workplace Giving Campaigns; Kintera Provides Corporations with Comprehensive Online System to Enhance Employee Giving Programs: "Corporations Provide Financial Support to Hurricane Victims Through Online Workplace Giving Campaigns; Kintera Provides Corporations with Comprehensive Online System to Enhance Employee Giving Programs

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 20, 2005--Corporations throughout the United States have responded to help Hurricane Katrina victims by opening their wallets. According to Kintera(R), Inc. (Nasdaq:KNTA), the leading provider of software as a service to the nonprofit industry, many of its corporate clients are also providing financial support by offering online workplace giving campaigns for Katrina relief efforts.

Kintera reports that clients such as EDS and Tupperware Corporation have implemented online giving programs specifically for employees to donate to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts through special corporate online giving websites."

Hurricane Katrina Drives Web Users Online To Web Sites For Red Cross, NOAA, News And Weather - Sep 19, 2005

Hurricane Katrina Drives Web Users Online To Web Sites For Red Cross, NOAA, News And Weather - Sep 19, 2005: "Hurricane Katrina Drives Web Users Online To Web Sites For Red Cross, NOAA, News And Weather
Sep 19, 2005 By News Staff
Nielsen//NetRatings recently reported that concerned Web users visited a range of Web sites, including the sites for the Red Cross, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), top news and weather destinations, to access information on Hurricane Katrina.

These sites provided Web users with ways to contribute aid and to access the latest updates on devastated areas.
"

Hurricane Katrina News Directory: Top 100 Stories

Hurricane Katrina News Directory: Top 100 Stories

Government failure, private success - Yahoo! News

Government failure, private success - Yahoo! News: "Government failure, private success

By Michael Tanner Tue Sep 20, 4:00 AM ET

WASHINGTON - While the response to hurricane Katrina has uncovered failures of government at every level - federal, state, and local - it has also revealed again the amazing generosity and effectiveness of America's private charitable efforts."

Edit - Events-2005 Webinar: Hurricane Katrina: Innovative Information and Communications Responses

Edit - Events: "Event Info

2005 Webinar: Hurricane Katrina: Innovative Information and Communications Responses

Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005 | 10:00 am Pacific/1:00 pm Eastern | 90 minutes




FREE WEBINAR! Hurricane Katrina: Innovative Information and Communication Responses

The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina has brought an outpouring of support from concerned individuals and organizations across the country and around the world.

In addition to efforts to supply food, water, and security, technology volunteers and organizations have worked to re-establish communications, connect victims and their loved ones, and match the displaced with volunteered housing. Some efforts were led by organizations well known for disaster relief, while other projects were ad hoc efforts organized by volunteers who saw a need and moved quickly to fill it. This seminar will feature presentations by those behind some of the most innovative efforts.

This webinar is offered free of charge."

Storm Threat Halts Returns To New Orleans

Storm Threat Halts Returns To New Orleans: "Storm Threat Halts Returns To New Orleans
Mayor Orders Wednesday Evacuation

By Ceci Connolly
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 20, 2005; Page A01

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 19 -- With Tropical Storm Rita bearing down on the Gulf of Mexico and growing political pressure from federal leaders, Mayor C. Ray Nagin said Monday that New Orleans residents could not return home after all and that any people already in the city should evacuate."

Monday, September 19, 2005

HoustonChronicle.com - Hurricane has minimal effect on Houston charities

HoustonChronicle.com - Hurricane has minimal effect on Houston charities: "Not blown away
Experts downgrade hurricane's effect on Houston charities' regular fund drives
By CHARLES WARD
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

As Houstonians have amazed the country with their generous support of Hurricane Katrina evacuees, local charities have crossed their fingers that their annualfundraising efforts won't disappear in the wake.
ADVERTISEMENT

'I'm sure it will have an effect. I don't know what it will be,' said Joseph Cooper, president of Talento Biling�e de Houston, a Latino cultural arts center northeast of Minute Maid Park.

'We are concerned but we are optimistic that our donors will continue their long-standing support,' said Toby Mattox, executive director of the Society for the Performing Arts, which produces Houston performances by touring shows."

TIME.com: Trying to Get It Right This Time -- Sep. 26, 2005 -- Page 1

TIME.com: Trying to Get It Right This Time -- Sep. 26, 2005 -- Page 1: "Trying to Get It Right This Time
By SEAN GREGORY
SUBSCRIBE TO TIMEPRINTE-MAILMORE BY AUTHOR

* Complete Coverage: After Katrina

Posted Monday, Sep. 19, 2005
In the weeks following the last great domestic disaster, 9/11, the American Red Cross stockpiled blood for those who didn't need it, refused to share critical victim information with other charities, and was dressed down before Congress for planning to use relief funds to improve its internal operations. So is it good news that, as reported by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, of the $1.06 billion American charities have raised for Katrina relief so far--a record pace--a remarkable 72%, or $762.5 million, went to the Red Cross?"

Donations Overwhelm Red Cross Staff, Site

Donations Overwhelm Red Cross Staff, Site: "onations Overwhelm Red Cross Staff, Site
By Carmen Nobel
September 19, 2005

Be the first to comment on this article


As the American public responded to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina with unprecedented generosity, the donations not only overwhelmed survivors and aid workers but also nearly overwhelmed the IT infrastructure of the American Red Cross.

Upgrading online donation capacity in the wake of a disaster is par for the course at the Washington-based charity and relief organization. In the days following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the organization added transaction servers."

ext337: Recovery Resources for Hurricane Katrina-impacted nonprofits

ext337: Recovery Resources for Hurricane Katrina-impacted nonprofits: "Recovery Resources for Hurricane Katrina-impacted nonprofits
Posted by Marnie Webb to nptech|techsoup Sep 17, 03:21 pm
TechSoup.org Katrina pulls together various pieces of information to help nonprofits impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

* Technology Service Proivders provides list of people and companies who are able to help organizations in the impacted areas with technology. We got this list from a variety of resources, including TechFinder. We called the people on it to make sure that they are available and able to provide assistance."

Charities may feel bite from Katrina donations - 2005-09-19

Charities may feel bite from Katrina donations - 2005-09-19: "As generous donations continue to pour into Hurricane Katrina disaster relief funds, other charities worry how much money the natural disaster will draw away from their causes.
[0]

Previous disasters, such as the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the tsunami in South Asia at the end of 2004, redirected cash away from charities unrelated to those events.

In a survey conducted in late 2001 and early 2002 by the Alexandria, Va.-based Association of Fundraising Professionals, half of the charities had experienced an increase in revenue through August 2001. But just two months after the terrorist attacks, nearly half of charities polled reported a decrease in funding."

As Red Cross faces post-Katrina challenges, its honesty encourages realistic expectations - BR Bulletin - Advertising, Marketing, Media and PR news by

As Red Cross faces post-Katrina challenges, its honesty encourages realistic expectations - BR Bulletin - Advertising, Marketing, Media and PR news by Email - Brand Republic: "As Red Cross faces post-Katrina challenges, its honesty encourages realistic expectations
Julia Hood PR Week USA 19 Sep 2005

No organization is more intrinsically linked to the image of disaster relief than the Red Cross.
Now as the organization is deeply immersed in providing services and support for victims of Hurricane Katrina, it is easy to forget that only a few years ago the Red Cross was embroiled in a crisis of its own. The trouble stemmed from the group's distribution of donations following 9/11, when some of the funds were diverted to programs and activities unrelated to the tragedy. Trust in this seemingly unimpeachable institution was greatly undermined by the revelation, which came at a time when the US sought leadership from institutions like it. A subsequent CEO change, as well as one at the top of the PR team"

CHARITIES' DISASTER: Consider nonprofits when figuring Katrina aid

CHARITIES' DISASTER: Consider nonprofits when figuring Katrina aid: "CHARITIES' DISASTER: Consider nonprofits when figuring Katrina aid

September 19, 2005

The federal government has properly focused plenty of attention and money on the reconstruction of the Gulf Coast region so devastated by Hurricane Katrina. But national lawmakers also need to start thinking harder about the impact that spending billions on Katrina will have on the government's ability to assist other citizens and groups in need."

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/19/2005 -- 02

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/19/2005 -- 02: "Tuition-Refund Policies Anger Parents of Some Students Displaced From New Orleans Universities

By ELIZABETH F. FARRELL

Parents of students at three New Orleans universities say they are losing patience with the administrators of their children's institutions. Three weeks after Hurricane Katrina forced colleges in the area to close for the fall, the parents are complaining that the tuition-refund polici"

Clinton Initiative Pledges Total $1.25 Billion; Gaza Terrorist Cover

Clinton Initiative Pledges Total $1.25 Billion; Gaza Terrorist Cover: "Clinton Initiative Pledges Total $1.25 Billion; Gaza Terrorist Cover

September 19, 2005

Former President Bill Clinton closed a very successful initial conference in New York for his Global Initiative with commitments of $1.25 billion. The 3-day event, organized by the ex-President to coincide with the current United Nations Anniversary summit meetings, focused on ways to raise funds to alleviate global poverty and assist people afflicted by AIDS and other diseases."

Local News - The Coloradoan -National outpouring drains local resources

Local News - The Coloradoan - www.coloradoan.com: "National outpouring drains local resources
Area nonprofits ask donors to not forget them

By CHRISTIANA NELSON
ChristianaNelson@coloradoan.com


Powered by Topix.net

On its 25-year anniversary, Crossroads Safehouse is reaching one milestone it would rather not.

For the first time in its history, the nonprofit organization for victims of domestic violence is dipping into operating fund reserves as national outpouring of support for Hurricane Katrina victims drains funds from local organizations.

While Crossroads Safehouse supports the relief effort and has offered to open its doors to hurricane victims, the organization also has noticed a decline in local funding since the tragedy."

IT Pros Aid in Search for Katrina Victims - Computerworld

IT Pros Aid in Search for Katrina Victims - Computerworld: "IT Pros Aid in Search for Katrina Victims
Nonprofit groups, individual volunteers deploy technology to find the missing


News Story by Jaikumar Vijayan

SEPTEMBER 19, 2005 (COMPUTERWORLD) - Technology professionals at nonprofit groups and individual volunteers are playing key roles in the effort to locate missing victims of Hurricane Katrina and reunite families that were separated as a result of the storm."

Coping & Support Strategies for Kids in Katrina’s Aftermath | Connect for Kids

Coping & Support Strategies for Kids in Katrina’s Aftermath | Connect for Kids: "Coping & Support Strategies for Kids in Katrina’s Aftermath
Coping & Support Strategies for Kids in Katrina’s Aftermath
Wednesday, September 21st, 2005 @ 1:00 PM ET

Host: Jan Richter
Advocacy Director with Connect for Kids"

Florida Hurricane Relief Fund

Florida Hurricane Relief Fund: "About this Fund
In this time of great need our hearts, prayers and assistance go out to our sister states of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.

DONATE NOW! Click here.

The Florida Hurricane Relief Fund is taking donations for the relief and support of Hurricane Katrina survivors coming into Florida, and also may be used for recovery should Florida sustain hurricane damage through the remainder of the 2005 season. Funds will help make dollars stretch, and will be used for needs not specifically covered by the Red Cross, Salvation Army, FEMA or other emergency response agencies."

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/16/2005 -- 06

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/16/2005 -- 06: "Storm Briefs: News and Notes on How Academe Is Helping Gulf Coast Campuses Recover

onPhilanthropy - From Relief to Rebuilding: A Modest Proposal for American Philanthropy

onPhilanthropy - From Relief to Rebuilding: A Modest Proposal for American Philanthropy: "rom Relief to Rebuilding: A Modest Proposal for American Philanthropy
By: Susan Raymond, Ph.D., 09/16/05

By almost anyone’s measure, $100 billion is a lot of money. That is a recent estimate of what it will take to clean up and rebuild the infrastructure of the Gulf Coast after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The price tag is likely to get bigger, not smaller, so $100 billion may be a foolishly optimistic estimate.

Even now, well over $740 million has been donated by philanthropies big and small and people near and far to support the relief effort. Those generous donations have been a critical element of the effort both to evacuate residents of the stricken communities and resettle them securely. The relief effort continues. But it will not continue indefinitely. In the next several weeks, the attention of government and commerce will turn from relief to rebuilding. "

Giving caught in the Net - 2005-09-19

Giving caught in the Net - 2005-09-19: "The future of nonprofit fund raising is on the Internet, a fact that Hurricane Katrina has laid as bare as the Gulf coastline.
[0]


Nearly half of the $653.4 million raised by the American Red Cross for Katrina relief so far has come from Internet donations, far outpacing the 9 percent of contributions the Red Cross received online after December's tsunami.

On its busiest post-Katrina day, Network for Good processed an online donation every half-second, raising $3 million."

AR-091505-NCRP

AR-091505-NCRP: " Congress’ Katrina Disaster Relief Bill:
A Misplaced Emphasis on Charity Rather Than the Core Issue—Disinvestment in Government Programs, Capacity, and Commitment

By Rick Cohen

No one wants to be pigeon-holed as a charitable scold, especially when the charitable incentives to be criticized are wrapped in the cloak of response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, arguably the nation’s worst natural disaster.

Consequently, there’s no great advantage to be gained in nitpicking the proposed tax relief package announced by Senators Grassley and Baucus on behalf of the Senate Finance Committee, described as tax relief “for individuals affected by Hurricane Katrina”. But there are provisions that, with the hindsight of 9/11 and the current firestorm over the embarrassing FEMA and related governmental agencies actions pre- and post Katrina, there are some broad issues worthy of comment and concern."

PRAISE UNUSUAL, a platform for impacting lives

NEWS RELEASE

PRAISE UNUSUAL, a platform for impacting lives: "Praise Unusual Gearing Up to Help Katrina Victims

Dateline: September 15, 2005 ... Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Contact Name: Carol Benjamin
Contact Phone: 905-528-8988 or 1-866-639-5133
Web Address: http://www.praiseunusual.com
HAMILTON, ONTARIO, CANADA � September 15, 2005 �

Praise Unusual announced today that it is offering crisis care to persons affected by hurricane Katrina.

Effective September 21, 2005, anyone affected by the recent catastrophe can call the telephone counseling line at Praise Unusual and receive free counseling. Carol Benjamin, Counselor and founder of Praise Unusual says that this initiative was taken after viewing troubling images of people in distress. She believes that in addition to the influx of physical resources directed to the disaster area, there is also need for response that is of a therapeutic nature. "

CRAFund Advisors seeks to maximize returns via geographically- and economically-targeted investments.

NEWS RELEASE

CRAFund Advisors seeks to maximize returns via geographically- and economically-targeted investments.: "REBUILDING AFTER KATRINA: MUTUAL FUND IS FIRST TO ANNOUNCE FOCUSING OF INVESTOR ASSETS ON PROJECTS IN NEW ORLEANS, ALABAMA AND MISSISSIPPI
CRA Qualified Investment Fund Announces $100 Million Investment Initiative for the Redevelopment of Katrina-Hit Areas; “Powerful Opportunity to Show What Community Investing Can Do.”

The Chronicle, 9/17/2005: Donations for Hurricane Recovery Pass $1-Billion

The Chronicle, 9/17/2005: Donations for Hurricane Recovery Pass $1-Billion: "Donations for Hurricane Recovery Pass $1-Billion
By Nicole Lewis and Nicole Wallace
American charities have raised $1.06-billion to help the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
The pace of giving is unprecedented in American history. In the two weeks after the 2001 terrorist attacks, Americans donated $558-million to charitable causes, and in the two and a half weeks after the tsunamis hit, major American relief groups raised $406-million."

Sunday, September 18, 2005

Lack of Cohesion Bedevils Recovery

Lack of Cohesion Bedevils Recovery: "Lack of Cohesion Bedevils Recovery
Red Tape, Lapses in Planning Stall Relief

By Shankar Vedantam and Dean Starkman
Washington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, September 18, 2005; Page A01

Three weeks after Hurricane Katrina struck, red tape and poor planning have left thousands of evacuees without basic services, according to local and state officials, public policy experts and survivors themselves.

Hundreds of thousands of people from New Orleans and Gulf Coast communities have fled, sometimes to neighboring states and beyond, moving in with friends and family or into shelters, public housing and hotels funded by the Red Cross. With little guidance from federal and state governments -- and no single person or entity in charge of the overall operation -- cities and counties have been left on their own to find survivors homes, schools, jobs and health care. A patchwork of policies has resulted, causing relief agencies to sometimes work at cross-purposes."