Friday, September 30, 2005

New Orleans Reopens to 170,000 Residents - Yahoo! News

New Orleans Reopens to 170,000 Residents - Yahoo! News: "NEW ORLEANS - Some of the city's most popular neighborhoods officially reopened to residents Friday, a move that could bring back about a third of New Orleans' half-million inhabitants.


The newly opened areas, including the French Quarter and Garden District, all escaped major flooding when the city was devastated by Hurricane Katrina a month ago before receiving a second blow from Hurricane Rita last wee"

Blogs and Information Community Respond to Hurricane Katrina

Blogs and Information Community Respond to Hurricane Katrina: "Blogs and Information Community Respond to Hurricane Katrina
by Miguel Ramos
September 6, 2005 — Hurricane Katrina, classified before landfall by NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) as a Force 5 storm (a ranking given only to the most powerful and destructive storms on Earth), unleashed 140 mph winds on Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and various Gulf Coast communities. The city of New Orleans was evacuated, with more than 20,000 people who couldn’t leave in time taking shelter in the city’s Superdome sports arena. Storm surges destroyed levees and brought walls of water into the city and along the coast, destroying almost everything in its path. Floating casinos were deposited onto highways, and containers that usually ride on the trailers of semi trucks were strewn through what was left of front yards.

Leno's bike rakes in $505,000 for charity - Celebrity News - MSNBC.com

Leno's bike rakes in $505,000 for charity - Celebrity News - MSNBC.com: "Leno's bike rakes in $505,000 for charity
‘Tonight Show’ host got celebs to sign motorcycle for Katrina relief
Paul Drinkwater / AP

BURBANK, Calif. - It looks like Jay Leno’s celebrity-autographed motorcycle has raised nearly a half-million dollars"

Shelter From The Storm / Disaster relief housing draws designers but do their ideas fit the people?

Shelter From The Storm / Disaster relief housing draws designers but do their ideas fit the people?: "Disaster. Relief. Housing.

The words fairly echo with dismal images of people forced to live in squalor, desperation and sorrow -- crowds packed into stadiums, improvised shantytowns, rows of identical trailers, school cafeterias turned into shelters. Yet these words also evokes a different picture -- where shelter fulfills its highest, most utopian function. Where a simple structure can provide comfort and warmth and dignity when all else has failed. Where housing literally offers relief from disaster."

Charleston City Paper- Katrina's Enduring Impact

Charleston City Paper / Charleston SC Newspaper - Arts Entertainment Weekly: "As if she hasn’t done enough, Hurricane Katrina’s destructive swath may reach as far as the pocketbooks and bottom lines of several Lowcountry charities.

After the enormous outpouring of concern and donations that followed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, which flowed in large chunks to New York City, charities across the Lowcountry and the nation struggled to keep their books balanced, as their regular donors redirected their largesse even as demands for their services continued to increase."

Storm - Hattiesburg American-Grisham: 'We got involved'

Storm - Hattiesburg American - www.hattiesburgamerican.com: "John Grisham spends the first weekend of every September starting a new book. This year would've been no different.

The best-selling author was trying to focus on his upcoming book when Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on Mississippi. But Grisham couldn't ignore the devastation he saw in the state where he grew up, married his wife, Renee, and will always call home.

Senators Want Cruise Ship Deal Explained - Yahoo! News

Senators Want Cruise Ship Deal Explained - Yahoo! News: "Two senators on Thursday asked federal officials to explain their decision to sign a $236 million deal with Carnival Cruise Lines for Hurricane Katrina housing, saying Greece was ready to provide two ships for free."

FEMA Replaces Cash Offer With Rental Help - Yahoo! News

FEMA Replaces Cash Offer With Rental Help - Yahoo! News: "By ELISABETH GOODRIDGE, Associated Press Writer Thu Sep 29, 9:51 PM ET

WASHINGTON - The government is offering $2,358 to victims of Hurricane Katrina to help pay for three months' rent, but is no longer handing out $2,000 to people who need immediate cash assistance.
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The new rental program began this week and only applies to housing, unlike the previous cash program that offered money to eligible hurricane victims for immediate needs such as food, transportation and shelter."

The Globe and Mail: Federal political leaders help raise hurricane aid

The Globe and Mail: Federal political leaders help raise hurricane aid: "Ottawa — Prime Minister Paul Martin and all three federal opposition leaders flipped out Wednesday, all in a good cause.

Mr. Martin and the other leaders flipped burgers at a fund-raising barbecue in support of victims of two devastating hurricanes in the United States."

'The Mailman' and his crew bulldoze through bureaucracy to help victims - Yahoo! News

'The Mailman' and his crew bulldoze through bureaucracy to help victims - Yahoo! News: "Karl 'The Mailman' Malone is still delivering, no matter what the weather.
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The former NBA all-star and a crew from his logging company in Arkansas spent two weeks in Pascagoula, Miss., hauling away debris left by Hurricane Katrina.

'Everything about this just felt right,' Malone says. 'My mom died two years ago, and in our last conversation, she told me that one day I would have to step up on a grand scale and help people. I knew this was it.'"

Americans interrupt lives to help hurricane victims - Yahoo! News

Americans interrupt lives to help hurricane victims - Yahoo! News: "On Wednesday night, two days after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, Leeann Epstein watched the devastation on TV and cried herself to sleep.

She slept poorly, waking at 4 a.m., determined to help. With her youngest child having just left for college, the St. Michaels, Md., resident decided to empty most of her linen closet, box the items and mail them south.

'By the time I got to the end of my driveway, I had another idea,' says Epstein, the office manager of her husband's dental practice. She'd ask the 55 other members of the Junior Women's Club to donate items. Within hours, dozens agreed, as did the men's club and the business association."

Faith-based nonprofits can resettle Katrina evacuees | The-Tidings.com

Faith-based nonprofits can resettle Katrina evacuees | The-Tidings.com: "aith-based nonprofits
can resettle Katrina evacuees
By Bishop Gerald Barnes
text only version

Right now in the Gulf Coast region, hundreds of thousands of Americans are feeling the effects of trauma from being driven from home by the winds and water of Hurricane Katrina. At best, they feel a strong sense of displacement, as the familiarity and comfort of home are just a memory.

Their experience will be tragically compounded if we do not assist their relocation as soon as possible. If they continue to live in shelters and sport stadiums alongside thousands of other people, their feeling of insecurity and abandonment will only increase.

We could not prevent the trauma of the hurricane. We must prevent the worsening of its aftermath."

Thursday, September 29, 2005

VSKOOL.org Linking Hurricane Victims to Online Education Resources: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

PRESS RELEASE

VSKOOL.org Linking Hurricane Victims to Online Education Resources: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Press Release Source: Cable in the Classroom

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- VSKOOL.org is a new one-stop resource to match thousands of displaced students, educators, and families affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita with online and other educational technology resources so that learning can continue despite the storms' disruption of the school year."

BizNewOrleans: News-Nonprofit association urges doners to 'give local'

BizNewOrleans: News: "Nonprofit association urges doners to 'give local'
BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations urges Louisianans to support local agencies following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The “Give Local” call to action came at a summit exploring the future of the nonprofit sector in the state and offering assistance to nonprofits affected by the storms. "

Here and Now : Gone With the Wind...and Storm Surge - 9/29/2005

Here and Now : Gone With the Wind...and Storm Surge - 9/29/2005: "Gone With the Wind...and Storm Surge
Story aired: Thursday, September 29, 2005

The head of the National Trust for Historic Preservation said that the damage from Hurricane Katrina has the potential of being one of the largest cultural disasters in the country's history. In one seven mile span of historic homes in Mississippi, only one stands."

Inside Higher Ed :: Ordered Back to Louisiana

Inside Higher Ed :: Ordered Back to Louisiana: "Ordered Back to Louisiana

The date is set. A message sent to all Tulane University Law School students last week made it clear that they are expected back in New Orleans in January. They will not be permitted to remain elsewhere as visiting students for the spring semester, and Tulane will not help them transfer."

U.S. eases Katrina victims' access to retirement funds

U.S. eases Katrina victims' access to retirement funds: "Government eases Katrina victims’ access to retirement savings

By Margaret M. Clark

The federal government has alleviated the severe tax consequences of early retirement plan withdrawals for victims of Hurricane Katrina and removed roadblocks standing between them and use of retirement savings to help rebuild their lives. The action came in the form of legislation from Congress together with guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

The Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 (KETRA, H.R. 3768) was approved by Congress Sept. 21 and signed into law by President Bush Sept. 23. It allows penalty-free distributions up to $100,000 from 401(k) and similar tax-favored retirement plans to people who lived in the Hurricane Katrina disaster area and suffered economic loss because of the storm."

Katrina exodus reaches all states - Yahoo! News

Katrina exodus reaches all states - Yahoo! News: "Hurricane Katrina has dispersed 1.3 million Gulf Coast households to communities in every state from Maine to Hawaii, according to the first official accounting of the disaster's unprecedented ripple effect. (Map: Evacuees spread across U.S.)"

TimesDispatch.com | Lesson From a Child

TimesDispatch.com | Lesson From a Child: "Lesson From a Child

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Sep 29, 2005

As all levels of government stumbled through the initial response to Hurricane Katrina, Henrico second-grader Lauren Parker moved into action. She led her friends in making bracelets to sell for hurricane relief funds. As one example of many individuals and corporations reaching out to the battered Gulf, Miss Parker shows that everyone can make a difference."

"Spirit of giving should go beyond hurricane relief

North Jersey Media Group providing local news, sports & classifieds for Northern New Jersey!: "Spirit of giving should go beyond hurricane relief
e-mail print

Thursday, September 29, 2005

By STEVE ROSEN



The devastation on the Gulf Coast trained the spotlight on charitable giving and convinced millions of kids to pitch in and help.

Like many of you, over the past few weeks I've read dozens of stories about kids holding garage sales or selling cookies, candy and lemonade to raise money for hurricane relief. They've donated old clothes or toys buried in the closet; they've loaded trucks to the rafters with food and water. Their compassion has been amazing."

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Katrina Donations Surge Past $1.3 Billion

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Katrina Donations Surge Past $1.3 Billion: "Katrina Donations Surge Past $1.3 Billion


Wednesday September 28, 2005 7:46 PM

By The Associated Press

Dozens of nonprofit organizations are raising money for short-term relief and long-term recovery in response to Hurricane Katrina, and total donations a month after the disaster have surged past $1.3 billion.

In the aftermath of the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Americans gave charities $2.2 billion - almost half to the American Red Cross. After the South Asian tsunami last December, they donated $1.3 billion.

The latest figures provided by some of the groups responding to Katrina:"

Song of Katrina (Metro Times Detroit)

Song of Katrina (Metro Times Detroit): "t’s funny how hip hop and politics sometimes come together. No sooner than Kanye West was on TV jawing about his disdain of President George W. Bush than the hip-hop community at large began taking relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina as a personal responsibility.

Some of hip hop’s more obscure figures, like Baby, Juvenile and Master P, all of New Orleans, along with Mississippi rapper David Banner, began organizing Katrina benefits. Russell Simmons, Jay-Z, Sean Combs and other slick bigwigs sent oodles of cash. BET held a fund-raiser. The list goes on and on."

Chico Enterprise Record-Red Cross fears success may spawn phony solicitations

Chico Enterprise Record - Local News: "Red Cross fears success may spawn phony solicitations
By E-R Staff

With private donations to the American Red Cross hurricane relief fund approaching $1 billion, the organization said its success may attract individuals who, sometimes for personal gain, only pretend to represent them.

A Red Cross chapter in South Lake Tahoe recently used local media to warn the public about a woman soliciting donations in the area whose name couldn't be found on a list of authorized representatives."

Portsmouth Herald Local Business News: United Way official flies south to teach volunteer-networking software

Portsmouth Herald Local Business News: United Way official flies south to teach volunteer-networking software: "PORTSMOUTH - Robin Albert landed in Louisiana on Wednesday with a mission.

Albert, director of the Volunteer Action Center at United Way of the Greater Seacoast, arrived in Lafayette, La., to train the staff at the United Way of Acadiana to use an online system to connect volunteers with nonprofit agencies in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita."

Red Cross Criticized, Urged to Share Cash - Yahoo! News

Red Cross Criticized, Urged to Share Cash - Yahoo! News: "Red Cross Criticized, Urged to Share Cash

By DAVID CRARY, AP National Writer 34 minutes ago

NEW YORK - As its hurricane relief donations near the $1 billion mark, more than double all other charities combined, the
American Red Cross is encountering sharp criticism of its efforts and mounting pressure to share funds with smaller grou"

TV Morning Shows in Compassion Competition - Yahoo! News

TV Morning Shows in Compassion Competition - Yahoo! News: "NEW YORK - NBC's and ABC's morning shows are channeling their bitter competition into philanthropy for Hurricane Katrina victims.
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NBC has turned New York's Rockefeller Plaza — home of the 'Today' show — into 'Humanity Plaza,' a staging ground to build homes with Habitat for Humanity that will be trucked south for those who lost theirs in flooding."

The Chronicle, 9/28/2005: Hurricane Giving Slows; Less than $1-Million Raised for Hurricane Rita

The Chronicle, 9/28/2005: Hurricane Giving Slows; Less than $1-Million Raised for Hurricane Rita: "Hurricane Giving Slows; Less than $1-Million Raised for Hurricane Rita
By Elizabeth Schwinn

After the massive outpouring of giving to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, donors are responding far less generously to appeals for help with Hurricane Rita, charities say.

The slow response to fund-raising appeals has some nonprofit groups concerned about their ability to respond to the devastation wrought by Rita, which struck the Gulf Coast on Saturday, causing a wide swath of damage along the Texas and Louisiana coasts."

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

USATODAY.com - Despite Katrina efforts, Red Cross draws criticism

USATODAY.com - Despite Katrina efforts, Red Cross draws criticism: "Despite Katrina efforts, Red Cross draws criticism
The Associated Press
As its hurricane relief donations near the $1 billion mark, more than double all other charities combined, the American Red Cross is encountering sharp criticism of its efforts and mounting pressure to share funds with smaller groups.
"

Magazine - FORTUNE 500 Katrina Contributors: Who Gave What - FORTUNE - Page

Magazine - FORTUNE 500 Katrina Contributors: Who Gave What - FORTUNE - Page: "HURRICANE KATRINA SPECIAL REPORT
FORTUNE 500 Contributors: Who Gave What
See what some FORTUNE 500 companies have donated to the Katrina relief effort so far.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005

See List

If Corporate America owes any debt for some of the excesses of the past few years, many of the nation's largest companies are showing off their benevolent side in Katrina's wake. Some donations were in cash, like Exxon's $7 million check to the American Red Cross; others mixed monetary and in-kind donations, like GE's pledge of $6 million in cash and $10 million in medical supplies and equipment. UnitedHealth says it has set up a $10 million fund and will simply write checks until it's gone.

This list, compiled from news reports and sources such as the Chronicle of Philanthropy in Washington, D.C., is not complete—but an overview."

STLtoday - Your Journal - News-A lesson in philanthropy

STLtoday - Your Journal - News: "A lesson in philanthropy
Larry Ingram
Of the Suburban Journals
Edwardsville Journal
09/28/2005

The American Red Cross now has $35,052.60 more to use for disaster relief in the Gulf area, thanks to members of the Edwardsville school district.

At Edwardsville High School on Monday morning, students and employee representatives presented the organization a check for the donation, which amounted to more than double the district's goal of $15,000.

The district's fund-raising effort began on Sept. 6."

First Lady Makes Her Reality TV Debut - Yahoo! News

First Lady Makes Her Reality TV Debut - Yahoo! News: "BILOXI, Miss. - First lady
Laura Bush made her reality TV debut Tuesday, helping with a taping of 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' in a sweltering community building as she toured hurricane relief sites on the Mississippi coast.
ADVERTISEMENT
click here

With hundreds of people crowded into the Biloxi Community Center, where a mountain of donated clothes covered a stage, Bush and Preston Sharp, a designer on the ABC-TV show, greeted storm victims and handed out donated items from big plastic bin"

ThatsRacin.com | 09/27/2005 | Jeff Gordon visits 'Humanity Plaza,' touts hands-on opportunities

ThatsRacin.com | 09/27/2005 | Jeff Gordon visits 'Humanity Plaza,' touts hands-on opportunities: "Jeff Gordon visits 'Humanity Plaza,' touts hands-on opportunities

ThatsRacin.com Report

On Tuesday, Jeff Gordon stopped by 'Humanity Plaza' in New York City to lend support to families displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

NBC News 'Today,' Habitat for Humanity International and Warner Music Group joined forces in this effort to help build homes for those affected by Katrina, and they have transformed Rockefeller Plaza into a 'round the clock' construction site through Friday night."

The Fine Line Between Charity and Self-Promotion

The Fine Line Between Charity and Self-Promotion: "The Fine Line Between Charity and Self-Promotion
By Evan Schuman, Ziff Davis Internet
September 12, 2005

Opinion: A Florida authentication company is offering its service for free to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. Is this generosity or taking advantage of a tragedy to get free publicity? It's often impossible to tell. (CIOInsight.com)


Be the first to comment on this article


The most altruistic gift is an anonymous contribution, in which a giver wants to help but does not want to benefit from the donation.

Sometimes, though, anonymity is not possible, and that's where things can get dicey.

Last week, for example, a Fort Lauderdale authentication firm announced that it was offering its service free to anyone who wanted to use it to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Why would an authentication service help out in flood recovery? A lot of the victims had to flee their homes and they lost identification documents (birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates, Visas, etc.)."

Catholic Online - Cathcom - Catholic Charities establishes hurricane relief fund

Catholic Online - Cathcom - Catholic Charities establishes hurricane relief fund: "Catholic Charities establishes hurricane relief fund


9/27/2005

LEXANDRIA, Va. (CNS) -- Catholic Charities USA has established a fund to aid victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which landed a ferocious one-two punch on the Gulf Coast nearly a month apart.
About 96 percent of contributions made to Catholic Charities' 2005 Hurricane Relief Fund will be used for emergency response and recovery efforts, said an announcement on the agency's Web site. "

The Council on Foundations - Charitable Reform Resource Center News

The Council on Foundations - Charitable Reform Resource Center News: "President Signs Katrina Bill as Congress Eyes Long-Term Relief Measures
On Friday, President Bush signed The Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 (H.R. 3768), a bill that includes a number of charitable incentives designed to provide immediate relief to victims of Hurricane Katrina. This week, Congress is expected to begin consideration of longer-term relief legislation designed to help rebuild parts of the Gulf Coast.

As we reported last week, a last-minute change to H.R. 3768 excluded donor-advised funds, supporting organizations and most private foundations from the bill’s most important incentive to increase giving – the temporary suspension of the limitations on gifts of cash to public charities, private operating foundations, and governmental entities. This exclusion also prevents donors from contributing (“rolling over”) assets held in an IRA to a donor-advised fund without taking those assets into income.

“The Council on Foundations is surprised and very disappointed that Congress did not recognize the important contribution of private and community foundations to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort,” stated Cole Wilbur, the Council’s interim President and CEO. “The exclusion of charitable donations to donor-advised funds, supporting organizations and most private foundations from the Katrina relief bill will hinder efforts in the hurricane-affected areas and around the country as foundations seek to meet immediate and long-term community needs.” Read a San Francisco Chronicle article on the bill featuring comments from Janne Gallagher, the Council’s Vice President and General Counsel."

Poynter Online - Wednesday Edition: Hurricane Fundraising Squeezes Other Charities

Poynter Online - Wednesday Edition: Hurricane Fundraising Squeezes Other Charities:
snip snip>

" After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, there was an outpouring of generosity. But studies since have shown that nonprofits took a hit from that event, the Denver Business Journal reports.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals found that half of charities had seen donations increase through August 2001 and nearly half saw donations drop off after the event.

The story says that some charities know that they are going to have to raise more this year to care for people who have moved into their towns because of the storm:"

Chuck Jaffe: How to 'scout' charities - Financial - Financial Services - Mutual Funds

Chuck Jaffe: How to 'scout' charities - Financial - Financial Services - Mutual Funds: "How to 'scout' charities
Throwing money at disasters can cause problems
By Chuck Jaffe, MarketWatch
Last Update: 12:01 AM ET Sept. 28, 2005
E-mail it | Print | Discuss | Alert | Reprint |

BOSTON (MarketWatch) -- Like a lot of people, Caren can't get the images of Louisiana and Texas out of her mind.


While she may live in New Jersey, the news brings constant reminders of the devastation wrought by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

But to this point, Caren has not been moved to contribute. Part of her reluctance, according to an e-mail she sent, is that the last event that moved her to feel so strongly was the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

At the time, Caren says, she contributed to every charity she could. She left money in jars on counters and tables, she sent in donations to telethons, she answered appeals from several different groups"

Linda Chavez-They opened their hearts and doors — but should be penalized because they're religious?

Linda Chavez: "They opened their hearts and doors — but should be penalized because they're religious?


http://www.NewsAndOpinion.com | Extremists at the grandiosely named Americans United for Separation of Church and State are at it again. The group, best known for its efforts to drive religion from the public square, now wants to make sure no faith-based organizations can be reimbursed for rescuing and caring for thousands of victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced plans to allow some faith-based groups to recoup some of the money they've spent feeding, clothing, housing and counseling more than half a million people stranded in the worst national disaster this country has ever faced. "

BlackNews.com - Black Philanthropy Groups Speak On Katrina Relief Efforts

PRESS RELEASE
BlackNews.com - Black Philanthropy Groups Speak On Katrina Relief Efforts: "Nation's Major Black Philanthropy Groups Speak With One Voice On Katrina Relief Efforts

Joint Dialogue on Black Philanthropy Says 'Charity Begins at Home for African Americans'

Baltimore, MD (BlackNews.com) - The Joint Dialogue on Black Philanthropy, a group representing the largest black philanthropic institutions in the United States has sounded the call for directing a portion of the billions of dollars being raised to support relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as a means of Restoring the Grass Roots."

Relief act lifts penalty on tapping retirement funds for Katrina victims: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Relief act lifts penalty on tapping retirement funds for Katrina victims: South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "Relief act lifts penalty on tapping retirement funds for Katrina victims

By Harriet Johnson Brackey
Business Writer
Posted September 28 2005

Thanks to Hurricane Katrina, some South Floridians can tap their retirement accounts without incurring penalties and possibly income taxes, too.

President Bush signed the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act into law on Friday, sending a generous tax break to residents of Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe and a handful of other Florida counties along with federally declared disaster areas in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi."

Brown Defends FEMA's Efforts

Brown Defends FEMA's Efforts: "Brown Defends FEMA's Efforts
Former Agency Director Spreads Blame for Failures in Katrina Response

By Spencer S. Hsu
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 28, 2005; Page A01

Former Federal Emergency Management Agency director Michael D. Brown said yesterday that it was not his job to take over the evacuation of New Orleans and rescue the drowning city from Hurricane Katrina, blaming Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin and 'dysfunctional' state officials for the government's failed response to the disaster"

FEMA to Pay Red Cross For Some Hurricane Aid

FEMA to Pay Red Cross For Some Hurricane Aid: "FEMA to Pay Red Cross For Some Hurricane Aid
$100 Million Reimbursement Is for Motel Rooms

By Jacqueline L. Salmon and Elizabeth Williamson
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, September 28, 2005; Page A07

The American Red Cross, which has asked Americans to donate $2 billion to cover its costs of caring for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, will be reimbursed $100 million from the federal government for motel rooms housing storm victims.

The Red Cross has raised more than $800 million from private sources and indicated that some of the money would go to house hurricane evacuees in hotel rooms, an expense the organization expects to reach $95 million by mid-October. Yesterday, the agency acknowledged that, instead, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will pay for those rooms."

Hurricanes show importance of volunteers - Yahoo! News

Hurricanes show importance of volunteers - Yahoo! News: "BBEVILLE, La. - In the first 48 hours after Hurricane Rita roared through the sodden edges of the Gulf Coast, Tracy Savage lived off the handouts of a stranger.
ADVERTISEMENT

Just before the storm delivered a 10-foot surge, Savage packed up his wife, two children and little else and drove his barely running motor home inland from his home in Mouton Cove, a marshy speck in Vermilion Parish now washed away by the storm."

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

"Nonprofit summit scheduled for Baton Rouge

New Orleans CityBusiness -- The Business Newspaper of Metropolitan New Orleans: "Nonprofit summit scheduled for Baton Rouge
By CityBusiness staff report

2005-09-27 9:46 AM CST

BATON ROUGE — In an effort to reunite New Orleans-area nonprofits and discuss the future, the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations will meet with affected nonprofits from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday in Baton Rouge.

Before hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit, 3,393 nonprofit organizations operated in Jefferson, Orleans and St. Bernard parishes. LAANO officials say 250 members were affected."

TechSoup - TechSoup's Katrina Relief Resources

TechSoup - TechSoup's Katrina Relief Resources: "Next Steps: TechSoup's Katrina Relief Resources

The most difficult part of disaster recovery is knowing where to start. On this page, you'll find a comprehensive, downloadable guide to disaster recovery; listings of regional IT technology support resources; articles; and other tools to help your nonprofit's Katrina recovery efforts

We'll continue to update this page with useful resources and information, so be sure to check back.
"

Retrospective Disaster Recovery | ConsultantCommons.org (beta)

Retrospective Disaster Recovery | ConsultantCommons.org (beta): "Retrospective Disaster Recovery
Submitted by helen on Thu, 2005-09-22 15:30. Healthy & Secure Computing

CompuMentor responded to the hurricane Katrina disaster in a number of ways. Including pulling on some volunteers to put together a Disaster Recovery Manual.

We aimed for speed in order to meet the immediate needs of small and medium nonprofits whose disaster recovery planning had been overwhelmed by the scale of what hit them. But now it's out there we want to release a second improved version.

Google Hurricane Resources

Google Hurricane Resources

Charities Fear Drain On Giving

Charities Fear Drain On Giving: "Charities Fear Drain On Giving
It's Too Soon to Tell Impact of Storm Relief on Philanthropy

By Annys Shin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, September 26, 2005; Page D01

Judy Singer is used to dealing with stragglers.

As the director of special events for the Meridian International Center, a District organization that promotes international exchange programs, Singer keeps track of ticket sales and corporate sponsorships for the group's signature fundraiser, the 37th annual Meridian Ball, scheduled for Oct. 14."

California governor signs charity motorcycle for Jay Leno

California governor signs charity motorcycle for Jay Leno: "Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has joined Ellen DeGeneres, Denzel Washington, Billy Crystal, James Caan and other celebrities in autographing a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that 'Tonight Show' host Jay Leno is auctioning to raise money for Hurricane Katrina victims.

'Finally I can sign something my opponents won't criticize,' Schwarzenegger quipped during Monday's taping of 'The Tonight Show.'"

Newsday.com: Too much generosity goes to Red Cross

Editorial

Newsday.com: Too much generosity goes to Red Cross: "Too much generosity goes to Red Cross



BY RICHARD WALDEN
Richard Walden is president and chief executive of Operation USA, a disaster relief agency based in Los Angeles. This is from the Los Angeles Times.

September 27, 2005

With Hurricane Rita making news, it's time for Americans to take a more disciplined look at their tremendous generosity.

As of last week, the American Red Cross reported that it had raised $826 million in private funds for Hurricane Katrina victims. The Chronicle of Philanthropy has the total figure at more than $1.2 billion for all relief groups reporting. So the Red Cross received about 70 percent of all giving."

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/27/2005 -- 01-Colleges in 3 states begin cleaning up damage from Rita and a tornado it spawned

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/27/2005 -- 01: "Colleges in 3 States Begin Cleaning Up Damage From Rita and a Tornado It Spawned

By KATHERINE S. MANGAN

In southwestern Louisiana and the neighboring region of Texas' Gulf Coast, college and university repair crews were rushing on Monday to patch up buildings shredded by Hurricane Rita, while Mississippi State University began tallying the damage from a tornado that ripped across the campus on Sunday afternoon."

Rita Spares Cities, Devastates Rural Areas

Rita Spares Cities, Devastates Rural Areas: "THE GULF HURRICANES
Rita Spares Cities, Devastates Rural Areas
Loss of Power, Flooding Keep Many From Returning

By Doug Struck and Dana Milbank
Washington Post Staff Writers
Monday, September 26, 2005; Page A01

BEAUMONT, Tex., Sept. 25 -- Hurricane Rita's floodwaters receded Sunday along the Texas-Louisiana coastline, revealing devastated rural communities but lighter-than-expected damage to major population centers and to vital energy facilities in the area."

Monday, September 26, 2005

Bloggers and Hurricane Rita

Bloggers and Hurricane Rita: "Bloggers and Hurricane Rita
Web Logs Blog


Bloggers and Hurricane Rita
As it has been lately, bloggers have been on the go - recording news, personal experiences, and history. Here are some web logs that offer good Hurricane Rita blog round-ups:"

Nonprofits find no shortage of local generosity - Birmingham - MSNBC.com

Nonprofits find no shortage of local generosity - Birmingham - MSNBC.com: "Diana Pool-Spencer, president of the Alabama chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, says giving typically increases across the board during times of crisis.

'You normally see when something like this happens, it creates an awareness and a spirit of giving in people,' she says. The association's annual Philanthropy Day luncheon, a fundraiser coming up in November, already is sold out, she says."

San Luis Obispo Tribune | 09/25/2005 | Donors mix local, hurricane relief

San Luis Obispo Tribune | 09/25/2005 | Donors mix local, hurricane relief: "Donors mix local, hurricane relief

Nonprofits in county uncertain how much local giving will be affected by recent disasters

By Nathan Welton

The Tribune

Local nonprofit directors are split on whether Hurricane Katrina will impact the amount of fundraising occurring locally, an informal Tribune survey has found.

Although there are no firm numbers, some directors say they worry that local donors will give their money to hurricane relief, leaving local agencies with less money than expecte"

Star-Telegram | 09/25/2005 | How to donate vacation time to Katrina victims

Star-Telegram | 09/25/2005 | How to donate vacation time to Katrina victims: "ow to donate vacation time to Katrina victims

By Kathy Kristof

The Los Angeles Times

Under a temporary Internal Revenue Service rule, workers and employers can get a tax benefit by donating the value of paid days to hurricane relief.

If you want to give to hurricane relief but worry that you couldn't take a tax deduction because you don't itemize, IRS Commissioner Mark Everson has a deal for you: Donate vacation time, and you'll get a tax benefit no matter how you file your return."

The Sun Herald | 09/25/2005 | We can survive on charity, but to thrive, we need casinos

The Sun Herald | 09/25/2005 | We can survive on charity, but to thrive, we need casinos: "We can survive on charity, but to thrive, we need casinos

The Mississippi Legislature this week has an opportunity to prevent the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina from spreading across the entire state.

When legislators convene in a special session in Jackson on Tuesday, they need to decisively pass legislation that will not only permit casino companies to rebuild their facilities more securely along the shoreline, but will encourage them to do so quickly."

TIME.com: The Disasters That Keep on Giving -- Oct. 03, 2005 -- Page 1

TIME.com: The Disasters That Keep on Giving -- Oct. 03, 2005 -- Page 1
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Old charities are helping in new ways. All kinds of advocacy groups are carving out new funds to help special populations or leverage specific talents, such as supporting animal shelters or providing free legal assistance in hurricane-affected ZIP codes. "We have seen more nonprofits that do not have disaster relief within their mission raising more money than ever before," says Walter Sczudlo of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Web Scammers Strike Before Hurricane Does

Web Scammers Strike Before Hurricane Does: "Web Scammers Strike Before Hurricane Does

By Brian Krebs
Special to The Washington Post
Saturday, September 24, 2005; Page D01

In a spree mirroring the online gold rush that accompanied Hurricane Katrina, online speculators are scooping up hundreds of Hurricane Rita-related Web domain names, and Rita-themed Internet auctions have begun.

Scammers often use such Web sites to trick people into making donations, authorities said. The quick proliferation of questionable activities spurred the federal government to work with Internet service providers, computer security companies and anti-spam groups to shut down and prosecute owners of fraudulent sites, according to several participants in the ad hoc task force."

JustGive.org Coordinates Donations for U.S. Hurricane Relief Efforts by Providing Online Access to Qualified Charitable Organizations

PRESS RELEASE

JustGive.org Coordinates Donations for U.S. Hurricane Relief Efforts by Providing Online Access to Qualified Charitable Organizations

North County Times - North San Diego and Southwest Riverside County News

North County Times - North San Diego and Southwest Riverside County News: "Red Cross volunteer a veteran of disaster relief efforts

By: JEFF FRANK - Staff Writer
Editor's Note: North County is filled with people who volunteer their time to help others. This is the story of one of those volunteers.

SAN DIEGO ---- American Red Cross volunteers are plenty busy these days, assisting some 1,500 people evacuated here from the Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Getting busy after a disaster is nothing new for Debra Fisk, a Valley Center resident putting in long days helping out at the agency's Family Assistance Center in the Mission Gorge area of San Diego. Fisk supervises registration of the Katrina evacuees at the center, where county, state, federal and charitable agencies have gathered to offer needed services."

Katrina impacts nonprofits' fundraising - Jacksonville - MSNBC.com

Katrina impacts nonprofits' fundraising - Jacksonville - MSNBC.com: "Katrina impacts nonprofits' fundraising
Some groups have to cancel events, seek grant top-ups

Updated: 8:00 p.m. ET Sept. 25, 2005

JACKSONVILLE -- Hurricane Katrina has the American Lung Association of Florida canceling fundraising events, pledging to raise more money for its victims and scrambling to come up with urgently needed medical supplies.

The hurricane that struck the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29 has put nonprofit organizations like the association into high gear. But it has also put a crimp in fundraising efforts of many groups, including those here in Jacksonville."

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/26/2005 -- 03

The Chronicle: Daily news: 09/26/2005 -- 03: "Hurricane Rita Damages Louisiana and Texas Colleges, but It Could Have Been Much Worse

By KATHERINE S. MANGAN

Headlines

Colleges in Houston and parts of the Gulf Coast were expecting to resume classes by Wednesday or Thursday, but in areas like Beaumont, Tex., and Lake Charles, La., repairs and cleanup could cause much longer delays. In New Orleans, heavy rains and high winds caused three l"

USATODAY.com - Charities' battle just got more uphill

USATODAY.com - Charities' battle just got more uphill: "Charities' battle just got more uphill
By Jim Hopkins, USA TODAY
Struggling to raise at least $2 billion for Hurricane Katrina relief, charities are now facing big obstacles in redirecting money already raised — and in persuading donors to give for Hurricane Rita victims.

The American Red Cross, which has raised about 70% of the money donated so far for hurricane help, on Friday pleaded for more. Its plea came as it began planning for the costs of Rita relief."

Katrina spurs federal action on VoIP | CNET News.com

Katrina spurs federal action on VoIP | CNET News.com: "Katrina spurs federal action on VoIP
Published: September 22, 2005, 2:32 PM PDT
By Anne Broache
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
TrackBack Print E-mail TalkBack

Hurricane Katrina's thrashing of communications networks has amplified the need for Congress to take action on Net phone policy, senators said Thursday.

At a hearing convened by the Senate Commerce Committee, senators pledged to take steps to ensure that all communications networks, including voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, can connect their customers to the 911 system. One such bill was introduced in May."