SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Relief funding needs mapped by foundation

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Relief funding needs mapped by foundation: "From $5 checks to seven-figure corporate contributions, millions of dollars collected for wildfire relief will be spent in four key areas over the next two years: survivor needs, civic engagement, the environment and preparedness.

The San Diego Foundation has developed a road map to steer the spending of its huge charity fund, which tops $7 million in donations and pledges."

Charities' coffers swell to $23 million – and counting | The San Diego Union-Tribune

Charities' coffers swell to $23 million – and counting | The San Diego Union-Tribune: "Major nonprofits have collected more than $23 million for wildfire relief in what some are predicting will become the largest local charity drive ever. The American Red Cross has collected $17.3 million in contributions for Southern California wildfires, most of which it said will go to San Diego County. And millions more has been donated and pledged to The San Diego Foundation, the Salvation Army, the Jewish Community Foundation and others."

The NonProfit Times - California Fires Activate Response Lessons learned at Katrina helped

The NonProfit Times - The Leading Business Publication For Nonprofit Management: "California Fires Activate Response Lessons learned at Katrina helped By Mark Hrywna and Marla E. Nobles

Around this time every year, the warm, dry winds known as the Santa Anas sweep down wide across the deserts of Southern California and across the Los Angeles Basin, bringing with them the constant threat of wildfires. But even longtime residents hadn't seen anything like the wildfires that began burning across Southern California on Oct. 20."

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Charities' coffers swell to $23 million – and counting

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Charities' coffers swell to $23 million – and counting: "Major nonprofits have collected more than $23 million for wildfire relief in what some are predicting will become the largest local charity drive ever.
The American Red Cross has collected $17.3 million in contributions for Southern California wildfires, most of which it said will go to San Diego County. And millions more has been donated and pledged to The San Diego Foundation, the Salvation Army, the Jewish Community Foundation and others.
Many nonprofits are still collecting money while they forge a long-range plan on how to best spend the contributions."

The California Endowment Commits $750,000 to Aid Vulnerable Communities Impacted by the Southern California Wildfires / California Endowment

The California Endowment Commits $750,000 to Aid Vulnerable Communities Impacted by the Southern California Wildfires / California Endowment: "he California Endowment Commits $750,000 to Aid Vulnerable Communities Impacted by the Southern California Wildfires Los Angeles (November 1, 2007) –

The California Endowment, a private, statewide health foundation, today announced its commitment of $750,000 to provide wildfire relief and aid to the often overlooked communities impacted by the recent wildfires.
“The Endowment wants to ensure that the regions’ poorest and most vulnerable residents have equal access to aid now and during the days and months to come,” said Robert K. Ross, M.D., president and CEO of The California Endowment."

Arts scene slowly returns to normal North County Times - North San Diego and Southwest Riverside County News - NCTimes.com - Californian.com

Arts scene slowly returns to normal North County Times - North San Diego and Southwest Riverside County News - NCTimes.com - Californian.com: "Arts scene slowly returns to normal By: PAM KRAGEN - Staff Writer Life may be returning to normal in San Diego County this week, but last week's wildfires were hard on the county's arts community. Road closures, evacuations and the unpredictability of the fires forced most theaters, galleries, museums and theme parks to shut their doors for at least one day last week, and poor air quality kept many county residents at home through the entire weekend. Most venues reported a moderate to sharp dip in ticket sales through the weekend."

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Recovery fund targets Cal State Games participants

This link leads to other related material on the Wildfires
SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Recovery fund targets Cal State Games participants: "Recovery fund targets Cal State Games participantsUNION-TRIBUNE October 31, 2007 The California State Games Wildfire Recovery Fund is accepting donations to help Cal State Games participants affected by the fires."

(Knox County) NAR Donates Half-Million to California Fire Relief - Real Estate - WaldoSoup

(Knox County) NAR Donates Half-Million to California Fire Relief - Real Estate - WaldoSoup: "KNOX COUNTY (Oct 29): The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is donating a half-million dollars to aid the victims of the disastrous fires that have swept California and left hundreds of thousands of people homeless. REALTORS® have been early to respond to help victims of similar emergencies in the past, such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and victims of the South Asian tsunami in 2004."

Pet Lovers Raise Nearly $140,000 for California Wildfire Animal Relief

PRESS RELEASE

Pet Lovers Raise Nearly $140,000 for California Wildfire Animal Relief: "Pet Lovers Raise Nearly $140,000 for California Wildfire Animal Relief Through the PETCO Foundation's Emergency Round Up Fundraiser, pet lovers across the nation have donated nearly $140,000 to benefit the more than 19,000 animals affected by the California wildfires. San Diego, Calif. (Vocus/PRWEB ) October 30, 2007 -- Through the PETCO Foundation's Emergency Round Up Fundraiser, pet lovers across the nation have donated nearly $140,000 to benefit the more than 19,000 animals affected by the California wildfires."

Richard Walden: How Best To Help Victims of the California Wildfires: More of the Same or ??? - Politics on The Huffington Post

Richard Walden: How Best To Help Victims of the California Wildfires: More of the Same or ??? - Politics on The Huffington Post: "Once again, an intensive media-driven campaign is underway to fill the coffers of two of America's largest nonprofits--the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The Los Angeles ABC TV station joined with the Red Cross for a second consecutive time (Hurricane Katrina was the first) in arranging 'drive-by drop-offs' of cash in the parking lots of major sports and entertainment venues. While it's too early to tell just how much money will be donated to these two groups, my guess is it will be well over $100 million and perhaps much more nationally."

Wildfires Force Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Postponement in San Diego | The Final Sprint (TFS) | The Internet’s Premier Running, Fitness, and Nut

Wildfires Force Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Postponement in San Diego | The Final Sprint (TFS) | The Internet’s Premier Running, Fitness, and Nutrition Publication: "Due to the wildfires in San Diego County, the Komen San Diego Race for the Cure which was scheduled for Sunday, November 4, has been postponed to Sunday, December 2, 2007."

PhilanTopic: Information on Southern California Fire Relief Funds

A listing of Resources via PhilanTopic.

PhilanTopic: Information on Southern California Fire Relief Funds: "Information on Southern California Fire Relief Funds The information below on special funds established to respond to the fires in Southern California was put together by the folks at San Diego Grantmakers and Southern California Grantmakers and forwarded by Northern California Grantmakers to Janet Camarena, the director of the Foundation Center's San Francisco office. Thanks to Janet for the head's up."

allAfrica.com: Uganda: UK Charity Gives Sh140m Relief Aid to Katakwi Victims (Page 1 of 1)

allAfrica.com: Uganda: UK Charity Gives Sh140m Relief Aid to Katakwi Victims (Page 1 of 1): "AN international charity, ShelterBox, linked to Rotary Club of Helston, in the UK, has donated relief items worth 40,000 pounds (about sh140m) to flood victims in Katakwi. The donation, which included tents, stoves, axes, hoes, saucepans, ladles, jerrycans water purification tablets and blankets, was channelled through the Rotary Club of Muyenga."

Qualcomm Commits $1.5 Million to Support Wildfire Relief and Recovery Efforts

Qualcomm Commits $1.5 Million to Support Wildfire Relief and Recovery Efforts: "- Qualcomm Incorporated , a leading developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies and data solutions, today announced that the Company has committed $1.5 million to support relief and recovery efforts after this week's devastating wildfires in San Diego County. The total commitment includes immediate donations of $100,000 to the San Diego/Imperial Counties American Red Cross Chapter and $100,000 to Volunteer San Diego. Over the next several weeks, the remaining $1.3 million will be directed to various nonprofit and first responder organizations providing fire relief and recovery efforts via Qualcomm's corporate giving program, employee matching grant program and donations in recognition of employee volunteer efforts."

NAR Donates Half-Million to California Wildfire Relief

PRESS RELEASE

NAR Donates Half-Million to California Wildfire Relief: "The National Association of Realtors, through the REALTORS Relief Foundation, is donating a half-million dollars to help the victims of the disastrous wildfires that have swept California and left thousands of people homeless."

N.O. charities eager to return favor to fire victims - Breaking News Updates New Orleans - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com

N.O. charities eager to return favor to fire victims - Breaking News Updates New Orleans - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com: "N.O. charities eager to return favor to fire victims Posted by The Times-Picayune October 25, 2007 7:53PM By Bruce Nolan Staff writer Wounded New Orleanians helped by the kindness of strangers two years ago are looking toward fire-ravaged Southern California with an urge to help, but local disaster managers are urging them to wait until it is more clear exactly what the stricken communities need.
'I'm getting phone calls: 'Can we go? Can we go?,' ' said Archdeacon Dennis McManis, operations director of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana's office of disaster response. '
I'm telling them, 'Let's sit back and see what they need.' '"

California Wild fire relief efforts: How you can help

California Wild fire relief efforts: How you can help: "Wild fire relief efforts: How you can help The devastating wildfires in Southern California have caused at least $1 billion in damage in San Diego County alone, charring more than 650 square miles and destroying over 1,500 homes from Malibu to just north of the Mexican border. Community foundations in the areas hardest hit have established funds to help the individuals and areas impacted by the wildfires"

2theadvocate.com | News | Report: Help of nonprofits running dry — Baton Rouge, LA

2theadvocate.com | News | Report: Help of nonprofits running dry — Baton Rouge, LA: "The nonprofit sector’s response to the 2005 hurricanes has been unprecedented, but, with money for volunteer services running low and “Katrina fatigue’’ running high across the nation, it is time for the government to take the ball and drive the recovery, a report released Monday stressed.

“The scale of the devastation is so vast in Louisiana and across the Mississippi Gulf Coast that only the government has the capacity to handle significant rebuilding,’’ the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana and the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government said in a joint report."

Realty Times -Hurricane Relief Update: Foreclosures, Housing, Taxes

Realty Times - Real Estate News and Advice: "Several federal agencies recently extended or clarified relief efforts for Gulf Coast residents suffering the devastating effects of storms that battered the region this year. On December 1st, both Freddie Mac extended foreclosure suspensions on homes and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continued paying the hotel bills of nearly 50,000 hurricane area evacuees."

Burlington Free Press.com | Local/Vermont-Professor explores disaster-aid rejection

Burlington Free Press.com | Local/Vermont: "Travis Nelson, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Vermont, has been studying this curious phenomenon. He counted 129 major global disasters over the past 25 years of an 'immediate' nature -- quakes, floods, tsunamis, storms -- with death tolls of at least 500. He discovered that in 24 cases -- about 20 percent -- the victimized country refused at least some of the aid being offered."

Disaster response group settles in case of Katrina donations - October 1, 2007

Disaster response group settles in case of Katrina donations - October 1, 2007: "Disaster response group settles in case of Katrina donations Printer-friendly version Noah's Wish, a nonprofit organization out of California that responds to the needs of animals affected by disasters, has agreed to a settlement following an investigation into how the group handled donations after Hurricane Katrina. The annual budget of Noah's Wish normally averaged $210,000, according to California's attorney general, but the group raised more than $8 million after Katrina and spent $1.5 million on responding to the hurricane."

Postbulletin.com: Life Vest: 12 hours of music for flood relief - Sun, Sep 16, 2007

Postbulletin.com: Life Vest: 12 hours of music for flood relief - Sun, Sep 16, 2007: "Life Vest: 12 hours of music for flood relief 9/17/2007 6:38:52 AM By Dawn Schuett Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN In the midst of flood recovery, peopled gathered Sunday in Rochester to throw a 'Life Vest' for those affected by the disaster. A fundraising concert and event -- dubbed 'Life Vest' by organizers -- brought together a dozen bands performing nearly 12 hours of music at the Rochester International Event Center and $20,000 in items donated by individuals and businesses for a silent auction and raffle. Ray Samson, executive director of the event center, said the benefit concert was a way organizers can help flood victims, including some of his employees, in their time of need."

Features | Online edition of Daily News - Lakehouse Newspapers

Features | Online edition of Daily News - Lakehouse Newspapers: "n several coastal hamlets in Sri Lanka the tide has turned for potters, batik designers and other entrepreneurs whose small-scale businesses were hit hard by the December 2004 tsunami. Boost for pottery Their trades are bouncing back and incomes increasing thanks to some post-tsunami assistance from developing countries."

Reuters AlertNet - SRI LANKA: Small grants turn tide for tsunami-hit entrepreneurs

Reuters AlertNet - SRI LANKA: Small grants turn tide for tsunami-hit entrepreneurs: "BENTOTA, 14 September 2007 (IRIN) - SRI LANKA: Small grants turn tide for tsunami-hit entrepreneurs BENTOTA, 14 September 2007 (IRIN) - In several coastal hamlets in Sri Lanka the tide has turned for potters, batik designers and other entrepreneurs whose small-scale businesses were hit hard by the December 2004 tsunami. Their trades are bouncing back and incomes increasing thanks to some post-tsunami assistance from developing countries."

Aust pledges aid after Indonesian quake - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Aust pledges aid after Indonesian quake - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "Aust pledges aid after Indonesian quake By Jakarta correspondent Geoff Thompson Posted Thu Sep 13, 2007 8:20pm AEST As fears ease over the extent of damage caused by last night's massive 8.4 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, the Australian Government has provided $50,000 in assistance through the Indonesian Red Cross."

The Asia Foundation Puts Mobile Libraries in Motion for Local Sri Lankan Communities - Press Release

The Asia Foundation Puts Mobile Libraries in Motion for Local Sri Lankan Communities - Press Release: "COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asia Foundation is launching a new mobile library initiative aimed at helping an estimated 80,000 families and children who do not have access to the existing library services in four local authorities. Many of these communities were devastated by the tsunami, and schools and libraries are still in the process of being rebuilt. The mobile library initiative is being launched with support from the AIG Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), and Give2Asia, an organization founded by The Asia Foundation to promote philanthropy to Asia."

Chippewa.com

Chippewa.com: "When you stroll the streets of New Orleans, there are people coming and going, street musicians belting out tunes and horns blaring. Not to mention the wonderful smells of creole cooking and sweet sounds of hammers pounding. The city has come a long way since Aug. 29, 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit. According to “The Katrina Index,” created by the Greater New Orleans Community Data Center, applications for new housing construction permits have now soared above pre-Katrina levels, enrollment numbers are rising at elementary and secondary schools and unemployment levels, which used to be extremely high, are back down below the national average. In addition, millions of cubic yards of debris have been cleared away and the levees are in the process of being rebuilt."

Nicaraguans Survey Hurricane’s Wreckage - New York Times

Nicaraguans Survey Hurricane’s Wreckage - New York Times: "TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, Sept. 5 — Hurricane Felix spared much of Central America, but residents of the poor coastal communities of Nicaragua, where the storm struck land at full force, picked through the wreckage of their wooden huts on Wednesday and lamented losing the little they had. The Nicaraguan government’s estimates of the death toll varied Wednesday, with one official saying at least 18 people had died since the storm hit Tuesday and another saying the figure was at least 38, according to wire services. Scores more were missing, the wire services said."

Local voices from Katrina relief missions- al.com

Local voices from Katrina relief missions- al.com: "Here are some excerpts from recent reports received at The Huntsville Times from people who have worked or lived in the coastal areas affected by the 2005 hurricanes: St. Stephen's members first became involved in Katrina relief efforts at the processing center at First Baptist Church. We also worked in a coalition of area Episcopal churches to send supplies to Camp Coast Care in Long Beach, Miss., which is operated by Lutheran Episcopal Services."

Two Years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: The Charitable Response - General - Advocacy Blog - OMB Watch

Two Years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: The Charitable Response - General - Advocacy Blog - OMB Watch: "Two Years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: The Charitable Response Nearly two years have passed since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and now is a perfect time to look at the charitable work in the area in terms of what has been accomplished, what needs to be done, and how charities point out the inequities that remain. The Chronicle of Philanthropy ($$) spotlights this discussion of charities and the hurricane recovery through a series of articles. An important point to discuss two years later is that charitable funds are still drastically needed."

BAW: Reopened MLK Charter School a Guidepost for New Orleans’ Post-Katrina Education Model

BAW: Reopened MLK Charter School a Guidepost for New Orleans’ Post-Katrina Education Model: "According to recent reports, less than 60 percent of the Lower Ninth’s pre-Katrina population has returned to the neighborhood. However, 70 percent of King’s students and 90 percent of the staff have returned. Before Hurricane Katrina’s flood waters swept through Martin Luther King Jr. School and its adjacent library in the New Orleans Lower Ninth Ward, every student had a library card, and so did most of their parents, says Principal Doris Hicks."

Golfers raise $20,000 for plane crash victims -- OrlandoSentinel.com

Golfers raise $20,000 for plane crash victims -- OrlandoSentinel.com: "With an urgency to provide help quickly, auction items, donations, golfers and 36 professionals in the sport were rounded up in three weeks to raise money for local families in a tragedy. The Mike Bender Golf Academy and the Timacuan Golf Club, which is owned and operated by Kitson & Partners Clubs, hosted the Mike Bender Charity Pro-Am tournament and clinic on Aug. 3 to benefit families of victims of a July airplane crash in Sanford."

La Crosse Tribune - 6.0

La Crosse Tribune - 6.0: "$313,000 collected for flood victims By RYAN STOTTS / La Crosse Tribune . The flood of 2007 in the region triggered a similar outpouring of money Friday, with more than $300,000 donated during a 12-hour fundraiser in downtown La Crosse."

FEMA reverses controversial policy that would have left nonprofits and public entities on the hook for millions - Money - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com

FEMA reverses controversial policy that would have left nonprofits and public entities on the hook for millions - Money - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com: "FEMA reverses controversial policy that would have left nonprofits and public entities on the hook for millions Posted by rmowbray August 24, 2007 9:08PM 9:10 p.m., Friday The Federal Emergency Management Agency has reversed a controversial insurance policy that would have left nonprofits and public entities on the hook for millions of dollars the next time a major storm strikes the New Orleans area, the agency said Friday. 'We have rescinded that policy,' said Gil Jamieson, the agency's Associate Deputy Administrator for Gulf Coast Recovery. 'It has caused a real furor down here. This was not the message we wanted to send to the business community.'"

North Jersey Media Group providing local news, sports & classifieds for Northern New Jersey!

North Jersey Media Group providing local news, sports & classifieds for Northern New Jersey!: "CLIFTON – People gathered with a Hispanic fraternity Thursday night in the backyard of a Broad Street home to raise money for those affected by the massive Aug. 15 earthquake near Lima, Peru. The event, sponsored by Lambda Theta Phi, was designed to attract as many as 200 people, with a goal of raising $10,000, said Ray Lago, who organized the event."

Nonprofits frustrated by new FEMA requirements - Money - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com

Nonprofits frustrated by new FEMA requirements - Money - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com: "Nonprofits frustrated by new FEMA requirements Posted by kquillen August 22, 2007 7:18PM 7:20 p.m., Wednesday About sixty stunned representatives of local hospitals, schools, universities, cultural institutions, churches and other nonprofits or governmental bodies expressed frustration Wednesday at what they believe are unrealistic new insurance and deductible requirements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency."

Death toll nears 500 in Peru earthquake | Video: Los Angeles Times Travel

Death toll nears 500 in Peru earthquake | Video: Los Angeles Times Travel: "IMA, PERU, 9:15 PM PDT -- The death toll in a massive earthquake that battered Peru's Pacific coast soared toward 500 on Thursday as rescue workers struggled to reach scenes of devastation and stunned victims appealed for medical aid, water and coffins."

TwinCities.com - Disaster aid, and where it ends, is never simple

TwinCities.com - Disaster aid, and where it ends, is never simple: "Disaster aid, and where it ends, is never simple
EDWARD LOTTERMAN
Article Last Updated: 08/01/2007 09:26:08 PM CDT

Most people support government aid to victims of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina or the San Francisco earthquake. Most people don't think such aid is warranted when hail knocks out windows or trees fall on a few roofs. Drawing the line between these two extremes isn't easy.

Aiding those who suffer from disasters is a common function of government that goes back to the dawn of civilization. Spreading the risks of everyday life over a large group was one of the primary social functions of a tribe or clan. If you were part of the group, you knew that you or your family would get help when something bad happened."

Katrina Volunteers Feel Unwanted - New York Times

Katrina Volunteers Feel Unwanted - New York Times: "Katrina Volunteers Feel Unwanted

*
GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) -- They gave Greg Porter the key to the city for his volunteer work after Hurricane Katrina. Then, he says, they showed him the door.

Porter received widespread acclaim -- including an award from the White House -- for founding God's Katrina Kitchen, a faith-based relief operation that has served more than 1 million meals to the storm's victims and the volunteers who helped them."

Largely Alone, Pioneers Reclaim New Orleans - New York Times

Largely Alone, Pioneers Reclaim New Orleans - New York Times
t

News & Broadcast - Global Gathering Seeks to Reduce Disaster Risk

News & Broadcast - Global Gathering Seeks to Reduce Disaster Risk: "The Indian Ocean tsunami catastrophe, with its 270,000 deaths and high damage costs, stirred new interest around the world in responding to and preparing for natural disasters, especially in countries where large numbers of people live in threatened areas."

First docudrama about Hurricane Katrina released | HOUSTON METRO | KHOU.com | News for Houston, Texas

First docudrama about Hurricane Katrina released | HOUSTON METRO | KHOU.com | News for Houston, Texas: "A struggle to survive the streets of New Orleans and then Hurricane Katrina; survival came via Houston in the first docudrama released about Katrina.

Among its targets, the largest housing project in America - desire.

“Waters Rising” is a violent docudrama about gangsters who unexpectedly get a second chance."

Channelnewsasia.com

Channelnewsasia.com: "SINGAPORE: A big housing project in tsunami-hit Aceh is almost complete.

Habitat for Humanity, the group behind the massive effort, outlined the challenges faced, in a news conference in Singapore on Friday.

The non-governmental organisation (NGO) helped build 1,500 homes with a budget of S$18 million"

Bloomberg.com: Australia & New Zealand

Bloomberg.com: Australia & New Zealand: "Labor will also establish an Asian counter-disaster organization in Australia to monitor and warn about tsunamis, cyclones and earthquakes. An earthquake and tsunami in southern Asia in 2005, killed an estimated 170,000 people and left 5 million homeless in 12 countries."

NPR : Millions Worth of Katrina Aid Forfeited by U.S.

NPR : Millions Worth of Katrina Aid Forfeited by U.S.: "Millions Worth of Katrina Aid Forfeited by U.S."

Most Katrina Aid From Overseas Went Unclaimed - washingtonpost.com

Most Katrina Aid From Overseas Went Unclaimed - washingtonpost.com: "Most Katrina Aid From Overseas Went Unclaimed

By John Solomon and Spencer S. Hsu
Washington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, April 29, 2007; Page A01

As the winds and water of Hurricane Katrina were receding, presidential confidante Karen Hughes sent a cable from her State Department office to U.S. ambassadors worldwide.

Titled 'Echo-Chamber Message' -- a public relations term for talking points designed to be repeated again and again -- the Sept. 7, 2005, directive was unmistakable: Assure the scores of countries that had pledged or donated aid at the height of the disaster that their largesse had provided Americans 'practical help and moral support' and 'highlight the concrete benefits hurricane victims are receiving.'"

Australia pledges $2m in help, more if needed - World - Home

Australia pledges $2m in help, more if needed - World - Home: "AUSTRALIA will give an initial $2 million to help the Solomon Islands deal with the tsunami which has killed at least 15 people.

The Foreign Affairs Minister, Alexander Downer, said the Government had made an initial offer of up to $2 million in emergency assistance to the Solomon Islands Government. 'The Australian Government is particularly concerned by reports of possible loss of life in Solomon Islands,' he said."

The World Today - Recovery efforts underway in the Solomons

The World Today - Recovery efforts underway in the Solomons: "Recovery efforts underway in the Solomons
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The World Today - Tuesday, 3 April , 2007 12:10:00
Reporter: Barbara Miller
ELEANOR HALL: But first today to the Solomons, where locals trying to deal with the devastation of yesterday's disaster have been hit by another earthquake.

Initial reports indicate that today's quake measured 6.2 on the Richter scale. But it hasn't triggered a tsunami warning.

A more powerful earthquake and tsunami yesterday is thought to have killed at least 20 people and left thousands without shelter."

Philanthropy Today: Sudan Suspends Aid Groups in Darfur

Philanthropy Today: Sudan Suspends Aid Groups in Darfur: "Sudan Suspends Aid Groups in Darfur

Sudan has temporarily suspended 52 local nonprofit groups working in South Darfur that did not comply with regulations, a government official told Reuters.

“Some of these NGOs are only present in name—they don’t have offices, no vehicles, they have nothing, just their bags and papers and a stamp,” Jamal Youssef Idriss, from the government’s Humanitarian Aid Commission, told the wire service. About 100 Sudanese nonprofit groups are working in Darfur."

Tags: NPDisasterRelief

Northwest native helps youth help hurricane victims in the South

Northwest native helps youth help hurricane victims in the South: "“We are taking our high school youth on a trip that replaces our summer camps, and we are working on Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. This is a sort of service camp for the youth and it ends up being a great opportunity for them, as well as a really great thing for all the people down in the area that was hit by the hurricane. There is still so much to do and we can really help and make a difference,” she explained."

Inside Bay Area - Network of nonprofits vital to disaster response

Inside Bay Area - Network of nonprofits vital to disaster response: "Network of nonprofits vital to disaster response
Article Last Updated: 03/01/2007 05:20:50 AM PST

WE'VE learned a lot since the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the calamitous response to Hurricane Katrina. Whether the disaster is manmade or natural, being prepared makes all the difference. In the Bay Area, where we live with the certainty of a major earthquake, the lessons are all the more relevant.

One of the lessons is the crucial role of nonprofit organizations as the major sources of shelter, food and other necessities during disasters. A new collective has formed to improve the preparation, cooperation and coordination of such organizations. A coordinated approach is not only smart, it's a must."

Microsoft CEO, Ballmer, Visits New Orleans With Katrina Gift

Microsoft CEO, Ballmer, Visits New Orleans With Katrina Gift: "Microsoft’s CEO, Steve Ballmer, came to New Orleans area to an economic revitalization package that will assist victims of Hurricane Katrina by a donation of $1.7 million in donations of cash, software and specialized curriculum to several nonprofit partners in Louisiana and Texas. Microsoft is supporting existing local government, academic and nonprofit organizations as they rebuild and establish community infrastructure, technology and work-force training centers. These centers support displaced residents in accessing the technology skills training they need to succeed in today’s technology-driven economy."

Volunteer Group Lags in Replacing Gulf Houses - New York Times

Volunteer Group Lags in Replacing Gulf Houses - New York Times: "Correction Appended

BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. — In the two years following the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean, Habitat for Humanity International, the nondenominational Christian ministry, built or repaired 8,500 houses in Indonesia, Thailand, India and Sri Lanka."

ESPN.com - NCAA - UCF students spur national effort to help New Orleans

ESPN.com - NCAA - UCF students spur national effort to help New Orleans: "A group of sports business management students at the University of Central Florida on Wednesday announced the creation of a new foundation and a national student-led effort to help Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in New Orleans.

Students from the DeVos Sport Business Management Graduate Program at UCF, with the National Consortium for Academics and Sport and the DeVos Program, started the Hope for Stanley Foundation [www.HopeforStanley.org] to organize students from more than 150 other sport business management programs and student-athletes from among the 220 NCAS-member colleges and universities. The New Orleans City Council is helping."

Reuters AlertNet - WITNESS-Rolling up my sleeves after the tsunami

Reuters AlertNet - WITNESS-Rolling up my sleeves after the tsunami: "ADAPAKKAM, India, Feb 15 (Reuters) - A laptop, notebook and pens are my usual travelling tools. I never expected to be packing a hard hat, steel-capped boots and a pile of dust masks.

But they were on the 'must bring' list for 20 Reuters employees who had volunteered to spend a week building houses for a community devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami."

Money on the way for flood victims in Indonesia - New Europe News: #1 The European News Source

Money on the way for flood victims in Indonesia - New Europe News: #1 The European News Source: "The European Commission on February 7 said it was sending some 600,000 Euro in emergency aid to help the victims of ongoing floods in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. EU funds will be used to provide some 340,000 most affected people with food, clean water, emergency shelter and health services."

Fla. storm victims complain of red tape - Yahoo! News

Fla. storm victims complain of red tape - Yahoo! News: "Some victims of the severe storms that hit Florida complained of delays and red tape Monday as they sought disaster aid, despite assurances from federal officials that the government had learned from its response to Hurricane Katrina."

FEMA wants over $300M in Katrina aid back - Yahoo! News

FEMA wants over $300M in Katrina aid back - Yahoo! News: "n the neighborhood
President Bush visited right after Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. government gave $84.5 million to more than 10,000 households. But Census figures show fewer than 8,000 homes existed there at the time.
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Now the government wants back a lot of the money it disbursed across the region.

The Federal Emergency Management Administration has determined nearly 70,000 Louisiana households improperly received $309.1 million in grants, and officials acknowledge those numbers are likely to grow."

Tampa Bay Newspapers : Front Page

Tampa Bay Newspapers : Front Page : "Cash donations needed
Killer tornadoes leave path of destruction
PINELLAS COUNTY – The death count rose to as many as 20 on Sunday, as officials continued to assess the damage from three killer tornadoes that tore through central Florida early Friday morning.

As of Saturday night, the state medical examiners office had confirmed 15 deaths, and the National Weather Service’s preliminary damage surveys reported 20 known deaths attributable to at least three separate tornadoes.

Gov. Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency on Friday for Lake, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties due to the massive destruction caused by the storms. President George Bush on Sunday signed a federal declaration of emergency for the same counties."

Press Releases: South Asia: Earthquake - Oct 2005, Pakistan: Korean volunteer team helps build 40 shelters for Pakistan earthquake survivors

Press Releases: South Asia: Earthquake - Oct 2005, Pakistan: Korean volunteer team helps build 40 shelters for Pakistan earthquake survivors: "Pakistan: Korean volunteer team helps build 40 shelters for Pakistan earthquake survivors


Volunteers include Pakistani student who returns to hometown to assist

BALAKOT, Pakistan, 30th January 2007: Amid near freezing temperatures, student volunteers from South Korea spent a week building more substantial homes for survivors of the October 2005 earthquake that devastated the area around Balakot, Pakistan."

Reuters AlertNet - Accountability: a report card

Reuters AlertNet - Accountability: a report card: "he story of humanitarian accountability is not yet one of success. After more than a decade of debate about performance, standards and giving beneficiaries a say, accountability problems continue to plague international disaster responses. A sector-wide study by the Tsunami Evaluation Coalition, published in July 2006, concluded that poor accountability to affected populations was a significant problem in the response to the Indian Ocean tsunami, and the UN Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery, Bill Clinton, has launched an 'intensive review' into accountability to beneficiaries. According to Save the Children, aid workers are still trading food aid for sex with young girls in Liberia – several years after this unacceptable practice was originally discovered. Displaced people in Darfur have told the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP) that they feel undervalued by NGOs, know little about what these organisations are trying to achieve, and – therefore – do not cooperate with them. A survey of 320 informed individuals, conducted by HAP in March 2006, showed a majority view that relief agencies were unaccountable to intended beneficiaries. Some 81% of respondents said the quality of accountability to beneficiaries was 'low' or 'medium' – while 82% said that accountability to official donors was 'high'."

2theadvocate.com | News | Charity revamps disaster operation

2theadvocate.com | News | Charity revamps disaster operation: "Cross’ abilities as they have never been tested before, and critics said the charity didn’t measure up.

But one strength seemed intact for the 126-year-old charity: its ability to raise money.

Donors gave the Red Cross about $2.14 billion in the months after hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma struck the Gulf Coast. The agency spent about $1.9 billion of it on disaster victims, Laura Howe, a spokeswoman for the Red Cross’ Washington, D.C., office, said Friday."

U.N. envoy says officials working to deter and uncover tsunami aid corruption - Americas - International Herald Tribune

U.N. envoy says officials working to deter and uncover tsunami aid corruption - Americas - International Herald Tribune: "U.N. envoy says officials working to deter and uncover tsunami aid corruption
The Associated Press
Published: January 4, 2007

WASHINGTON: The United Nations deputy envoy for Asian tsunami rebuilding efforts said Thursday that officials are working to deter and uncover corruption associated with the billions of dollars (euros) international donors have pledged to people hurt by the 2004 disaster.

Eric Schwartz, deputy to former U.S. President Bill Clinton, the top U.N. envoy for tsunami recovery, said anti-corruption measures include databases designed to track financial contributions and to make that information available on the Internet.

Cooperation with some countries has been very good, while in other nations it has been 'much more slow going because of the complexities. But, nonetheless, serious effort has been made,' Schwartz told reporters at the National Press Club."

Tags: NPDisasterRelief