Disaster Relief (Ongoing coverage)

This AFP Blog contains material about ongoing Disaster relief efforts gathered by the AFP Fundraising Resource Center and was renamed from Hurricane Katrina. Please Note: PRESS RELEASES where marked. Other Sites Disclaimer: AFP provides this listing of hyperlinks as a privilege to the user. AFP does not necessarily endorse, support or attest to the accuracy of information posted on those Internet pages. Some urls may require registration to view and/or may only be available for a limited time.

Friday, June 23, 2006

Chron.com | Red Cross Gets Surge in Katrina Volunteers

Chron.com | Red Cross Gets Surge in Katrina Volunteers: "Red Cross Gets Surge in Katrina Volunteers

By RUSS BYNUM Associated Press Writer
© 2006 The Associated Press

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Less than a month after signing up as a Red Cross volunteer in Georgia, 67-year-old Al Lucas went to a Louisiana shelter filled with hundreds who lost their homes to Hurricane Katrina.

Nine months later, he's still on the roster as a disaster team captain for the group's Savannah chapter, one of thousands who remain active nationwide after first coming to the agency in Katrina's wake.

'The first thing that dawned on me was this was not going to be a unique situation,' says Lucas, a retired Coast Guard air-rescue crewman. 'These kinds of things could happen anytime, anywhere, to us.'"

Nonprofit Sector Research Fund - What's New-"Weathering the Storm': a Katrina Report

Nonprofit Sector Research Fund - What's New: "Weathering the Storm': a Katrina Report

NEED FOR FEMA AND RED CROSS TO COORDINATE MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH LOCAL AND FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS IDENTIFIED

NEW REPORT HIGHLIGHTS ROLE OF GRASSROOTS NONPROFITS IN DISASTER RELIEF

National responder groups were overwhelmed by the monumental task of providing relief to hundreds of thousands of Hurricane Katrina victims, shifting a large burden onto small relief agencies. However, these local groups received limited support and coordination from FEMA and the American Red Cross, according to a report by Tony Pipa, Weathering the Storm: the Role of Local Nonprofits in the Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort, commissioned by the Nonprofit Sector and Philanthropy Program (NSPP) of the Aspen Institute."

Thursday, June 22, 2006

TownOnline.com - Arts & Lifestyle: Post-Katrina syndrome hits home

TownOnline.com - Arts & Lifestyle: Post-Katrina syndrome hits home: "This is the third and final article in a series written by Wellesley Middle School students who traveled to Louisiana over April vacation with member of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Wellesley Hills to help with the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Sophie Cushman is in seventh grade.
Post-Katrina syndrome. Three words, a condition affecting hundreds of thousands of people.
Last August, a Category 3 hurricane, Katrina, hit Louisiana and a few other southern states. In towns outside New Orleans, trees came down on hundreds of houses, cars were crushed and houses flooded. In the lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, conditions were even worse."

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Yakima Herald Republic Online-Those involved in Katrina fraud should repay

Yakima Herald Republic Online - Home Page - Yakima, Washington News, Classifieds, Information, Advertising: "Those involved in Katrina fraud should repay

Government investigators have discovered that Hurricane Katrina relief efforts were bilked out of some $1.4 billion that went for everything from season football tickets to pricey hotel rooms in Hawaii.
And while we're appalled, we're frankly not surprised at such a display of greed and corruption of well-intentioned efforts to help. It is a sad testimonial to the reality that no matter the extent of a tragedy, there are those who will exploit it.

Obviously the oft-criticized Federal Emergency Management Agency needs to work on its allotment procedures. But we don't intend to engage in FEMA-bashing that was so justifiably prevalent in the wake of the agency's response to the tragedy. That's because we don't want to see the generous and compassionate response of concerned Americans and their government diminished in future natural disasters because of the threat of a few who stoop to this type of rerouting of money intended for helpless victims."

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

House Bill Raises Disaster Fraud Penalties

House Bill Raises Disaster Fraud Penalties: "House Bill Raises Disaster Fraud Penalties

By JIM ABRAMS
The Associated Press
Tuesday, June 20, 2006; 2:21 PM

WASHINGTON -- Scammers hoping to finance tropical vacations or season tickets to football games with federal disaster funds may have second thoughts with House passage of legislation imposing sentences of up to 30 years for fraud related to disaster relief.

The legislation, approved by a voice vote Tuesday, was brought to the House floor a week after congressional investigators concluded that the Federal Emergency Management Agency was defrauded of up to $1.4 billion as it rushed to provide relief after last year's hurricanes Katrina and Rita."

Monday, June 19, 2006

Reuters AlertNet - "DON'T SHORT CHANGE JAVA EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

Reuters AlertNet - "DON'T SHORT CHANGE JAVA EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS: "Don't Short-change Java Earthquake Victims

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

6,000 dead and 600,000 homeless. Another 400,000 sleeping outdoors because they're afraid to go inside. The earthquake in Central Java should be receiving more attention, including greater international assistance. Why isn't this happening?"

Tycoon gets serious about giving

Tycoon gets serious about giving: "Oi Hong Leong

Singapore tycoon Oei Hong Leong is still serious about making money but from now on, part of the cash he makes from his famously masterful investments will go to charity.

The new direction was underlined in a dramatic fashion recently when Oei announced he was giving 1 million Singapore dollars (C$700,000) to help victims of the earthquake in Central Java."

Leaderless Palm Beach Red Cross chapter insists it's ready: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Leaderless Palm Beach Red Cross chapter insists it's ready: South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "f a hurricane hits Palm Beach County this season, it again will be the busiest time of the year for the local Red Cross chapter.

But the agency known for coming to the rescue in disasters is without a local leader.

Former Executive Director Dean Dimke left in April after four years to become communications manager for a South Carolina electronics company, and the Red Cross has yet to fill his job."

Friday, June 16, 2006

Agency: Cities not prepared for disasters - Yahoo! News

Agency: Cities not prepared for disasters - Yahoo! News: "New Orleans is still woefully unprepared for catastrophes 10 months after Hurricane Katrina, and the two cities targeted by the 9/11 attacks don't meet all guidelines for responding to major disasters, a federal security analysis concluded Friday."

Aid groups say shortage of funds hampering Indonesia quake efforts

Aid groups say shortage of funds hampering Indonesia quake efforts: "Aid groups say shortage of funds hampering Indonesia quake efforts

Canadian Press
Published: Thursday, June 15, 2006

YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Six international aid groups appealed Thursday for more funds to help survivors of last month's earthquake in Indonesia, saying the shortfall meant they were unable to carry out emergency relief work.

'The scale of this disaster is much greater than first thought,' said David MacDonald, from Oxfam. 'Donors . . . need to re-evaluate their commitments to reflect ongoing urgent needs for the basics such as shelter, water and sanitation.'"

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

New Orleans CityBusiness -- "Red Cross head says agency is better prepared for hurricanes

New Orleans CityBusiness -- The Business Newspaper of Metropolitan New Orleans: "Red Cross head says agency is better prepared for hurricanes
By AP

2006-06-14 10:33 AM CST

BILOXI, Miss. (AP) — The interim president of the American Red Cross says a lack of communication and available warehouse space during Hurricane Katrina were among the lessons learned from the storm, but the agency is better prepared this storm season.

In April, the Red Cross announced that it would invest $80 million in disaster recovery services and preparedness by tripling its warehouse space and improving communications."

FT.com / World / International economy - Cost of Java quake to exceed $3bn

FT.com / World / International economy - Cost of Java quake to exceed $3bn : "Cost of Java quake to exceed $3bn
By Shawn Donnan and Taufan Hidayat in Jakarta
Published: June 12 2006 22:06 | Last updated: June 12 2006 22:06

Indonesia is to tell donors that last month’s central Java earthquake caused more than $3bn (€2.4bn, £1.6bn) in damage, making the likely cost of reconstruction potentially higher than far deadlier disasters such as last year’s earthquake in Pakistan."

Radio Ink - The Voice of Radio Revolution

Radio Ink - The Voice of Radio Revolution: "The NAB reports that local radio and TV stations generated a record $10.3 billion in public service in 2005, through a combination of airtime donated for public service announcements and money raised for charity and disaster relief. "

Lives Suspended on Gulf Coast, Crammed Into 240 Square Feet - New York Times

Lives Suspended on Gulf Coast, Crammed Into 240 Square Feet - New York Times: "Lives Suspended on Gulf Coast, Crammed Into 240 Square Feet
Nicole Bengiveno/The New York Times

By DAN BARRY
Published: June 14, 2006

LAKESHORE, Miss., June 12 — If you were to fly over rural Hancock County here, you would see more than 9,000 of them, white rectangles clumped in sun-bleached parks and scattered in piney woods like pieces of a trashed picket fence. Pick any one, and contained within that FEMA trailer are lives in claustrophobic suspension."

Monday, June 12, 2006

Tropical Storm Alberto drenches Cuba - Yahoo! News

Tropical Storm Alberto drenches Cuba - Yahoo! News: "AVANA - Tropical Storm Alberto drenched western Cuba Monday after a weekend of heavy rains prompted evacuations, caused some dilapidated buildings to collapse and flooded low-lying areas in Havana."

newsarticle - Philanthropy Journal-"Aid flows into Indonesia

newsarticle - Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change: "Aid flows into Indonesia

As rebuilding from quake starts, fears of disease outbreak loom.

06.06.2006 -

Contributions continued to flow to Indonesia in response to the earthquake that rocked the country in late May, and the official death toll dropped to 5,800 from 6,200 as of June 5, the Associated Press reported."

KRT Wire | 06/12/2006 | Smaller towns say there'd overlooked in Katrina aid

KRT Wire | 06/12/2006 | Smaller towns say there'd overlooked in Katrina aid: "Smaller towns say there'd overlooked in Katrina aid
BY RYAN LAFONTAINE
Knight Ridder Newspapers

BILOXI, Miss. - With much of the national media attention still focused on New Orleans' struggle to recover from Hurricane Katrina, Bay St. Louis Mayor Eddie Favre says it's a wonder South Mississippi receives any help at all.

'There's still so much emphasis on saving New Orleans or rebuilding New Orleans that all of us in South Mississippi are being overshadowed,' Favre said."

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Reuters AlertNet - Red Cross triples emergency appeal for Indonesia

Reuters AlertNet - Red Cross triples emergency appeal for Indonesia: "GENEVA, June 7 (Reuters) - The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on Wednesday tripled its appeal to 38 million Swiss francs ($31 million) to help survivors of last month's devastating earthquake in Indonesia."

ReliefWeb » Document Preview » Indonesia Yogyakarta Earthquake: Revised Appeal no. MDRID001

ReliefWeb » Document Preview » Indonesia Yogyakarta Earthquake: Revised Appeal no. MDRID001: "Indonesia Yogyakarta Earthquake: Revised Appeal no. MDRID001

The Federation’s mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. It is the world’s largest humanitarian organization and its millions of volunteers are active in over 183 countries.

In Brief

THIS REVISED EMERGENCY APPEAL SEEKS CHF 38,045,439 (USD 31 MILLION OR EUR 24 MILLION) IN CASH, KIND, OR SERVICES TO ASSIST 325,000 BENEFICIARIES FOR 12 MONTHS.

A timely and generous donor response to the preliminary appeal (now CHF 20 million, including hard and provisional pledges) has enabled an effective response operation. Assessments continue on relief and longer-term recovery needs, and a revised plan of action is in preparation, to be issued in the coming weeks. The Federation encourages cash contributions (a further CHF 18 million is required) to allow maximum flexibility in assisting the Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah Indonesia, or PMI) to deliver the planned assistance to the affected population."

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Aid flows into Indonesia - Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change

Aid flows into Indonesia - Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change: "id flows into Indonesia

As rebuilding from quake starts, fears of disease outbreak loom.

06.06.2006 -

Contributions continued to flow to Indonesia in response to the earthquake that rocked the country in late May, and the official death toll dropped to 5,800 from 6,200 as of June 5, the Associated Press reported.

Estimates of fatalities fell following news that some of the missing had been found alive and other victims had been counted more than once among the dead, AP said.

But aid workers now are concerned about possible disease outbreaks as a result of conditions in which people are forced to cook and clean with dirty water, and where some are living in chicken coops, adding to fears of a bird flu outbreak in a country where three dozen people have died of the virus since early 2005, Reuters said."

Monday, June 05, 2006

Channelnewsasia.com- Singapore Red Cross sending 2,000 tents to quake-hit Java

Channelnewsasia.com: "The Singapore Red Cross will be sending 2,000 tents to help victims of the Central Java earthquake.

The tents are estimated to cost S$720,000.

The Singapore Red Cross will send the tents to sister national society, Palang Merah Indonesia, which will help with the distribution. "

Union Leader - Flood telethon raises $418,000 - Sunday, Jun. 4, 2006

Union Leader - Flood telethon raises $418,000 - Sunday, Jun. 4, 2006: "Flood telethon raises $418,000

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sunday, Jun. 4, 2006

Manchester – Friday’s telethon at WMUR-TV raised $418,000 to help victims of May’s flooding.

Gov. John Lynch was among those taking calls from donors."

Local officials ask FEMA: Where's the flood money? - The Boston Globe

Local officials ask FEMA: Where's the flood money? - The Boston Globe: "Local officials ask FEMA: Where's the flood money?

By Alexander Reid, Globe Staff | June 4, 2006

The rains have stopped and floodwaters have receded. Lowell's return to normalcy now depends on something besides the elements: money.

City officials are counting on millions of dollars in aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help recover from last month's flooding, considered the worst to hit the city in decades. President Bush declared Lowell and the surrounding region a disaster area on May 25 and federal officials say they are working as fast as they can to assess the damage and provide aid."

Friday, June 02, 2006

Eagle-Tribune Online-"Donations to flood disaster fund can be made online

Eagle-Tribune Online: "Donations to flood disaster fund can be made online

)
By Erika Cohen
Staff writer

CONCORD — Residents can now donate online to help their fellow Granite Staters who sustained property damage as a result of last month's record floods.

Donations to the Disaster Recovery Fund, which is maintained by the state treasurer, will go directly to residents needing assistance cleaning and fixing up homes and other properties damaged by the floods. While nonprofit community service organizations will dole out the money, those organizations will pay all of their own administrative costs."

Thursday, June 01, 2006

New Orleans prays, parades to open storm season - Yahoo! News

New Orleans prays, parades to open storm season - Yahoo! News: "New Orleans greeted the first day of hurricane season on Thursday with prayers and a parade for the mayor who led the city through devastating storms last year."

FEMA closing volunteer camps

FEMA closing volunteer camps: "FEMA closing volunteer camps
Critics say housing needed for recovery
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
By Robin Gaby Fisher
Newhouse News Service

Thursday is the start of the new hurricane season. It also is the day the Federal Emergency Management Agency will begin dismantling camps that have housed and fed 40,000 volunteers who came to Louisiana to help salvage blighted areas in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita."

The Chronicle, 6/1/2006: Charities Win Mixed Results from Appeals to Help Indonesian Earthquake Victims

The Chronicle, 6/1/2006: Charities Win Mixed Results from Appeals to Help Indonesian Earthquake Victims: "Charities Win Mixed Results from Appeals to Help Indonesian Earthquake Victims

By Brennen Jensen, Candie Jones, and Caroline Preston

More than 50 American charities are providing medical care, food, and other services to victims of Saturday's earthquake in Indonesia, but their fund-raising efforts have thus far met with varied results.

Save the Children, for example, had received $70,000 through May 30, largely via an online appeal to past donors. That amount is greater than the sum the organization raised in the four days following the earthquake last year in Pakistan, which killed an estimated 80,000 people — more than 10 times the number killed in this most recent temblor."

Death Toll in Indonesian Quake at 6,234

Death Toll in Indonesian Quake at 6,234:
snip snip>>
"But Jan Egeland, the U.N.'s top humanitarian official, said the aid effort appeared to be going well overall, with major improvements in coordination among aid organizations and nations since the 2004 tsunami that killed 131,000 people in Indonesia's Aceh province alone."

Where 24 hours is an eternity from Guardian Unlimited: News blog

Where 24 hours is an eternity from Guardian Unlimited: News blog: "Mark Snelling, the British Red Cross's information delegate in Indonesia, describes the charity's relief operation in quake-hit areas.

It's five days since the earthquake tore through southern regions of Java island in Indonesia.

And while it may be a cliché to talk about a race against time, everyone involved in the relief operation knows that that even 24 hours here is an eternity.

The numbers are getting scary. The latest official figures put the number of dead at more than 5,700, with thousands more injured."

Navhind Times on the Web: World-"Indonesia quake: relief efforts pick up

Navhind Times on the Web: World: "Indonesia quake: relief efforts pick up

Reuters

Yogyakarta (Indonesia), May 30: International relief efforts picked up today for survivors of a weekend earthquake that killed more than 5,000 people on Indonesia’s Java island, with over a score of countries now involved.

Planes carrying vital supplies from abroad reached the stricken region, while the airport at the ancient royal capital of Yogyakarta re-opened to commercial traffic despite a heavily damaged terminal.

A plane carrying a 40-member Chinese medical team as well as five tonne of medical supplies landed early today at Solo, some 60 km north of Yogyakarta province, Xinhua news agency reported."

Community Newswire-NEW DISASTER GUIDE FOR GENEROUS PUBLIC

Community Newswire: "NEW DISASTER GUIDE FOR GENEROUS PUBLIC

By Ben Pindar, Community Newswire
POLITICS Disasters, 01 Jun 2006 - 15:11

To mark the launch of Volunteers' Week the Government has today published a new guide for people who want to help those affected by major disasters.

Thousands of people across the country have been motivated to act over the last 18 months as the full horrors of the Indonesian earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, the Pakistan earthquake and the Asian tsunami unfolded on television screens.

However, many people were left feeling powerless and unsure of how best to contribute to the large-scale relief efforts.

Today the Department for International Development (DfID) launched a new booklet which explains that by donating money, organising a fundraising activity or volunteering to work for a charity we can all help to save lives"

A Failure to Communicate: Politics, Scams, and Information Flow During Hurricane Katrina

A Failure to Communicate: Politics, Scams, and Information Flow During Hurricane Katrina: "A Failure to Communicate
Politics, Scams, and Information Flow During Hurricane Katrina
by Paul Piper | Librarian, Western Washington University and
Miguel Ramos| Library and Archive Paraprofessional, Western Washington University

Hurricane Katrina initially made landfall north of Miami, Florida, on Aug. 25, 2005, as a Category 1 hurricane, then swelled out over the Gulf into a massive force 5. It hit the Louisiana coast near New Orleans at 6:10 a.m. (CDT) on Aug. 29, diminished somewhat to a Category 3 storm. At around 11:00 a.m. (CDT) that same date, several of the levees holding back the waters of Lake Pontchartrain, a brackish lake of 630 square miles, breached. Within minutes, considerable flooding had occurred, forcing many remaining residents to flee to their rooftops, where many remained for days. Many more didn’t make it.

The official death toll now stands at 1,420, with damage projected from between $70 billion to $130 billion, but both of these figures could rise by time of publication. Hurricane Katrina has topped Hurricane Andrew as the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history. Over a million people were displaced — the largest humanitarian crisis in the U.S. since the Great Depression."

Comic Relief returns to help Katrina victims - Celebrity News - MSNBC.com

Comic Relief returns to help Katrina victims - Celebrity News - MSNBC.com: "omic Relief, founded 20 years ago to help the homeless, is returning after an eight-year hiatus to help children and animals recover from Hurricane Katrina, founder and president Bob Zmuda said Wednesday."

Philadelphia Inquirer | 06/01/2006 | N.J. church plans to donate $1 million to Gulf Coast

Philadelphia Inquirer | 06/01/2006 | N.J. church plans to donate $1 million to Gulf Coast: "N.J. church plans to donate $1 million to Gulf Coast

SUMMIT, N.J. - Fountain Baptist Church plans to donate $1 million toward the Gulf Coast's hurricane recovery - a church charitable contribution exceeded only by Los Angeles Oriental Mission Church's $3 million donation five years ago to earthquake victims in El Salvador, according to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University"

Reuters AlertNet - NEWSBLOG: Indonesia Quake

Reuters AlertNet - NEWSBLOG: Indonesia Quake: "AlertNet is posting material in this blog about the response to the Indonesian earthquake that occurred on Saturday in the Yogyakarta area. We will add information as and when we get it, so please check back for updates.

Monday 18:00GMT

The U.N. World Health Organisation (WHO) is setting up a surveillance system in the quake-affected area to detect and control outbreaks of communicable diseases, including diarrhoea.

This was a key feature of disease control in Aceh after the tsunami, the agency says. It will also help organise vaccination campaigns against measles, which it says can be a major killer and spreads rapidly in crowded areas."

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Red Cross medicos to aid quake victims

Red Cross medicos to aid quake victims: "Red Cross medicos to aid quake victims
Wednesday May 31 17:42 AEST

A surgical team from the Australian Red Cross will leave Melbourne to assist in the aftermath of the earthquake on the Indonesian island of Java."

TheKansasCityChannel.com - News - Local Charity Helps Indonesia Quake Victims

TheKansasCityChannel.com - News - Local Charity Helps Indonesia Quake Victims: "Local Charity Helps Indonesia Quake Victims
Heart To Heart Sending Donated Supplies

POSTED: 4:25 pm CDT May 30, 2006
UPDATED: 4:48 pm CDT May 30, 2006
Email This Story | Print This Story
OLATHE, Kan. -- A local organization is lending a helping hand in the disaster response to a massive earthquake in Indonesia.

KMBC's Erin Little reported that Heart To Heart International, based in Olathe, is always looking for the best way to respond to natural disasters, wherever they occur. "

IOL: Quake survivors need the basics to live

IOL: Quake survivors need the basics to live: "Bantul, Indonesia - Thousands of desperate Indonesian earthquake survivors were still waiting for aid on Tuesday as they prepared for a fourth night under make-shift tents, despite pledges that help would come quickly.

The death toll from Saturday's powerful earthquake rose to about 5 700, and the most urgent task was to get help to the remainder of the 200 000 displaced people who had yet to receive medical aid or food.

As the world rallied by providing aid, emergency teams and cash pledges, the United Nations said the relief effort on Indonesia's main island of Java was largely under control - but cautioned that problems remained."

OneWorld U.S. Home / Today's News / Daily Headlines / News - U.S. Aid Agencies Help with Indonesia Quake

OneWorld U.S. Home / Today's News / Daily Headlines / News - U.S. Aid Agencies Help with Indonesia Quake: "U.S. Aid Agencies Help with Indonesia Quake
Aaron Glantz
OneWorld US
Wed., May. 31, 2006
SAN FRANCISCO, May 30 (OneWorld) - American private aid agencies are responding to the massive earthquake that hit Indonesia over the weekend. The magnitude 6.3 quake that struck southern Java in the early morning Saturday left over 5,000 dead, 20,000 injured, and 130,000 homeless.
"

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

NBC 4 - News - Southland Charity Pledges $1.6 Million To Quake-Stricken Java

NBC 4 - News - Southland Charity Pledges $1.6 Million To Quake-Stricken Java: "Southland Charity Pledges $1.6 Million To Quake-Stricken Java

POSTED: 7:17 am PDT May 30, 2006
UPDATED: 9:52 am PDT May 30, 2006
Email This Story | Print This Story
BURBANK, Calif. -- A Southland-based Moslem charity announced Tuesday that it has teamed up with the Mormon church to send $1.6 million of emergency supplies to the earthquake-stricken Indonesian island of Java.

Islamic Relief said in a statement that more than 200,000 pounds of supplies requested by the Indonesian government will be transported aboard a Boeing 747 cargo plane departing from Salt Lake City later in the day.

The supplies were provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the statement said, adding that Islamic Relief is covering most of the transportation costs and will distribute the materials on the ground in the stricken areas."

ReliefWeb » Indonesia: Find a charity

ReliefWeb » » Indonesia: Find a charity: "Indonesia: Find a charity

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has emergency response teams on Java and is working with local partners to provide immediate shelter for earthquake survivors.

The Catholic humanitarian agency Caritas Internationalis is present in the area, and Catholic hospitals and local churches are assisting earthquake victims.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has staff on the ground working with local partners to distribute shelter material for those left homeless by the earthquake.

Church World Service, a member of the Action by Churches Together (ACT) network, has distributed blankets and will try to transport tents, health kits and food supplies to the earthquake area.

Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, a German aid organisation, is appealing for earthquake relief funds."

Britain pledges £3 million to help Indonesian quake relief effort | 24dash.com - Central Government

Britain pledges £3 million to help Indonesian quake relief effort | 24dash.com - Central Government: "Britain pledges £3 million to help Indonesian quake relief effort
Back to Central Government

Publisher: Jon Land
Published: 27/05/2006 - 18:44:08

Britain pledged £3 million towards relief efforts following the Indonesian earthquake as aid workers flew out to the disaster zone tonight.

International Development Secretary Hilary Benn agreed the package to be channelled through the United Nations after the disaster on the island of Java."

Ottawa pledges $2M to Indonesia quake victims; no Canadians reported affected

Ottawa pledges $2M to Indonesia quake victims; no Canadians reported affected: "The federal government has committed $2 million to assist victims of Saturday's devastating Indonesian earthquake that left thousands dead and decimated homes and hotels in the country's central region.

'On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to extend our sympathies to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and to those communities hit by this dreadful act of nature,' Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay said in a statement Saturday."

Reuters Business Channel | Reuters.com-Problems linger as aid flows in for Java quake victims

Reuters Business Channel | Reuters.com: "(Adds U.S. Marines, Japanese paramedics land, quotes on aid)

By Achmad Sukarsono

BANTUL, Indonesia, May 30 (Reuters) - International relief efforts picked up on Tuesday for survivors of the earthquake that killed more than 5,000 people on Indonesia's Java island, but many victims complained that vital aid was not reaching them.

Planes carrying supplies and foreign experts, including Japanese paramedics and a small contingent of U.S. Marines, reached the stricken region to supplement government aid and workers."

The Shreveport Times-Nonprofits add disaster relief to duties

The Shreveport Times: "Last September, Shreveport-Bossier City's nonprofit and faith-based agencies added a new duty to their job description: disaster relief.

Sheltering the homeless, feeding the hungry and sharing the gospel are hefty tasks on a normal day, but the influx of tens of thousands of evacuees stretched resources and skills to their limits.

'As I think back on it, the nature of what we had to deal with was so overwhelming, it was beyond our experience level,' said Joe Pierce, executive director of the United Way of Northwest Louisiana. 'Previous times we've opened shelters for two or three days. This time we gave a party and 40,000 people came.'

Pre-Katrina, organizations like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army specialized in disaster relief."

Channelnewsasia.com-Singapore contributes $50,000 in aid to Thai flood victims

Channelnewsasia.com: "Singapore contributes $50,000 in aid to Thai flood victims

The Singapore government will be contributing some $50,000 in aid to victims of the floods in northern Thailand. "

The Stanford Daily Online Edition-Students fundraise for Indonesia disaster

The Stanford Daily Online Edition: "Skip a Starbucks, Save an Orphan.” With this as their slogan, the Indonesian Club at Stanford (ICS) and the Muslim Students Awareness Network (MSAN) have teamed up to raise money to support the GiveLight Foundation, which, according to its Web site, is a “world recognized crisis relief organization that seeks to create durable orphanages in response to natural disasters.”

Organizers said the Foundation originated as a response to the tsunamis that struck Southeast Asia Dec. 26, 2004, killing tens of thousands.

“The founder, Dian Alyan, started it soon after the 2004 tsunamis hit in Southeast Asia,” said MSAN member Nabill Idrisi, a freshman."

Thursday, May 25, 2006

White House staff holds hurricane exercise - Yahoo! News

White House staff holds hurricane exercise - Yahoo! News: "ASHINGTON -
President Bush's Cabinet tested its readiness and response to a catastrophic hurricane during a desktop drill carried out in a quiet office building in the nation's capital."

Lowell Sun Online - Lowell's flood tab climbs to $25M

Lowell Sun Online - Lowell's flood tab climbs to $25M: "Lowell's flood tab climbs to $25M
By HILLARY CHABOT, Sun Staff

LOWELL -- Raging floodwaters hit miles of Lowell roads, bridges, water pumps and parks harder than any other community in Massachusetts, according to city estimates.

The city told Federal Management Agency representatives yesterday that it has $25 million in damages to local infrastructure. City officials in Lawrence estimate damages at $10.7 million, and Methuen officials at $1.3 million."

Gregg:FEMA says it will speed N.H. flood aid - Boston.com

Gregg:FEMA says it will speed N.H. flood aid - Boston.com: "Gregg:FEMA says it will speed N.H. flood aid

By The Associated Press | May 24, 2006

Sen. Judd Gregg says the national Homeland Security chief has assured him the government will act quickly on New Hampshire's request for help to recover from last week's flooding."

Reuters AlertNet - What do you mean you don't speak English?

Reuters AlertNet - What do you mean you don't speak English?: "Jack Campbell, from ActionAid's Emergencies and Conflict team, says the new U.N. 'cluster' approach to disasters isn't working, if experience after October's Kashmir quake is anything to go by.

Imagine disaster strikes in a corner of France. Casualties are high, chaos is total. An international relief effort rolls in, and proceeds to carry out all meetings and briefings in English, with not a French translator in sight. It just wouldn't happen.

But in Pakistan, ActionAid found that the United Nations failed to provide Urdu translators in coordination meetings in the aftermath of the Kashmir earthquake."

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

All Headline News - Reggie Bush Won't Be #5 At New Orleans - May 24, 2006

All Headline News - Reggie Bush Won't Be #5 At New Orleans - May 24, 2006:
snip snip>>
"The number five is special to me, but with proceeds from the jersey sales, I was trying to do something special for the city of New Orleans and the entire region.'

Bush adds, 'However, I am going to keep my pledge of donating 25 percent of my jersey sales to aid the Katrina relief efforts.'"

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

La. Holding Hurricane Evacuation Drill - Yahoo! News

La. Holding Hurricane Evacuation Drill - Yahoo! News: "For the next two days, the city will test new evacuation plans and emergency response strategies meant to prevent the widespread confusion, especially among the poor, that accompanied the approach of Hurricane Katrina last year."

· DL-Online ·House bill requires pets to be considered in disaster plans

· DL-Online ·: "House bill requires pets to be considered in disaster plans

Published Tuesday, May 23, 2006
From asap

The next time a disaster like Hurricane Katrina strikes, rescuers may have to take pets in as well as humans.

The Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act from Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Calif., passed the House on Monday. It requires state and local preparedness offices take into account pet owners, household pets and service animals when drawing up evacuation plans. Offices that fail to do so would not qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency."

· IN-FORUM ·"Donations grow

· IN-FORUM ·: "Donations grow
By Teri Finneman, The Forum
Published Tuesday, May 23, 2006
·
Bobcat Co. will donate nearly $67,000 to the local American Red Cross today, the largest single donation the chapter has received for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts."

Monday, May 22, 2006

WHDH-TV - Boston - Federal, state relief agencies assess flood damage

WHDH-TV - Boston - Federal, state relief agencies assess flood damage: "OWELL (AP) -- Residents and business owners in flood-striken parts of Massachusetts will be spending the weekend assessing the damage.

In one Lowell neighborhood yesterday, people were tossing damaged belonging into piles on the curb for the city to haul away.

Across hard-hit Middlesex and Essex counties, state and federal emergency management teams began tallying up the flood damage that's expected in the tens of millions of dollars.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency says based on a preliminary survey, the floods damaged about 14-thousand homes in 44 communities."

Friday, May 19, 2006

cbs4boston.com - Saugus Leaders Start Flood Fundraising Effort

cbs4boston.com - Saugus Leaders Start Flood Fundraising Effort: "Saugus Leaders Start Flood Fundraising Effort
Watch the Latest Forecast
If Your Home Floods

(CBS4) SAUGUS An emergency fund is being started in Saugus for the city’s flood victims. Community leaders have come together to start the fund, with the goal of raising money, and getting those funds to the people who need them, quicky.

“We can not raise enough to help everyone but hopefully we can help some who are displaced or unable to meet basic needs. We are looking to everyone in Saugus to help create this fund,” said Selectman Michael Kelleher.
"

Eyewitness News - State officials urge charitable giving for flood victims

Eyewitness News - State officials urge charitable giving for flood victims: "state officials urge charitable giving for flood victims

BOSTON State officials urge people who want to help out victims from this week's flooding to do so wisely.
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Christine McCombs says donated goods and volunteers that aren't specifically needed can actually hurt more than help."

Thursday, May 18, 2006

The Sun Herald | 05/18/2006 | Clearinghouse idea works

The Sun Herald | 05/18/2006 | Clearinghouse idea works: "GULFPORT - Most sectors of the Governor's Commission on Recovery, Rebuilding and Renewal crafted lengthy lists of recommendations for creating a better post-Katrina South Mississippi. But the Non-Governmental Organizations Committee made only three suggestions.

'That's because every meeting we had, we heard the same things time after time, even when different people were there,' said Reginald Sykes, chairman of the committee and vice president of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Jefferson Davis campus. 'We felt as a committee that the main thing we needed is to do a better job of organizing nonprofits. That's where the idea of a clearinghouse was mentioned.'

And the Mississippi Center for Nonprofits promptly began working on the three recommendations.

Nonprofit and faith-based groups played a crucial role in people's survival after Katrina and continue to play a key role in recovery and rebuilding. Thousands of volunteers and billions in relief dollars have flowed from every corner of the nation and world through these groups. In the case of the federal government's slow, lackluster response to Katrina, nonprofits in many cases were the first responders."

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Channelnewsasia.com-singapore Red Cross to send 5-member relief team to Merapi

Channelnewsasia.com: "singapore Red Cross to send 5-member relief team to Merapi
By Farah Abdul Rahim, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : The Singapore Red Cross is sending a five-member relief team to Merapi to assist its counterpart the Indonesian Red Cross and its efforts there.

Also on the way there are five boxes of medical supplies for affected residents and volunteers.

The team is not new to disaster relief. All four nurses and one logistics administrator were involved in post-tsunami relief operations in Meulaboh, and in the aftermath of earthquakes in Nias and Pakistan. "

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

The Herald-Zeitung-Comal County community leaders are preparing for a disaster of 2005 proportions

The Herald-Zeitung: "comal County community leaders are preparing for a disaster of 2005 proportions — or greater.

The preparations are part of a new effort to ready the county’s leaders for any situation that requires large numbers of organized, well-trained volunteers, such as the influx of hundreds of Hurricane Katrina victims who flooded the community last fall.

Although local groups and individuals rose to the occasion, refusing to let anyone in need fall through the cracks, community leaders quickly realized their response could have been enhanced with a little advance planning."

Monday, May 15, 2006

The Sun Herald | 05/14/2006 | Money comes slowly to new nonprofits

The Sun Herald | 05/14/2006 | Money comes slowly to new nonprofits: "Money comes slowly to new nonprofits
Small charities must prove themselves
By SHELIA BYRD
- THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BILOXI - Frances Burney's home smells like fresh paint. It is fully furnished, the white walls are immaculate and not a speck of dust dares to land on the hardwood floors.

Not long ago the house was a waterlogged heap, a grim remnant of Hurricane Katrina. But volunteers from the East Biloxi Coordination and Relief Center cleared out the muck and rebuilt the interior. Without them, the 92-year-old woman would probably still be sleeping on a nursing home bed.

Burney's home was one of thousands all along the Coast either splintered by the hurricane or left in soggy ruins.

City Councilman Bill Stallworth is proud of his relief center's work, but he's frustrated that limited funds restrict the number of houses his center can refurbish. His home is one of those awaiting repair.

Accessing the millions of dollars raised to help Katrina victims can be a challenge for small grassroots organizations such as the relief center. Much of the money is awarded to larger charities with a proven track record, such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity."

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

US officials urge storm-weary residents to brace for hurricane season - Yahoo! News

US officials urge storm-weary residents to brace for hurricane season - Yahoo! News: "ith just weeks to go to the start of what could be another deadly Atlantic hurricane season, officials urged residents of storm-prone Florida to brace for the worst and hope for the best.
ADVERTISEMENT

Experts said they could not rule out another disaster like last year's Hurricane Katrina, though forecasters say they can't tell at this stage whether major hurricanes would again pound the US Gulf and Atlantic coasts this year."

Friday, May 05, 2006

Naval Academy midshipmen to aid in Katrina relief efforts

Naval Academy midshipmen to aid in Katrina relief efforts: "Naval Academy midshipmen to aid in Katrina relief efforts

by Judy Campbell
Naval Academy Public Affairs

More than 25 members of the Naval Academy's Midshipman Action Group, a community service organization, will spend their intersessional in Louisiana's St. Bernard Parish and the Upper and Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, assisting in relief and reconstruction efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina."

Storm donors dug deeper - Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change

Storm donors dug deeper - Philanthropy Journal-Your online source for news about nonprofits, social issues, and policy change: "Nine in 10 donors who gave to Gulf Coast hurricane relief efforts report those gifts were in addition to their normal charitable donations, a new study says."

Thursday, May 04, 2006

CNN.com - Laura Bush announces grants for libraries - May 4, 2006

CNN.com - Laura Bush announces grants for libraries - May 4, 2006: "Laura Bush announces grants for libraries
Money to revitalize schools devastated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Thursday, May 4, 2006; Posted: 10:13 a.m. EDT (14:13 GMT)

CHALMETTE, Louisiana (AP) -- School libraries wiped out by hurricanes Katrina and Rita are getting grants worth $500,000 to help them rebuild, along with a rare magazine collection, first lady Laura Bush and media executives announced Wednesday.

Bush, a former librarian and public school teacher, announced the grants at Chalmette High School in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, where every building -- including 15 schools -- was flood"

New Orleans Hotels to Close in Hurricanes - Yahoo! News

New Orleans Hotels to Close in Hurricanes - Yahoo! News: "NEW ORLEANS - This hurricane season, don't count on the city's hotels for 'vertical evacuation' when a major storm makes a beeline for New Orleans.

The hotels, often used as a hurricane haven in the past, will be banning guests and employees from riding out the largest storms, said Bill Langkopp, executive vice president of The Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association."

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Look for licensed Katrina relief agencies - MarketWatch

Look for licensed Katrina relief agencies - MarketWatch: "Those who have seen the devastation in and around Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and want to donate to the storm's relief effort would do best by donating to local charities, but major groups such as the United Way and Salvation Army are working with those organizations to get the help where it's needed.
And experts say that donors should keep an eye out for swindlers that have sprung up on the Internet, trying to capitalize on the nation's worst-ever natural disaster.
While federal aid is slow in getting to the region, charitable donations already have set records. However, in a disaster of this magnitude -- that drove as many as 400,000 residents from New Orleans -- much more charitable giving will be needed, particularly if the federal assistance originally promised doesn't make its way to the region.
'It's record-breaking in the amount that has been raised thus far,' said Stacy Palmer, editor of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, a publication that monitors charitable spending. 'But I think the question is what kind of aid they're going to see from the government.'
Palmer said Katrina donations topped the $2 billion mark in mid-November and were headed well north of the $2.2 billion raised in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States."

New Orleans Gets a New Hurricane Plan

New Orleans Gets a New Hurricane Plan: "New Orleans Gets a New Hurricane Plan
Mayor Emphasizes Evacuation, Not Shelters; Buses and Trains to Run

By Peter Whoriskey and Spencer S. Hsu
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, May 3, 2006; Page A03

New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin unveiled a hurricane evacuation plan yesterday that embodies some of Katrina's fatal lessons, ruling out city shelters such as the Superdome and making it easier for residents to heed his orders to flee.

The thrust of the plan is to encourage people to leave the flood-prone metropolis before a storm and avoid a repeat of the Katrina aftermath, when as many as 100,000 residents resisted Nagin's call for mandatory evacuation."

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

USPS - National Mail Service Updates

USPS - National Mail Service Updates: "Updates Related to the Gulf Coast Hurricanes

Postal Service to begin allowing Periodical and Standard letters into New Orleans

Effective May 1, the Postal Service will allow mailers to begin entering Periodical and Standard Letter mail into the embargoed ZIP Codes in New Orleans. Acceptance of Periodical and Standard Letter mail for the embargoed ZIP Codes is contingent on a registration process that includes the mailer cleansing the address list prior to the initial maili"

Monday, May 01, 2006

Glance at Disaster Response Failures - Yahoo! News

Glance at Disaster Response Failures - Yahoo! News: "Highlights of the White House and congressional investigations of disaster planning and response failures exposed by Hurricane Katrina:"

Friday, April 28, 2006

ReliefWeb » Document Preview » New Katrina recovery grants for youth programs help thousands of children

ReliefWeb » Document Preview » New Katrina recovery grants for youth programs help thousands of children: "New Katrina recovery grants for youth programs help thousands of children

New Orleans, LA - Summer education and after school programs, day care centers, and arts and sports programs for youth received a boost today with the distribution of more than $600,000 to nonprofit organizations in the Gulf to hasten their recovery from Hurricane Katrina.

The humanitarian relief organization Mercy Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, announced today the 39 awardees of their Youth Recovery Fund, which was created following a study by Tulane University's School of Social Work that identified a serious gap in youth social services."

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Coast’s wealthy residents weren’t spared

Coast’s wealthy residents weren’t spared: "Coast’s wealthy residents weren’t spared

By SPENCER TULIS

Finger Lakes Times

Editor’s Note: Times Chief Photographer Spencer Tulis is spending this week with 26 Finger Lakes residents who are helping hurricane victims in southern Mississippi as part of a relief effort organized by the Presbytery of Geneva.

GAUTIER, Miss. — Even though Mississippi is one of the poorer states in the nation, the luxurious homes and waterfront property along its Gulf coastline fetch a premium price.

Three carloads of volunteers from the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program headed out to work in the exclusive neighborhoods in Gautier Tuesday. Some were from the Finger Lakes and others from Frankfort, Ky.

Among them was Lyons school custodian Chuck Galusha, who helped with roof repairs and other general construction tasks."

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Our video experiment continues

We are experimenting with posting topical publicly available videos to this site. Please let us know what you think by using the comments feature.

Friday, April 21, 2006

FEMA Wants $4.7M Katrina Benefits Repaid - Yahoo! News

FEMA Wants $4.7M Katrina Benefits Repaid - Yahoo! News: "More than 2,000 Mississippi residents were notified that they must repay millions of dollars in federal Hurricane Katrina benefits that were excessive or, in some cases, fraudulent."

wfn.org | ABCUSA: Japanese Baptists Show Solidarity by Donating to Hurricane Recovery

wfn.org | ABCUSA: Japanese Baptists Show Solidarity by Donating to Hurricane Recovery: "ABCUSA: Japanese Baptists Show Solidarity by Donating to Hurricane Recovery
From 'Jayne, Andy'
Date Fri, 21 Apr 2006 11:47:45 -0400

VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS)-As a tangible expression of their solidarity, the Japan Baptist Union (JBU) donated $15,585 for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts of ABCUSA.

In a letter to International Ministries soon after the hurricane hit, Rev. Kazuo Oya of JBU said, 'The news of [the] devastating Hurricane Katrina was a shock to us,' and added, 'Many people in our churches want to do something to help.'"

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Audit: $7.8M Overpaid on Katrina Contract - Yahoo! News

Audit: $7.8M Overpaid on Katrina Contract - Yahoo! News: "The government overpaid by 20 percent on a $39.5 million, no-bid Hurricane Katrina contract for portable classrooms because the Army Corps of Engineers passed up chances to negotiate a lower price, a federal audit says."

Grant Will Revive Planning to Develop New Orleans - New York Times

Grant Will Revive Planning to Develop New Orleans - New York Times: "Grant Will Revive Planning to Develop New Orleans

By JOHN SCHWARTZ
Published: April 20, 2006

Louisiana officials plan to unveil an organization today that will revive the process of creating a New Orleans rebuilding plan, using $3.5 million newly pledged by the Rockefeller Foundation."

Councilwoman hails planning cash

Councilwoman hails planning cash: "Councilwoman hails planning cash
Rockefeller group set to give $3.5 million
Thursday, April 20, 2006
By Coleman Warner
Staff writer

The Rockefeller Foundation has given tentative approval to providing a large dose of financial help to New Orleans officials who are trying to get a post-Katrina neighborhood planning effort moving, City Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell said Wednesday.

Representatives of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, the City Council and Mayor Ray Nagin's Bring New Orleans Back Commission were told at a Tuesday meeting in New Orleans that the New York foundation is expected to provide $3.5 million, perhaps more, to the citywide program, said Hedge-Morrell, who attended the meeting."

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Diverse: Your Portal to Diversity: Displaced Katrina College Students Finish Classes Online

Diverse: Your Portal to Diversity: Displaced Katrina College Students Finish Classes Online: "Displaced Katrina College Students Finish Classes Online

When Hurricane Katrina forced junior Special Kirk out of Dillard University last August, he searched for options to finish the semester. “I didn’t want to fall behind,” he says. “I wanted to stay on pace and graduate.”

Special, 28, and his brother Famous, 23, found a solution in the Sloan Semester, an online education experiment that gave more than 1,000 students, 50 percent of them Black, a chance to take classes while they were displaced or homeless."

KRT Wire | 04/19/2006 | Energy CEO has stake in New Orleans' revival

KRT Wire | 04/19/2006 | Energy CEO has stake in New Orleans' revival:
snip snip>>
"Outsiders may picture New Orleans as a crippled victim with its hand out, but civic and business leaders like Taylor are quietly pushing the city back to its feet.

They're meeting, e-mailing and brainstorming on how to raise money and where to direct it. They're funding old favorites like the arts, while also giving to new organizations aimed at rebuilding the city.

Taylor sponsored a free concert for residents, helped re-landscape public areas and returned to other pet causes. She also draped a banner from her office building during Mardi Gras to remember Katrina victims."

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Ala. Wants 2-Year Colleges for Shelters - Yahoo! News

Ala. Wants 2-Year Colleges for Shelters - Yahoo! News: "By JAY REEVES, Associated Press Writer 13 minutes ago

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Alabama officials said Tuesday they intend to run their own network of hurricane shelters starting this year, using facilities at community colleges to house as many as 25,000 people at a time rather than relying on the Red Cross."

Monday, April 17, 2006

ABC News: Private Industry Responding to Hurricanes

ABC News: Private Industry Responding to Hurricanes: "Private Industry Responding to Hurricanes
Seeing Government's Lapse in Katrina, Private Industry Rushes Into Hurricane Response Business
Business Headlines

* It's Tax Day, And We're Not Happy About It
* Working From Home Great for Moms
* Oil on Target to Settle at a Record High

Business Videos

* Last-Minute Tax Tips
* A Pill to Save on Gas?
* One Big Nest Egg for Oil CEO

Discussions

* Career Concerns? Job Hassles? Join the Conversation
* Discuss Financial Markets, Housing Industry

By SETH BORENSTEIN AP Science Writer

ORLANDO, Fla. Apr 14, 2006 (AP)— If government can't do it, business will.

Once the domain of government and charitable relief groups, hurricane response and preparedness are a booming billion-dollar business from the self-heating food packets to the souped-up cell phone towers on wheels. Call it Hurricanes Inc."

Chron.com | (PRN) Most Americans Gave to Hurricane Relief and Their Other Charities as Well, The Conference Board Reports

Chron.com | (PRN) Most Americans Gave to Hurricane Relief and Their Other Charities as Well, The Conference Board Reports: "PRN) Most Americans Gave to Hurricane Relief and Their Other Charities as Well, The Conference Board Reports

PRNewswire

NEW YORK, April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Most Americans who gave money to help victims of the Katrina and Rita hurricanes also contributed to all of their normal charities as well, according to a nationwide survey released today by The Conference Board. (Fears were expressed that giving to help victims of the Louisiana and Mississippi disasters would reduce giving to other charities).

Nine out ten Americans who gave funds to hurricane relief efforts also gave to their customary charities.

The survey covers 5,000 households, the same sample used in The Conference Board's monthly Consumer Confidence Survey. As of this February, contributions to hurricane relief amounted to an estimated $3.6 billion, according to the Center of Philanthropy"

Massive fraud hits tsunami aid - Sunday Times - Times Online

Massive fraud hits tsunami aid - Sunday Times - Times Online: "Massive fraud hits tsunami aid
Michael Sheridan, Banda Aceh
Builders take charity millions
THIS was supposed to be the scene of the world’s greatest aid effort, but endemic corruption has drained it of millions of pounds while leaving tens of thousands of tsunami victims stranded in tents.

Banda Aceh was ground zero in the tsunami of Boxing Day 2004, which claimed more than 200,000 lives across the Indian Ocean. More people died here than anywhere else.

Now two charities that raised unprecedented sums in Britain have fallen victim to rip-offs that ruined their efforts to house the survivors and have forced them to suspend key projects."

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

FEMA: La. Homes Must Be Raised Off Ground - Yahoo! News

FEMA: La. Homes Must Be Raised Off Ground - Yahoo! News: "Many homes damaged by flooding during Hurricane Katrina likely will have to be raised 1 to 3 feet to qualify for flood insurance, a FEMA official said Wednesday as the government released long-awaited new projections on area flooding risks."

The Town Talk - www.thetowntalk.com - Alexandria-Pineville, Louisiana

The Town Talk - www.thetowntalk.com - Alexandria-Pineville, Louisiana: "Maginnis: Gambling's next new big thing
John Maginnis column
By John Maginnis
Louisiana Politics

It strikes many as unfair, unjust, ungodly but also par for the course that one of the biggest winners to emerge from the devastation of the hurricanes is the state's casino industry.

Yes, three riverboats are still out of commission but the other 12 are raking in more dough than the whole fleet won during the same period last year. Harrah's New Orleans was shuttered for six months, but has come back strong. Though the company's two Lake Charles boats are still closed from Rita, Pinnacle's splashy new resort L'Auberge du Lac has boosted the size of the local market."

ReliefWeb » Document Preview » USA: Direct Relief announces three Katarina Grants totaling $435,000

ReliefWeb » Document Preview » USA: Direct Relief announces three Katarina Grants totaling $435,000: "USA: Direct Relief announces three Katarina Grants totaling $435,000

California based nonprofit has provided nearly $30 million in direct aid in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

SANTA BARBARA, CA (April 12, 2006)

Direct Relief International today announced three cash grants totaling $435,593 to support frontline health services in hurricane-affected areas of the Gulf Coast.

These grants are the organization's most recent infusion of assistance. Since Hurricane Katrina struck on August 29, 2005, Direct Relief has responded by providing $26.1 million (wholesale) of medical material aid and over $3.7 million in targeted cash grants to clinics, hospitals, and associations."

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Hurt by Katrina, Red Cross beefs up storm response - Yahoo! News

Hurt by Katrina, Red Cross beefs up storm response - Yahoo! News: "RLANDO, Florida (Reuters) - The
American Red Cross, overwhelmed by Hurricane Katrina last year and facing heightened hurricane activity in the years ahead, said on Tuesday it will stockpile food, cots, blankets and other gear to care for 500,000 people a day in a disaster."

Metropolitan New York Foundations and Corporate Grantmakers Lead the Country With More Than $88 Million to Gulf Coast Recovery - Forbes.com

Metropolitan New York Foundations and Corporate Grantmakers Lead the Country With More Than $88 Million to Gulf Coast Recovery - Forbes.com: "Metropolitan New York Foundations and Corporate Grantmakers Lead the Country With More Than $88 Million to Gulf Coast Recovery
04.10.06, 3:03 PM ET
PRESS RELEASE

New York Regional Association of Grantmakers Releases Donors' Guide to Gulf Coast Relief and Rebuilding Efforts NEW YORK, April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Across the Gulf Coast, many local residents are helping each other rebuild their homes and their lives after the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. They are also making their voices heard through numerous community organizations and at policy-making tables. Their indomitable spirit attests to the vitality of the various rebuilding efforts. To connect donors to these critical initiatives, the New York Regional Association of Grantmakers (NYRAG) has produced a 137-page resource guide.

Available to download from NYRAG's website, http://www.nyrag.org, the Donors' Guide to Gulf Coast Relief & Recovery: The First 120 Days provides invaluable information on nonprofit relief and recovery efforts that will ensure a better life for all of the region's residents. Individuals, businesses and foundations will find invaluable resources to help them make solid charitable decisions.

The guide is largely based on the experiences of NYRAG-member foundations and corporations who, to date, have contributed more than $88 million to hurricane-related initiatives -- the greatest contribution made by corporations and foundations of any metropolitan area in the co"

Monday, April 10, 2006

WSFA TV Montgomery, AL - Television Show Helps Alabama Zoo's Attendance, Donations Swell

WSFA TV Montgomery, AL - Television Show Helps Alabama Zoo's Attendance, Donations Swell: "The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is living up to the title of its Animal Planet television show, 'The Little Zoo That Could.'
The nonprofit zoo has broken attendance records and seen a deluge of donations as the hit show tracks the zoo's struggle to reopen following its 2004 evacuation as Hurricane Ivan approached.

On March 22nd, the zoo had its best day in 16 years with 491 paying guests. Two days later, it the record with 692 visitors."

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Study: Katrina Aid From Abroad Was Lost - Yahoo! News

Study: Katrina Aid From Abroad Was Lost - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON - Federal auditors laid out a scenario of omissions, missteps and bureaucratic nightmares that caused the loss of money and other donations sent from abroad to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.
ADVERTISEMENT

The
Government Accountability Office attributed the errors, which involved as many as eight government agencies, to the United States' lack of experience as a recipient of huge amounts of aid from others."

Business response seen as crucial to disaster recovery

Business response seen as crucial to disaster recovery: "Business response seen crucial to disaster recovery

By Beth McConnell

The U.S. private sector donated $1.9 billion in disaster assistance in 2005 in response to the Southeast Asia tsunami, the Gulf Coast hurricanes and the earthquake in Pakistan.

That total set new records in corporate giving for disaster relief and recovery, according to the Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC), an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Companies have learned lessons along the way about the need to coordinate with relief agencies before a disaster strikes in order to best utilize the money or products that they donate. Also, BCLC leaders said, coordinating with local governments and establishing a presence at the scene of the disaster are crucial to provide the best relief and recovery efforts."

Monday, April 03, 2006

Article: News - Pakistani earthquake benefit raises $126,000

Article: News - Pakistani earthquake benefit raises $126,000: "Pakistani earthquake benefit raises $126,000

Compiled by Marla Jo Fisher

Islamic Relief raised more than $126,000 at a fundraising dinner Sunday night to benefit victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Pakistan in October, a spokesman said.

Three hundred people attended the dinner, which featured the former captains of the Pakistan National Cricket Team as well as the Pakistan consul general and other dignitaries, spokesman Mostafa Mahboob said."

Thursday, March 30, 2006

The Sun Herald | 03/30/2006 | Favre, McNair to help athletics around Coast

The Sun Herald | 03/30/2006 | Favre, McNair to help athletics around Coast: "Favre, McNair to help athletics around Coast
By AL JONES
afjones@sunherald.com

BAY ST. LOUIS - NFL quarterbacks Brett Favre and Steve McNair are giving back to their roots seven months after Hurricane Katrina ripped through South Mississippi.

Favre, a future Hall of Famer, and McNair, leader of the Tennessee Titans, will present checks today to help local high school athletic programs in Harrison and Hancock counties offset losses from the massive storm.

All money presented will be through the Brett Favre Forward Foundation and the Steve McNair Foundation with matching money from the NFL."

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Judge Won't Delay New Orleans Election - Yahoo! News

Judge Won't Delay New Orleans Election - Yahoo! News: "A federal judge whose own home was flooded after Hurricane Katrina has rejected pleas to delay the city's April 22 elections, saying he shared residents' 'burning desire for completeness.'
ADVERTISEMENT

Civil rights groups had hoped to block what would be the city's first municipal elections since Katrina, arguing that too many black residents won't be able to participate."

Monday, March 27, 2006

Volunteers' Dukes Fix Hazzard Home | theledger.com

Volunteers' Dukes Fix Hazzard Home | theledger.com: "fter six months of waiting, Hazzard said he finally got assurances from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that help was on the way.

It never arrived.

In the absence of government aid, Hazzard looked to the private sector for relief, finding it in Rebuild Polk After Disaster, a nonprofit agency formed to help the poorest of hurricane victims, folks either uninsured or underinsured.
"

BlackNews.com - High Tech, State of the Art Web Portal is "First Stop On The Way Home" For Displaced Louisana Residents and Businesses

BlackNews.com - High Tech, State of the Art Web Portal is "First Stop On The Way Home" For Displaced Louisana Residents and Businesses: "High Tech, State of the Art Web Portal is 'First Stop On The Way Home' For Displaced Louisana Residents and Businesses

Baton Rouge, LA (BlackNews.com) - Finding information about jobs, affordable housing, reviving a business, voting, and social services for displaced residents, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations starts with www.LouisianaRebuilds.info. The Louisiana Recovery Authority, in partnership with several national and local organizations, today announced the web portal as the 'first stop on the way home' for the hundreds of thousands who have been displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The state-of-the-art site features content and links to resources both in the state and around the country and is a one-stop compilation of information related to rebuilding and planning. Offline resources are in development to bring the same rich portal content to residents without Internet access."

Donors to fund teacher wish lists

Donors to fund teacher wish lists: "Donors to fund teacher wish lists
They choose projects that are posted online
Monday, March 27, 2006
By Keith Darcé
Staff writer

New Orleans area teachers struggling to recover from the effects of Hurricane Katrina have a new, high-tech way to seek money for their classrooms directly from donors.

The New York nonprofit group Donors Choose has promised to funnel at least $262,000 to local public school teachers from donations made on the group's Internet site. The Web site, www.donorschoose.org, allows donors to select from hundreds of specific classroom projects, from field trips to art projects, that need financing."

Kauai Garden Island News-"Foundations step up flood relief efforts

Kauai Garden Island News: "Foundations step up flood relief efforts

Randy Yokoyama of Monsanto and Deborah Rice of the Hawai'i Community Foundation discuss the recent floods in Kilauea.

By Dennis Fujimoto - The Garden Island
Posted: Saturday, Mar 25, 2006 - 12:55:42 am HST

LIHU'E — The Hawai'i Community Foundation's (HCF) flood relief fund, the Kaua'i Island Fund, has been growing with a total of about $15,000 donated as of yesterday afternoon."