United Way’s Response To Hurricane Katrina

To The Editor:

As we watch the horrific destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina on television, it may feel as though we are removed and helpless when thinking of the magnitude of human need in our Southern states. I want to acknowledge and express our gratitude to the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, who are on the front lines meeting immediate needs caused by this disaster. We are proud to have them as community partners and funded agencies of this United Way. I also want to assure you that United Way of America and United Ways throughout the affected regions are mobilizing to help lead response and recovery efforts by working hard to identify the most serious needs of those devastated communities.

United Way of America has established a fund to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina, the primary focus of which is intermediate and long-term recovery from this disaster. Since the United Way’s role is focused on the long-term needs of communities, often our work in the immediate aftermath of a disaster is one of support and coordination, done in the background. United Way supports the emergency relief organizations while assessing the needs and determining a strategy to begin rebuilding. Our work often gears up after the cameras leave. Our primary role will be as a leader in the long-term recovery that goes on for months and often years after a disaster.

At this time, if you would like to make a donation to the intermediate and long-term recovery efforts, please know that 100 percent of your monetary donations will go directly to those in need. So that each donor’s gift will have maximum impact, United Way of America has pledged that it will take no fund administration fees out of individual donations.

To donate by check, please make it out to “United Way of America” and write “Hurricane Katrina Fund” in the memo line. Donations can be mailed to our local office at United Way NFC at 85 West Street, Danbury CT 06810. We will quickly forward it on to our corporate headquarters. Or you can donate by credit card at www.unitedway.org or by calling 800-272-4630.

We know that you’re anxious to assist in the relief, response, and recovery. At this point, however, no one knows what is going to be needed. In most cases, people haven’t been able to get back to their homes and businesses to see if they’re still standing or what kind of damage has happened. In the days ahead we will inform you as the need for volunteers and goods are identified and a system is established for processing each.

Natural disasters are not selective in who they affect, and we have seen that poor and rich alike have lost their homes. However, it is the poor that have been most devastated, as many have reported they had no means by which to leave their towns and cities. This reminds us how critical it is that we work diligently within each of our communities to help people be self-sufficient, healthy, and connected to support systems. When disaster strikes, these support systems save lives. I am so proud of our community and the many social services that work year-round to help our citizens. While reaching out to those affected by Hurricane Katrina, let us not forget those in our own community who continue to need jobs, child care, mental health care, and homes. I ask that we respond just as we did after 9/11; we stretched ourselves to do more and make a difference in people’s lives.

In whatever way you choose to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina, I thank you for your compassion as we move forward in our work together.

June Renzulli, President

United Way Northern Fairfield County

85 West Street, Danbury                                         September 2, 5005