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Red Cross Extending Aid to Those Affected by Sept. 11 Tragedies
Written by Becky Orfinger
, Staff Writer, RedCross.org
Harold Decker, Interim CEO of the American Red Cross, describes sweeping changes to the Liberty Fund.
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November 14, 2001— Since the terrorist attacks on Washington, D.C., New York City, and Somerset County, Pa., two months ago, the American public has generously donated more than a half-billion dollars to the American Red Cross Liberty Fund. At a press conference held at Red Cross national headquarters today (Nov. 14), Harold Decker, the organization's CEO, announced that all Liberty Fund dollars will be used to meet the immediate and long-term needs of people directly affected by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The Red Cross projects to spend $275 million by year's end.
"The American people have spoken loudly and clearly, and they want the Liberty Fund money to go solely to those people directly affected by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks," said Decker. "Until now, the families of victims have been our first priority. Starting today, they will be our only priority."
David T. McLaughlin, chairman of the American Red Cross Board of Governors, said the organization was "changing course to restore the faith of our donors and the trust of Americans and, most importantly, to devote 100 percent of our energy and resources to helping the victims of the terrorist attacks."
Congressman James Greenwood (R-PA), Chairman, House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, expresses his support for the American Red Cross and the refocused Liberty Fund.
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When the idea of the Liberty Fund was originally conceived, just days after the attacks, the Red Cross planned to give a portion of the donations to the families of terror victims, and spend another portion on long-term preparations for future incidents involving weapons of mass destruction. But the organization has decided to refocus the Liberty Fund solely on the victims of the attacks, and use other Red Cross resources to fund disaster preparedness programs and other new initiatives such as a Strategic Blood Reserve. In addition, the Family Gift Program, which covers living expenses for families whose lost loved ones were lost or seriously injured in the attacks, will be extended from three months of aid to as much as a year of aid for those who need it, Decker said. The Red Cross has already given more than $47 million to such families, and plans to spend another $111 million by the end of the year.
Congressman James Greenwood (R-PA), chairman of the Congressional Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee, called the Red Cross decision to give all Liberty Fund money to those directly affected by terrorism a "first-rate response." Congressman Peter Deutsch (D-FL) echoed Greenwood's comments. "I also want to praise the actions that the Red Cross has taken today," he said. "All of us in America understand, not just the history, but the incredible positive things that the Red Cross does on a day to day basis, not just since September 11."
Last week, the Red Cross and several other charities were questioned on Capitol Hill about their Sept. 11 fundraising efforts. Decker acknowledged that input from Congress, as well as from the public, had helped shape the organization's decision to narrow the focus of the Liberty Fund.
Decker also announced the Red Cross's intention to provide the names of the 25,000 families the Red Cross has already helped in the wake of Sept. 11 to a database that will be accessible to other relief agencies. The organization is confident that this step will help families get access to all resources available. The Red Cross also promised that families that wish to be excluded from the database would be able to do so without worrying that the organization will deny them assistance. Bob Bender, CEO of the American Red Cross in Greater New York, said each family that had already received assistance would be contacte to verify use of their names in the database.
Bob Bender, CEO of the American Red Cross in Greater New York.
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Addressing public concerns over the fact that a portion of donations had been used to cover the establishment and operating costs of toll-free phone lines, Decker said the Red Cross would do its best to fund these administrative costs with only the interest earned on the multi-million dollar Liberty Fund. A small percentage — Decker estimated it to be about 7 percent — of the Liberty Fund will be used for these costs.
Both Decker and Bender stressed that Red Cross relief operations stemming from the Sept. 11 tragedies are ongoing and will likely continue for months, if not years, into the future. "The magnitude of this disaster is massive," said Bender. "No one can be sure how long the recovery will last, but these changes in the direction of the Liberty Fund will make a big difference in getting help to those who need it most."
"It's quite common for the American Red Cross to be the first to respond to a disaster and the last to leave that disaster," said Decker. "That will surely be the situation in this case."
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All American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided at no cost, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. The Red Cross also supplies nearly half of the nation's lifesaving blood. This, too, is made possible by generous voluntary donations. To help the victims of disaster, you may make a secure online credit card donation or call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Or you may send your donation to your local Red Cross or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. To donate blood, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543), or contact your local Red Cross to find out about upcoming blood drives.
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