Funding Disaster Relief Operations
Your Response Was Amazing

Following each and every disaster, the nation relies on and expects the American Red Cross to provide immediate assistance.

The American Public Answers the Call
The Impact of Your Giving
Costs for Hurricane Relief Met
The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund
Related Content

The American Public Answers the Call

The American Red Cross made the call to its supporters, and the response was nothing short of amazing. Generous donors covered the spectrum from corporations and foundations to individuals – all of whom were moved by the terrible destruction caused by the four storms. As of November 8, 2004, the total amount raised and pledged by our donors, including in-kind donations, in support of the hurricanes effort is $92.5 million.

Gift designations varied as donors chose to support specific hurricanes events, the overall hurricanes relief effort, or the Disaster Relief Fund. Funding designated for specific hurricane events and the hurricanes relief effort directly supported our efforts to service the victims of this disaster. Funding designated for the Disaster Relief Fund support this effort and others wherever the need was the greatest.

The Impact of Your Giving

The Red Cross is able to respond to disasters largely because of the investment of the American people, who answered our call for assistance to this disaster relief effort with an incredible outpouring of generosity. The cost of this response effort is great, and every gift made a measurable difference on those who have been affected by the devastation. The following is an example of what just one gift can do to assist disaster victims.

• A donation of $50 provided an infant with baby formula and diapers for one month or provided groceries for one disaster victim for one week.
• A donation of $115 provided groceries for a family of four for one week.
• A donation of $130 provided clothing for a child who has lost nearly everything.
• A donation of $240 provided new bed linens, pillows and towels for a family of four.
• A donation of $350 provided emergency food and shelter for 25 people for one day.

Large gifts made a measurable impact on our ability to provide mass care to the victims of this disaster.

• The cost to deploy a single ERV with two volunteers for a three-week disaster assignment is $1,500.

Every gift has made a difference to this effort, and the Red Cross is extremely grateful for the generosity and time given by its donors and volunteers.

Costs for Hurricane Relief Met

The American Red Cross, in coordination with other relief organizations and government partners, continues to respond tovictims of Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. The Red Cross is the only non-governmental organization with assigned responsibilities under the National Response Plan, and the string of major hurricanes has put an unprecedented strain on its finances. Traditionally, the American Red Cross relies on private donors to support its relief activities, not taxpayer funds, and that will continue to be the case for future disasters.  

Given the unprecedented magnitude of these hurricanes, President George W. Bush requested, and Congress appropriated, funding to the American Red Cross for reimbursement up to $70 million for disaster relief and recovery expenditures and emergency services associated with Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne.

Based on the public and corporate financial support and federal appropriation received for these disasters, the Red Cross believes that it has sufficient funds to respond to the immediate disaster-related needs of those affected by these four devastating hurricanes and the resulting storms. Donated funds designated for hurricane relief will be spent on Red Cross services that support the victims of these hurricanes.

The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund

The American Red Cross provides immediate disaster relief to victims of natural and man-made events. In order for our service to remain seamless, it is necessary for adequate funds to be available. The Disaster Relief Fund is critical to our humanitarian mission. It enables us to begin relief efforts to disaster victims, regardless of disaster type or location, and before our call for assistance is made to the American public.

There is a great need for support of the Disaster Relief Fund so future disaster victims, just as those affected by the horrendous 2004 Atlantic hurricane season, are helped when it is needed most, offering victims the best opportunity at rebuilding their lives.

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