KALAMAZOO (May 30, 2024) – The American Red Cross has received a $41,000 grant from two local organizations that will provide disaster relief to residents affected by the May 7 tornadoes that struck Southwest Michigan.

The grant from United Way of South Central Michigan and Kalamazoo Community Foundation will help meet the needs of residents in their recovery. More than 150 homes were destroyed or severely damaged by the tornadoes.

“We are grateful to United Way of South Central Michigan and Kalamazoo Community Foundation for their generous grant,” said Mary Lynn Foster, regional chief executive officer of the Red Cross Michigan Region. “This will provide critical support for those who were impacted by these devastating tornadoes.”

The Red Cross plays a critical role in helping families and communities recover in the weeks and months after a disaster. Nearly 90 volunteers and staff have supported its disaster relief operation, which is still ongoing. Disaster workers opened an emergency shelter in the immediate aftermath of the tornadoes on May 7, delivered meals to people in the hardest hit areas as well as emergency relief supplies, completed damage assessments at more than 1,600 dwellings and provided health services and emotional support.  

The grant is funded through a partnership between United Way of South Central Michigan and Kalamazoo Community Foundation to provide community relief in times of urgent need or disaster. The two organizations collaborated to provide similar grants during the COVID-19 pandemic, countywide flooding in 2018 and a mass shooting in 2016.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

David Olejarz | david.olejarz@redcross.org | 313-303-0606

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.