At The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, our hearts and thoughts go out to those affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Hurricane Sandy struck the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast on October 29, leaving in its wake extensive flooding, millions of homes and business without power, and 38 deaths in eight states over 48 hours. Areas in New York City and Atlantic City were particularly devastated where Sandy made landfall. Early estimates put total costs between $30 and $50 billion. Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey called the historic destruction to his state "incalculable." (From the Council on Foundation)
The philanthropic community is responding to this disaster with updated information on the devastation and organizations responding to the immediate needs. Visit the Council on Foundation’s disaster grantmaking website for current information.
Below are organizations mobilizing relief efforts for the affected areas. If you are a donor of The Community Foundation and would like to make a gift from your fund, please contact your philanthropic advisor, Audrey, Rob, Erin or Barrett, at 404-688-5525.
American Red Cross– continues to provide shelter in a large number of states, operating 115 shelters in nine states Wednesday night. In all, the organization has provided more than 164,700 meals. More than 334,000 ready to eat meals are in the area and 12 mobile kitchens capable of making 198,000 meals a day have been deployed.
The Salvation Army– continues to serve meals to those in shelters in the seven states. It also assisted the National Guard with evacuation of a nursing home in West Virginia. The organization reports it has received $700,000 in online donations.
Brooklyn Community Foundation – The Brooklyn Community Foundation has launched a Brooklyn Recovery Fund (http://www.brooklynrecoveryfund.org/) in coordination with the Brooklyn Borough President's Office and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. The fund will support the Brooklyn communities and organizations impacted by Hurricane Sandy and provide direct support for needs identified by local Brooklyn nonprofit service providers, the small business community, and borough civic institutions.
Community Foundation of New Jersey – The Community Foundation of New Jersey will create a Sandy Relief Fund. For more information, contact Hans Dekker at hdekker@cfnj.org or 973-267- 5533.
North Carolina Community Foundation – The North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF) has re-activated its statewide Disaster Relief Fund to support relief efforts related to Hurricane Sandy. Funds will go directly to nonprofit organizations serving the needs of local victims in counties served by the NCCF. Local affiliate foundations will determine the nonprofit agency/agencies that are the best and most efficient means to provide relief for victims of storms in their areas.
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy – The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (Center) established the CDP Hurricane Sandy Disaster Fund to help maximize the impact of philanthropic support. Our program board and staff skilled in disaster philanthropy will recommend the allocation of funds for both immediate and longer-term recovery efforts that may arise from Hurricane Sandy. These resources will be directed strategically and efficiently to help communities recover more quickly and become more resilient.