Grants from the United Way Hurricane Response and Recovery Fund have been awarded to 29 United Ways in the Gulf Coast region for services to individuals and families impacted by the hurricanes. Depending on the needs of their communities, local United Ways will use the funds for urgently needed services including food, clothing, housing, healthcare, transportation, job training, counseling, childcare assistance, and helping social service agencies regain their capacity. The grants support both immediate needs and the coordination and implementation of long-term recovery efforts.

This is the first phase of a multi-phased allocation process that will help people rebuild their lives, be more physically secure and emotionally stable and have a community to call home. To date, over $24 million has been contributed to United Way to support hurricane response and recovery efforts, including approximately $8 million to the United Way Hurricane Response and Recovery Fund and $16 million contributed directly to local United Ways.

To make a donation to national Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, go to one of the following three web sites:
United Way Hurricane Response And Recovery Fund Online or mail your check to United Way of America, P.O. Box 630568, Baltimore, MD 21263-0568. Please make your check payable to United Way of America and write Hurricane Response And Recovery Fund in the memo line.

American Red Cross at www.redcross.org or call 1-800-HELP NOW to donate or obtain information about working as a disaster relief volunteer.

Salvation Army at www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).


VOLUNTEERING:
Camden County residents who wish to volunteer to help those affected by the 2005 Hurricanes should contact the Camden County Chapter of the American Red Cross at 856-365-7100.

MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE:
The Department of Health and Human Services has established a toll-free hotline for people in crisis in the aftermath of the 2005 Hurricanes. By dialing 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), callers will be connected to a network of local crisis centers across the country that are committed to crisis counseling. Callers to the hotline will receive counseling from trained staff at the closest certified crisis center in the network.

Your continued support of our annual United Way Campaign is vital as it ensures that those listed above and other critical organizations are prepared to respond to crises and support people in need here in our region.

Michael Moynihan
President
United Way of Camden County