SAN DIEGO – September 1, 2005 – In response to the critical situation developing in the wake of Hurricane Katrina’s assault on the Gulf Coast, The San Diego Foundation researched the options for supporting the relief efforts.  We provide the following information as a service to our donors and other individuals and organizations interested in aiding the hurricane victims.

Our sister foundation in the Gulf Coast region, The Baton Rouge Area Community Foundation, has set up two funds in conjunction with The Greater New Orleans Foundation, to assist the victims of the disaster, much like The San Diego Foundation did during the devastating wildfires of October 2003. Donations can be made through FoundationsforRecovery.org, a website established by The Baton Rouge Area Community Foundation specifically for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Hurricane Katrina New Orleans Recovery Fund - will focus on the rebuilding of infrastructure to provide basic human services to residents of these devastated areas. FoundationsforRecovery.org will coordinate closely with federal, state and local officials in an attempt to provide resources to programs and efforts that positively and immediately impact the quality of life of these individuals, and contribute to the overall rebuilding of critical service delivery mechanisms in the Greater New Orleans area.

Hurricane Katrina Displaced Residents Fund - will benefit those individuals evacuated to Baton Rouge from the hurricane impacted areas in Greater New Orleans, who are now unable to return for what maybe an extended period. Early official estimates suggest that as many as 500,000 individuals may be required to remain in our area for up to six months, and they will face numerous challenges related to housing, food, education, healthcare and basic survival necessities. This fund will support those entities and programs in our area that endeavor to meet these critical needs, as well as address the impact this influx of residents will have on our community.

Many other organizations are also responding to this disaster.  Listed below are organizations The San Diego Foundation worked with during the wildfires disaster that will also provide assistance to the residents of the Gulf Coast region.   

• American Red Cross  

• Lutheran Disaster Response

• Mennonite Disaster Service

• Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

• Salvation Army