B'nai B'rith International is reopening its Disaster Relief Fund to benefit the victims of Hurricane Gustav. Although New Orleans has been spared a direct hit by the hurricane, other communities along the Gulf coast have not been as fortunate. And, all evacuees returning to the Gulf Coast region will face damage and destruction from high winds, flooding, and prolonged power outages. Joel Kaplan, BBI honorary president and chair of the BBI Disaster Relief Committee, stated, "While Hurricane Gustav may have been less harmful than anticipated, there is still significant damage in the Gulf Coast region. Many are suffering for the second time in three years. Through our Disaster Relief Fund, B'nai B'rith will continue to provide assistance to those in need, from the damage of this storm or any others that we may face in the coming weeks."
In the last three years, B'nai B'rith International assisted the victims of Hurricane Katrina with the distribution of $1.1 million to support both immediate and long-term needs and rebuilding projects during the lengthy process of recovery. The generous support of donors allowed BBI to assist in funding more than 50 large and small projects in four states along the Gulf Coast.
Many of the residents of the Gulf Coast are still emotionally and financially burdened by the ravages of Katrina three years ago. They may never be able to rebuild their lives without significant outside help.
Through the B'nai B'rith Disaster Relief Fund, donations will be channeled to meet the unmet needs of these communities. BBI will continue to watch the impact of other storms approaching close on the heels of Gustav and will stand ready to respond to needs in other impacted communities.
For information about contributing to the fund, click here.
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