Overview
When nearly 4.5 million people needed help following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, millions of people, foundations and corporations rose to the occasion. In just a few months, the American Red Cross was entrusted with nearly $2.2 billion for those affected. Hundreds of thousands of individuals and families looked to the Red Cross…and we responded. Following the storms, the Red Cross:
- Opened nearly 1,400 evacuation shelters in 31 states and the District of Columbia, with overnight stays totaling more than 3.8 million.
- Sheltered nearly 450,000 evacuees.
- Served more than 68 million hot meals and snacks to evacuees and responders.
- Provided emergency assistance to more than 1.4 million families – approximately four million people. This helped hurricane survivors purchase urgently needed items such as food, clothing, diapers and other essentials.
The Red Cross continued support of those affected by the 2005 hurricanes through the Hurricane Recovery Program (HRP): a nationally-developed, locally-tailored initiative addressing the long-term needs of survivors of – and communities affected by – Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. It was clear that the only way to come close to meeting the needs of survivors would be for all agencies to work together more closely than ever before. Working alongside local and national nonprofits and other partner agencies, the Red Cross ultimately helped tens of thousands of people obtain emotional support, create recovery plans and meet housing or occupational needs through the HRP services. Additionally, HRP built new partnerships and communities…and helped empower families and neighborhoods alike.
The Hurricane Recovery Program is a story best told by the thousands of families who received support – the thousands of faces that share equal parts grief and hope every day. It is often best told one story at a time.
