Los Angeles – Friday March 01, 2013 - Financial dignity nonprofitOperation HOPE announced today it has been awarded a $500,000 American Red Cross grant to support recovery services for people affected by Superstorm Sandy.
Operation HOPE will use the funding to bolster rebuilding and recovery efforts throughout the 14 states that suffered hurricane damage by providing the following assistance:
“Operation HOPE’s response to Hurricane Sandy began in November and we currently have more than 6,000 disaster clients. We also understand that we have merely tapped the surface. With the support of the American Red Cross, we will be able to reach more residents that are still struggling with their financial recovery issues, as well as provide services more effectively, said Fred Smith president of HOPE Coalition America, Operation HOPE’s disaster financial recovery division. “We are pleased that the American Red Cross recognizes the importance of financial guidance and counseling and supports our work to help individuals recover in storm-torn communities.”
“Sandy is the largest U.S. operation by the Red Cross in more than five years, and thanks to the public’s generous support, the Red Cross has provided millions of meals, snacks and relief supplies, shelter and comfort to Sandy survivors – and we will continue to provide help,” said Gregg O’Ryon, Vice President Readiness & Capacity Development for the Red Cross. “We know that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and programs such as this one by Operation HOPE are vital in helping people rebuild their lives.”
Part of the Red Cross’ Sandy recovery effort includes supplying grants to a broad coalition of nonprofits-ensuring that partner organizations have the ability to undertake specialized recovery activities. The Red Cross is committed that money donated for Sandy will be used to help the people affected by Sandy and grant funding such as this helps fulfill that commitment.
Formed in 2001, as a result of its national agreement with the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, HCA focuses on pre and post disaster financial and economic stability. It is recognized by the American Red Cross and FEMA as a financial recovery responder and HCA has assisted more than 500,000 individuals and families and small businesses.
About Operation HOPE (HOPE)
Since 1992, nonprofit Operation HOPE has grown to become the global leader in financial dignity, providing financial literacy and empowerment services to underserved communities worldwide. Through its four principle portfolios: Banking on Our Future, HOPE Coalition America, HOPE Financial Dignity & Literacy Empowerment Centers, and HOPE Corps, the organization addresses youth and adult financial literacy, economic preparedness, bridges the digital divide and promotes home ownership, assists with credit management and foreclosure prevention. With the support of more than 400 private sector companies, 5000 nonprofit organizations and schools and government partners. HOPE has reached over 1.2 million low-wealth individuals in 273 U.S. cities and South Africa. At the core of HOPE’s mission is a Silver Rights Movement, ensuring that free enterprise and capitalism work to provide a better future for underserved communities around the world. To learn more about HOPE, visit our blog or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visitredcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.