(Washington, D.C., 5/16/2012) Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), a relief and development organization based in the D.C. metro area, has become a full voting member of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Since the launch of its Disaster Asistance Response Team (DART) training program almost a year ago, Islamic Relief USA has offered training in the areas of shelter operation, shelter simulation, and disaster assessment. It has partnered extensively with FEMA and the American Red Cross in providing emergency services to areas hit by tornadoes and thunderstorms for the past several years.
“VOAD is the leading national, non-governmental agency, that presides over disaster assistance organizations in the U.S,” said William Lea, manager of IRUSA’s Disaster Assistance Response Team. “Becoming a member of VOAD is recognition of IRUSA’s successful disaster training and relief efforts.”
Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization with eight consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and disease regardless of color, race, gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. In 2011, Islamic Relief USA benefited more than 5 million people in 34 countries, including the United States. In addition to its 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Islamic Relief USA is listed on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
MEDIA CONTACT: Asma Yousef, 703.582.5880, ayousef@irusa.org