Alexandria, VA – Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) has received a nearly $500,000 grant from the American Red Cross (ARC) to implement rebuilding projects and programs for residents who lost their homes during Hurricane Harvey in August 2017.
“We are extremely pleased to receive this grant from such a respected organization and partner,” said Hani Hamwi, manager of the Disaster Response Team at Islamic Relief USA. “The American Red Cross has supported Islamic Relief USA every step of the way, and this grant is a clear sign that they value the work we do, and most importantly, our partnership. My colleagues and I are grateful for their support. Now comes the difficult task of helping residents who have patiently endured so many difficulties following Hurricane Harvey and help them get their homes rebuilt.”
The grant, which is in the amount of $495,294, will go toward setting up a dormitory for volunteers to stay at during the home rebuilding project that will take place in Houston. IRUSA plans to rebuild between 15 and 20 homes each year. The organization will work with another organization, SBP (originally St. Bernard Project), for the long-term recovery project.
By having a dormitory set up for volunteers to stay in, Islamic Relief USA believes many volunteers will sign up for the rebuilding projects. The volunteers will be able to stay in the dormitory for free during their tenure at the project site.
Islamic Relief USA has made a long-term commitment in helping Houston residents rebuild their lives following Harvey. In January, IRUSA presented a $50,000 check to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s hurricane relief fund. At the time, five months had passed since the massive storm touched ground, and Mayor Turner said many residents were still waiting to find permanent homes.
Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Its programs benefit millions of people each year in more than 40 countries around the world, including in the United States.
Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is 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
Minhaj Hassan
media@irusa.org
(703) 370-7246
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Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. 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. Islamic Relief USA aims to provide rapid relief in the event of human and natural disasters and to establish sustainable local development projects, allowing communities to better help themselves. Its programs benefit millions of people each year around the world, including in the United States.
Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is 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.