(Washington, D.C., 8/31/2012): Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), a relief and development organization based in the D.C. metro area continues to provide disaster relief to communities affected by hurricane Isaac, a Category 1 hurricane strength with sustained winds of 75 mph. Seven years ago to the day, New Orleans was hit by hurricane Katrina, which caused substantial damage to communities along the coast.
While Islamic Relief USA has provided humanitarian relief around the world since 1993, the nonprofit launched a new Disaster Assistance Response Team in May of 2011 through collaborative relationships with the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and FEMA. In same year, IRUSA became a full voting member of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), which is the national coordinating organization of all disaster and relief efforts in the United States under FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).
Currently, IRUSA’s DART team is in the State of Mississippi where 2,100 people have currently sought shelter refuge. There are 28 shelters open in the state and it is expected that more will come as the front moves. Team members are participating in shelter operations, bulk distribution of needed supplies, and assessment of community needs.
Islamic Relief USA’s emergency aid workers have provided emergency assistance in the United States in the past in Alabama, Missouri, and New Jersey, and other places hit by natural disasters assessing damage, assisting at shelters, and collecting and distributing food, clothing, cleaning supplies hygiene kits and other necessities.
“Once again, our staff has been instrumental in lending support to communities facing emergencies,” said William Lea, manager of IRUSA’s Disaster Assistance Response Team. “This latest relief effort will surely increase our team’s experience handling future disaster situations and widen our collaborative network of partners.”
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 helped more than 5 million people in 34 countries, including the United States. In addition to its 4-star rating from 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 t 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