Welcome
To
Adopt A Hurricane Family |
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About Us
After viewing the devastation from Hurricane Katrina
and seeing the look of despair on the faces of thousands, Craig
and Lisa Vanderlaan, residents of South Florida, realized something
needed to be done. These families would need an alternate place
to call home.
They contacted their friend, Rick Figley, about the possibility
of doing a web site, who joined in the cause and put a web site
online. “Adopt a Hurricane Family” was born.
The next morning, at the CCB Million Meals Committee meeting
in Broward County Florida, numerous agencies, experienced in
giving, offered their support and guidance.
Following Hurricane Andrew, South Florida received a nationwide
out pouring of assistance. It was now time to return the favor. Soon
after, we too were hit by Wilma and are now working with families
displaced by Katrina and Wilma.
Initially, our main focus was geared towards individual families
taking hurricane survivors into their own homes or offering them
vacant housing for a short period of time. Later we found, our focus needed to change. Within the first few weeks
we realized that most families were not interested in leaving
their communities or the shelters that housed them.
These survivors of Katrina did not want to leave
before registering with the Red Cross or FEMA, many were missing
family members, countless people were “shell-shocked”
and in denial that they could not return to their homes. And
most important, they needed their privacy.
With this understanding, we have recognized
a greater long-term need for these displaced survivors. Hundreds
of thousands of people will not be able to return to their homes
or communities for months, possibly years. In addition to losing
their homes and personal belongings, countless survivors have
lost their jobs, transportation, schools and community as well.
Now, our focus has shifted to having corporations,
faith based organizations and private donors assist us with more broad-based funding. The primary goal is to assist these
families / individuals in a way that will allow them to get
back on their feet and become self-sufficient.
Please review our web site and let us know if you are interested
in helping.
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