Disaster Relief Made Possible by Grant from Points of Light Foundation

WASHINGTON, DC (March 13, 2006) Additional financial relief is on the way to volunteer centers that are providing much-needed assistance to victims of Hurricane Katrina, as well as those who are preparing for the next catastrophe.

Approximately $1 million has been awarded to 32 volunteer centers across the country for long-term hurricane recovery and for capacity-building to prepare for future disasters by the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network, a nonprofit organization in Washington, DC.

“We're thrilled to be able to offer this assistance to people who have lost everything they own and had to relocate hundreds of miles from their homes,” says Robert K. Goodwin, President of the Points of Light Foundation. “Because of the success of faith-based recovery and capacity-building efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we are providing both immediate and long-term assistance.”

The grant was made possible through the generous support of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF). The grant is managed by the Foundation's Alliance for Recovery Awards, directed by Rev. Mark Farr, who visited the Gulf states in the aftermath of the hurricane to support the efforts of Volunteer Centers and faith groups in order to alleviate suffering of residents.

The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network engages and mobilizes millions of volunteers who are helping to solve serious social problems in thousands of communities. Through a variety of programs and services, the Foundation encourages people from all walks of life — businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, low-income communities, families, youth, and older adults — to volunteer.

UPF is an alliance of religious, academic, political and civic leaders using service, education and cross-cultural initiatives to address urgent human needs.

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