LCIF has coordinated US$5.1 million for this disaster relief program, including foundation funding and donations from Lions. A total of US$2 million has been implemented in relief projects to date.

Immediately after the hurricane hit, LCIF and Lions sprang into action. LCIF approved 15 Emergency Grants for US$150,000 for Lions in the affected states to provide victims with vouchers to receive food, water and medicine. LCIF PIP Kusiak appointed a steering committee of four leading Lions from the four states most affected by the tragedy to serve as liaisons between LCIF, Lions in the disaster areas and Lions who wanted to help.

Relief efforts now focus on meeting the varied community needs, in particular, the needs of vital public facilities and programs helping these damaged regions recover and resume functioning. For the Lions, this has meant continued support for the schools, medical centers, advocacy agencies for the disabled and elderly and programs providing a venue for volunteers to help rebuild homes.

The rebuilding of homes is by far the greatest need and the steering committee recognizes that by supporting these volunteer programs, they are supporting home rebuilding for these destroyed communities. Local Lions are now in a position to better assess the needs of the community and work side by side with those larger entities- government agencies, board of education, and universities- that have stronger footholds in the rebuilding efforts.

Recent projects include medical equipment support for a free medical clinic and an ophthalmology clinic serving evacuees and a transport van and two shower trailers for an organization that coordinates volunteers for large-scale and long-term reconstruction projects.

Club twinning and Lions volunteers have played an important role in relief efforts in the past two years. Press release information can be found here. Lions who wish to find out more about continued efforts and opportunities should contact the Hurricane Katrina steering committee.