Disaster Response | Stories and Results

A year has passed since the historically destructive series of hurricanes devastated the Gulf Coast of the United States. Hundreds of thousands of lives were forever changed; young and elderly alike were displaced from their homes, and the physical infrastructure and economic vitality of the region were all but vanquished.

Despite the inestimable destruction, United Way is, has been, and will continue to be on the ground serving the affected communities and offering long-term support to those in need. By supporting communities’ most pressing needs over the long haul, United Way helps to rebuild lives and communities.

2005 United Way Disaster Response Fund

Read how the funds have been used to date.

2-1-1 Call Centers: Stories From the Hurricanes

Read about how 2-1-1 connected those affected by Katrina and Rita with immediate relief and long-term help.

Read Their Stories

Read the stories of real people affected by hurricane destruction and discover how they were able to find help from kind hearts across the nation.

Relief
Lenore found the resources she needed by simply dialing 2-1-1. more

Recovery
Bobby and his pregnant wife Tinnesha began to recover their lives after losing everything to Katrina. more

Rebuilding
Storm Corps helped Mary to rebuild her home and her life. more

Do you have a story to share? Go to "After the Hurricanes" blog.

Storm Corps

In March of 2006, United Way of America and Think MTV created an opportunity for young people to spend their spring break helping rebuild the Gulf Coast. Known as Storm Corps, almost 100 young people were selected from among 2,000 applicants to spend a week removing debris from the yards, repairing porches, building/repairing child care centers, and rebuilding a youth recreation center in the hurricane-devastated Gulf Coast. In just one week, those energetic young people accomplished the following:

6 homes were readied for mold remediation.
7 roofs were replaced.
A 9,000 square feet lot was cleared for construction of a new child care center.
40 feet of fence was replaced at a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
Playgrounds were refurbished at child care centers.

Upon returning to their own communities, participants continued their volunteer efforts at home, The program was so successful that it has become an annual event. Known as Alternative Spring Break (ASB). In 2007, 1,000 young people will be recruited to continue rebuilding in the Gulf Coast.

Local United Way Efforts

United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast

United Way of Greater New Orleans