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These facts demonstrate that the Red Cross is truly a safety net for victims of <br /> "every day" disasters who have nowhere else to turn. The Red Cross not <br /> only offers food, clothing, and shelter to those who may have lost everything <br /> they own, but volunteer caseworkers provide crisis counseling and <br /> emotional support to help these victims get back on their feet. The Red <br /> Cross is the only organization mandated by Congress to respond to disasters <br /> and provide emergency communication to military families, and the only <br /> local nonprofit organization that meets the needs of disaster victims any time <br /> of the day, 365 days a year. Over the past 3 years, we have spent over <br /> $65,000 on immediate emergency needs for Big Island disaster victims <br /> (about $22,000 per year). <br /> Beyond the "every day" disasters that we respond to every 2-3 days, the Red <br /> Cross is preparing for and will respond to major disasters like Hurricane <br /> Katrina, that may affect the entire population of Hawaii, especially those <br /> with special needs like the elderly, frail, handicapped, and poor. According <br /> to the 2004 State of Hawaii Data Book, 15.7% of the Big Island population <br /> (about 22,000 people) is below poverty level, which is our overall target <br /> <br /> population since the entire population of the Big Island is at risk for a major <br /> disaster. State of Hawaii Data Book 2004, Table 13.19. <br /> When disasters occur, the American Red Cross will be there to support the <br /> County of Hawaii by providing families with relief assistance in time of <br /> need. The Hawaii State Chapter is requesting $25,000 from the County of <br /> Hawaii to help subsidize the financial aid we provide to Big Island disaster <br /> victims, most of whom were already living below the poverty level before <br /> disaster struck. <br /> This amount does not even begin to cover the staff and volunteer training, <br /> equipment, and support needed to respond to every day disasters, as well as <br /> educate and prepare Big Island residents for the next major disaster that is <br /> sure to come. <br /> NONPROFIT GRANT APPLICATION <br /> FISCAL YEAR 2006 - 2007 <br /> Page 4 <br /> <br />