Red Cross and the military
Posted by jjt  |  October 26, 2009 5:51:26 AM

JetMec posted an interesting experience. My father, who served in WW2, hated the ARC, because of a similar experience he had way back then.

CEO concern...
Posted by ryan  |  October 8, 2009 10:20:03 AM

I see a lot of people are concerned about how much the CEO makes... first off.. he is the CEO.. the top dog.. the most powerful person in the company who receives most of the praise when the company is doing well... and is the first to get thrown under the bus when any little thing happens. For a company that makes as much as it does (Charity or not) he is not making as much money as he could be working anywhere else. Also, no one is forcing you to give, so if you don't feel its right or good or what ever... don't give, it's not that hard. Sorry if I came off a little rough, I am in the business world and I know that CEO is not an easy job in a comfy chair, and they deserve more credit.

Correction of previous post
Posted by SKC  |  October 5, 2009 6:21:15 AM

The Lions Club CEO makes way more than $100k a year. This website mistakenly posted the salary of a division manager instead of the CEO. The CEO of the Lions Club is Eberhard Wirfs and I wouldn't be surprised if he earned more than $600k a year.

I agree with mlm1963 that other non-profits are paying their CEOs comparable and higher salaries than Gail earns at the ARC. Gail could be making millions a year in the for-profit world and the ARC is lucky that this talented leader is willing to take a considerable pay cut in order to lead the Red Cross through important changes. She will spearhead initiatives that will save more money each year than her salary will ever cost.

I also agree with another post that the executive team should be limited to just a few key leaders. A talented few is better than a lot of mediocracy. I don't know if the Red Cross has the right number of exectuive leaders or not but it takes great talent to lead 35,000 employees and a million volunteers and Gail is worth every penny. That is why I donated more to the RC last year than any previous year.

Thanks!

Executive compensation.
Posted by tselliott  |  October 1, 2009 6:07:24 AM

I have no doubt the Red Cross does great work, but the executive compensation is obscene. $500000+ a year?! Are they really doing 5x the work of the Lions Club CEO? No, I don't believe so. It's craziness.

NEVER DONATE TO THE RED CROSS
Posted by Mahinda  |  September 8, 2009 5:46:16 AM

Please never donate to the Red Cross for an international disaster. They spend more money on cars for foreigners then actually helping people. Must learn not to work in areas that they know nothing about.

Red Cross and the military
Posted by JetMech  |  June 29, 2009 12:17:10 PM

I served in the Navy for 10 years. While in the persian gulf war, we were stuck on shore due to bad weather and liberty boats not able to operate. We were taken to a military shelter where the red cross was setup . They were CHARGING money for meals, to make it worse...cold meat sandwich and chips. Once again our military treated like second rate citizens. I feel sorry for our men and women over seas suffering for US!

CEO Compensation Percentage
Posted by suzeleh  |  June 8, 2009 6:12:41 AM

I just want to add a note about the CEO compensation. I see that in December 2008, mlm1963 said, "When looking at the expenses of the agency, I saw the the Red Cross CEO salary was 1% of that figure, which is very low compared to other non-profits." Actually, it's .01% of expenses: one one-hundredth of a percent of expenses, which is REALLY low percentage-wise. No, I don't work for the American Red Cross or any affiliated or similar organization. It's just that when something is off by factor of 100, I like to point that out.

Inundated with letters from American Red Cross
Posted by LMR  |  June 1, 2009 6:37:21 AM

I was constantly getting letters from the Red Cross so I started saving them to see just how often they would arrive. It turns out I was receiving a letter per week, every other one containing address labels of which I have hundreds. What a waste of money and trees! Do they believe people are going to donate 52 times a year even if the cause is good?

bad management
Posted by frankenfoamy  |  May 13, 2009 5:59:44 AM

I have volunteered for the Red Cross and my personal experience seems to be the money is the focus on everything. Blood is donated free and sold for hundreds of dollars. ( look at your hospital bill) There needs to be transparency when mistakes are made. When a regional boss is caught with her hand in the cookie jar, do they fire her? No, they transfer her. They do a lot of good but there are people making a ton of money behind the scenes.

CEO making too much
Posted by Sally  |  February 24, 2009 10:03:59 AM

This is absolutely too much money for a CEO of a CHARITY to be making. When my grandmothers house was hit by a tornado in Bethany OK, they wouldnt even give her a cup of coffee. She had no electric, gas or water. She was cold and tired. They said it was for the workers only and they were very rude to her. Charity is for the goodness of the world, not for personal gain. May God bring justice to these so called "charities"

Red Cross Management Expenses
Posted by Mo  |  January 2, 2009 6:43:48 AM

As a long time Red-Crosser, I have been so disappointed in the leadership of this organization. Although they tout a major staff reduction at their National Headquarters, there are more positions than ever there. At one time, I counted more than 20 VP and Sr. VP positions in D.C. - I've been told that a V.P. position at Red Cross earns and average of $200,000 per year - and now they have hired two more President positions - I don't think I've ever seen an organization with three presidents. Until I see more organizational discipline onthe part of the Red Cross National organization, I will only support my local chapter - where I know my donation is being used to really help those in need.

$565,000 CEO pay
Posted by JBAlaska  |  December 30, 2008 7:17:19 AM

I want to know that CEO's of large charities are motivated by human caring and not money.

Rant: No one should be entitled to such huge incomes, be they CEO or celebrity or otherwise. As a society we have to stop rewarding greed. The last place I expect to see an incredibly overpaid executive is a charitable organization. This goes for all of them, not just the Red Cross. And so what if "all the other CEO's" are overpaid (my kids used to try this line on me: "all the kids get to..."), it's still wrong. There are many fine, talented, hard-working, individuals who would perform better than money motivated ones. If the board can't find them, it's because they haven't looked or don't want to. Rant done.

Hats off to the many heroic and caring volunteers and staff who do the real work of the Red Cross. I will seek out ways to support them without contributing to overpaid executives.

volunteer work
Posted by willbrecheen  |  December 22, 2008 6:46:56 AM

I am a Red Cross volunteer and am more than happy to contribute my time and efforts to the organizations goals. Being deployed on two occasions and working in local emergency shelters, I've seen first hand the outstanding work done by volunteers and professionals. I have also responded as a member of disaster response teams assisting victims of residential fires and other disasters. It's expensive and money might not be spent wisely in all instances, but the Red Cross is the first on the scene with much needed and appreciated "first responder" services to any and all in need. The organization is not perfect, but it IS there when disasters strike.

CEO Compensation
Posted by mlm1963  |  December 9, 2008 6:39:29 AM

I used to feel the same way about the Red Cross CEO salary. But after some research and a reality check I came to the conclusion that the amount is appropriate. First of all I compared CEO salaries of other large non-profits. The American Heart Association ($732,230) and American Cancer Society ($619,551) and found the similarity. When looking at the expenses of the agency, I saw the the Red Cross CEO salary was 1% of that figure, which is very low compared to other non-profits. It is crucial that an orginazation like the Red Cross attract a CEO candidate with the expertise, experience and talents that are essential for this difficult position. When looking at the top for profit CEO salaries I found they ranged between 10 million and 29million a year. I'm now comfortable in donating to this fine organization.

ARC President & CEO Compensation
Posted by James  |  December 8, 2008 6:42:09 AM

I find it hard to write a check to a charitable organization whose president is pulling down over half a million bucks a year.

This is merely an unplanned detour for the ARC
Posted by NancyT  |  December 4, 2008 6:42:03 AM

The ARC will find its way back to the 4-star highway in time. The past 8 years have been unusually fraught with one megadisaster after another. Then there is the matter of the economic turmoil and resultant recession. It's an established fact that those who have less give more than those who are well-off. Yet middle-class citizens, with much emotional pain and suffering, have found that decreasing their charitable contributions is simply unavoidable. The ARC, compassionate and helpful as it is, has simply been overwhelmed by the events of the last 8 years. After all, it is run by volunteers, just regular every-day humans like you and me. But don't give up on the ARC. It will find its footing soon, and then it will achieve a 4-star rating and be as strong, compassionate, hard-working and caring as before. The ARC has been on my favorite charities list far too long for me to not give them a chance to achieve their former efficiency. I wish a Merry Christmas to everyone.

postage
Posted by bjwalters  |  December 3, 2008 6:43:54 AM

People who are willing to give to a charity are usually willing to pay their own postage. I have received many solicitations with first class stamps on the return envelope. That means The Red Cross has paid the postage and it is wasted if it is not used. I'm sure much of that money goes into the garbage or paper recycle bin. Would it not be better to let the donor pay the postage and save the money for those in need?

red cross cutting services
Posted by tocoff3@aol.com  |  November 25, 2008 8:44:34 AM

I have been a red cross volunteer for 7 years.I am a client services supervisor and have been on 40 national disasters.We give clients emergency funds to help them in the first days of a disaster.The Red Cross is no longer going to provide this service which is one of the most inportant functions and depend on the goverment (FEMA) to do it and we all know how long it takes for them to do anything.In the mean time the clients have nothing to help them in this most stressfull time.Hundreds of our most experiance volunteers are now leaving the red cross because of this and other changes.I understand that the red cross like others are having money problems but, I feel their are other ways then cutting inportant services to clints.What will be next? do we stop feeding them and sheltering them.They have paid enployes who's job is to bring in more money.If they are not doing their job fire them and hire some one else.Our clients come first I don't care if we have to borrow or turn to the goverment for funds.Thet are bailing out everyone else.Why not help an organzation that is really helping the people.I will continue to volunteer in another function if needed but not with the same enthusium that I once had.

Always something
Posted by Elaine  |  November 17, 2008 6:42:41 AM

There will always be something for someone to criticize about how the American Red Cross fulfills its mission. There will always be a need for someone who chooses to help the American Red Cross fulfill its mission.

I have been a Disaster Action Team member for three years. I do community disaster educaton because I believe that preparedness is for everyone. I donate money because I know that it will be used to assist those in need.

I use the same perspective about how my donations as I do about taxes. I choose to believe that my tax dollars go for the programs that I think are important such as the highways I travel to see my family and friends or to cover my mother's social security check.

My donated time directly impacts individuals in need of assistance. There are other charities whose volunteers spend most of their time planning and conducting fund-raising events.

I live in a county where one of the most successful charitable fund-raising organizations continues to surpass their previous total. They send millions of dollars from our community to a national organization which ranks much below the American Red Cross on Charity Navigator. I sometimes wonder what would happen if Red Cross volunteers did nothing more than raise money. We might feel self-satisfaction when we added up the donations but the people in our communities who experience a disaster would not have someone to help them with their immediate, disaster-affected needs.

ARC is really hundreds of small chapters
Posted by Jennifer  |  November 6, 2008 7:11:47 AM

There are over 700 chapters of the American Red Cross. They pay the National Organization for the privilege of being a chapter. They do not receive federal funding, and depend on funding from their communities. They respond 24/7 to disasters, from the single family fire to large-scale events. Everything they give to victims, including hours and hours of time, is free. If you are in doubt about donating to the National Red Cross, look up your local chapter and donate there. They need it. And you may need them sometime.

All I Know Is
Posted by 1heart  |  October 21, 2008 5:48:51 AM

I live in Paradise,CA. In June,08, almost the entire town of Paradise had to be evacuated due to a fire, including me. We have had many,many fires in N.CA. All I know is that when I was evacuated, the CEO of our local Red Cross, whom I had never met before, she is the person who made me feel comfortable and safe. She let me sleep outside,gave me blankets, and her business card, which I didn't read til the next day, because it was dark when we finally reached the evacuation site, in case someone had a problem with my sleeping outside, and even left me her Red Cross vest. I have gotten to spend some time with this woman, and gotten to know her personally. All I know is I feel she is my guardian angel. I never thought they existed. She made me feel safe, which was no small feat. All I can say is that I see how committed she is to The Red Cross. I met her husband too, who is a Red Cross voulunteer. I can't speak for all Red Cross people, but I feel very honored to have met them both,and continue to feel that way. Until you are actually evacuated, you only will know The Red Cross by name only. This woman wasn't even supposed to be working, but her and her husband came down to help out. They don't even live in this area, but further out. I've lived through earthquakes, blizzards, and even a hurricane, but living through a fire is truly terrifying. I saw the goodness in people in this town, probably for the first time. Everyone pulled together, including The Red Cross. Say what you will, but I saw it close up.

Who is American Red Cross?
Posted by ARCVOLUNTEER  |  October 8, 2008 5:33:52 AM

I am American Red Cross. I am your woman next door, your mom, your grandma, your friend. You see me leave the house in the middle of the night. You see me gone for weeks at a time. Sometimes I can only bath in a sink and sleep on a floor. And feel lucky to have that when I see that you lost your home. I leave my family, my friends, my pets and my grandkids so I can go help you. I do it for free.I do it because I love you. I do it because I work with this organization every single day , I just dont get paid with money. I get paid by you. when you have a small child who needs a blanket I get paid. when you have no food or a place to sleep and public donations allows me to help you, I get paid. when I sleep well at night, knowing I did good that day and helped as many as I could, I get paid. Unfortunatly I can not get paid if my chapter doesnt have the money to send me to help you. I dont have the money to help you but I do have the love and the time my family gives up to help you. I cant pay for my own training to help you. I cant pay for my own transportation to help you. But I am able to give you the most valuable asset I have. I can give you me. And I get paid way better than the CEO.I get paid with your smile.

Red Cross Dilemna
Posted by La Jolla local  |  September 29, 2008 6:18:50 AM

Where ARC spends their money is not necessarily their decision to make. Int'l Red Cross dictates. That is why this charity has wildly exaggerated overhead; probably the biggest of any on the planet.

Do charity need a CEO
Posted by Rebeca99  |  August 8, 2008 5:59:53 AM

It's really confusing why a non-profit charity org need CEO (maybe there a CFO behind, lol). And the salary of those CEOs are so high. Will they go to NASDAQ someday?

Disallusioned
Posted by Robin  |  August 7, 2008 11:43:19 AM

After 9/11 the ARC lost my respect when they got caught directly lying to the public asking for fundings for victims, when they'd already collected enough to fund that project and planned to divert all additional revenue elsewhere.

It's not that the money wouldn't eventually go to a good cause, but they lied.

My bigger concern is that the ARC risks lives with their management of much of the countries blood supply, as a major source of income for the organization. I'm just glad when the time came for me to need blood, I was fell under the jurisdiction of the Flood Blood Centers.

I don't doubt that the Red Cross does a lot of good for many people, but they have developed the corporate mentality of profits at any costs. The only is as a non-profit the money goes to programs rather than stockholders.

I will say that I have no doubt that the volunteers and most of the local employees who deal with the public truly believe in the charities original mission.

# of Chapters Needs to be Corrected
Posted by Witchy1  |  July 3, 2008 6:33:50 AM

Concerning the 94% towards program, I believe that is a fairly good estimate. When considering that volunteers do everything from emptying the garbage to teaching classes and responding to disasters 24 hours a day, looking at office staff salary in comparison to budget allotment is very misleading. Take the salary $ and divide for staff, then include the +100 volunteers and add their hours, and you will get approximately 94%.

Concerning ARC not being in communities after Katrina, people should know ARC does not set up shelters where the local governments will not allow them. ARC advocated with local governments repeatedly, but were told they could not establish services, ostencibly because the community did not want to attract great numbers of people in need.

Additionally, concerning ARC providing services now post-Katrina, ARC is not a long-term service organization; they provide immediate relief at the time the disaster occurs. That is their mission, and not long-lived sustainability of communities.

The mission page stated there are more than 750 Chapters, but that number has significantly decreased. Due to local chapters being unable to support themselves, many are forced into forfiture to the larger regional offices. This is in no small part to the monthly "assessment fee" (interpret franchise). I am confident there are less than 500 local chapters at this time. This arrangment has both good and bad consequences.

ARC has its faults, but I still see it as a worthy charity with many generous services, and is operated by volunteers, but I wouldn't say they run it.

ARC "94%" is misleading
Posted by Mike  |  May 21, 2008 6:19:45 AM

Martin (April 28th below) is right.

I was an award-winning disaster volunteer, DAT responder, disaster instructor, and eventually a member of the board of the local ARC chapter. For years we quoted that "94%" number.

Then about ten years ago some of us looked at the books and realized that well under 10% of our local budget went to local disasters. Huge amounts of office and management overhead were being misreported to national as disaster relief.

ARC has rules about these reports, so we complained. Suits flew in from regional and national, praised the chapter director, and kicked out us complaining board members.

From what we've heard since from other chapters this is quite common. ARC national has rules which are supposed to make the "94%" figure trustworthy, but I suspect that any chapter director who reported the true figures wouldn't keep his job for long.

Almost every disaster I worked on the food was donated by Salvation Army or St Vincent De Paul, but served by smiling ARC volunteers. ARC never paid for shelter facilities either.

Some financial assistance was given to clients via "disbursing orders", and some money went to hotel rooms for ARC volunteers, but most of the funds raised seem to go to overhead.

Clarification
Posted by gbhatnag  |  May 16, 2008 1:30:53 PM

In the first line of my last post, I mistakenly mentioned "Fundraising Efficiency" -- that should actually be "Program Expenses".

Additionally, in reviewing Martin's post, I was wondering if Martin could expound on the statement: "after allocating as much OH as possible away from G&A and FR costs (a subjective process fraught with abuse) ..." or, provide a reference to information regarding how the RC allocates funds.

Thanks.

Where to donate?
Posted by gbhatnag  |  May 16, 2008 12:54:30 PM

@Martin: The 94 cents piece of information ("Fundraising Efficiency") is a major one in differentiating between various aid organizations on this site. Given that organizations can fudge this number, what do we really have to go on? How can we effectively decide which organizations to donate to? Your post seems to imply that smaller, more local, less centralized organizations are better to donate to. Specifically for the recent international disasters in Myanmar and China, where should we be donating? Finding organizations local to those areas is difficult, getting money directly to them may take a significant amount of time and judging how they use those funds is more difficult than American organizations (given sites like this have access to their tax records; major news about the organizations are covered nationally; etc.).

So, this is a very complex question, but where do we decide where to put our money?

I'm new to Charity Navigator, so please forgive me if the answer to this question is out there somewhere. A link would be greatly appreciated if so.

Thanks.

How Red Cross disaster dollars are spent
Posted by Martin  |  April 28, 2008 12:45:03 PM

In response to Philip Renaud's comment that "approximately 94 cents of every donated dollar goes to the American people in need whom we serve."

A misleading statement at best.

How it really works: after allocating as much OH as possible away from G&A and FR costs (a subjective process fraught with abuse), the remaining expenses --- 94% in the case of the Red Cross --- are deemed to be for "mission". However, this does not mean that disaster victims receive these dollars. Far from it.

The sad reality is that with most chapters, somewhere between 50% and 70% of "disaster expenses" go to build the delivery system for direct financial assistance --- in other words, pay the salaries of staff who administer the programs, and to pay a heavy "tax" to the national organization for their "advice" and policy enforcement.

I admire the goals of the Red Cross, but like all giant bureaucracies, its effectiveness is low. This organization, which was once very decentralized, has become increasingly centralized over the past 20 years, with predictable effect. It was once a very nimble grassroots organization with chapters empowered to do whatever local boards felt was best for local communities. Most local chapters are frustrated and even bitter about the result, and those that are not should be.

Now, in the name of "efficiencies" and being "one Red Cross", it is far more centralized and cumbersome. Its performance in Katrina was characteristic of an organization that was looking to its headquarters in Washington DC, trying to abide by thousands of pages of policies and procedures instead of acting decisively on the spot.

The Red Cross will always have a local disaster relief mission (e.g. house fires), but mega-disasters like Katrina will be increasingly run by FEMA, to whom Red Cross will be subordinate. Donors will be better off giving to religious organizations which act far more spontaneously and hence more effectively, IMHO.

funding
Posted by rel house  |  April 25, 2008 5:39:37 AM

As all the acheivements that the ARC has made is true... it is in fact incorrect to say that it is run and funded by the American people. THe government elects people to be placed on the operating committee and tells the American Red Cross what the money has to go to and how much. So in conclusion, the gov runs the ARC and the people have little say or knowledge on the governments role in this charity.

CEO Statement
Posted by Jenn Carlson  |  March 11, 2008 1:56:27 PM

The turnover of the Red Cross CEO is likely unreflected in the ratings because there is no other organization that does what the Red Cross does for its communities--the Red Cross it is run, led, and financed BY its communities across America. One or a few people should not tarnish the wonderful work done by the American Red Cross--which is run by the American people. I encourage you to visit redcross.org to learn more about the mission of the Red Cross--a non-profit organization that is 95% volunteer run, led and financed by people in the communities across America.

If you lived it, you would know
Posted by Jenn Carlson  |  March 11, 2008 1:56:22 PM

Please know the American Red Cross, and all of its Chapters worldwide, are 95% VOLUNTEER RUN AND LED.

Many families in need have been serviced over the years by the Red Cross who have later become volunteers, and are ENORMOUSLY GRATEFUL for the assistance they have received.

Complaints about American Red Cross Disaster Services are not complaints about the Red Cross, but rather, a complaints about the community, because Chapters are led and funded BY PEOPLE IN OUR SHARED COMMUNITIES.

The Red Cross is a non-profit organization--its mission being to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. This is a very difficult for an organization run and led by volunteers--COURAGEOUS in fact... :)

I challenge those who have posted negative comments to reconsider their statements, and instead understand that there IS NO OTHER ORGANIZATION LIKE THE AMERICAN RED CROSS. At times when our government COULD NOT BE THERE for our communities, it was the Red Cross who WAS there. The National Response Plan names the Red Cross to feed and shelter for at least thirty days communities affected by disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. I was there, in the Cajun Dome during Hurricane Katrina, and I can tell you that there WAS NO FEMA for the first eight days--only the Red Cross leading and and local organizations helping, such as the Salvation Army, Southern Baptists, other local church organizations and police. The National Guard, who was in Iraq, could not arrive until three days later.

Before folks are so willing to say negative things about an organization, I would hope they would take the time to stop and learn about all of the wonderful things that it has accomplished. Be part of our Disaster Services Teams worldwide, and join us! Responding to disasters STARTS WITH ALL OF US. All Disaster Services training is offered FREE by your local Chapter. To find your local Chapter, visit redcross.org and enter your zip code.

We are you, join us~!

American Red Cross
Posted by Philip Renaud  |  February 25, 2008 7:22:30 AM

After being introduced to the RC at a fundraising event, I decided to join their Disaster Action Team "DAT". After the apporpriate training: Mission Introduction, CPR/AED, Client Case Work, Mental Health Training, and ect. I became part of a volunteer base who respond 24/7 to local emergencies - predominately home fires. What I saw were families who had little to begin with and who were now standing on the street with nothing. The RC arrived to provide shelter, food, clothing, counseling by volunteer licensed Mental Health workers, and whatever else the clients were in immediate need of. These services were only possible due to the volunteers and the generosity of the American Public. My mind will never forget the face on the terrified young child who smiled when a RC volunteer gave them a teddy bear to take care of, or the man who said to the RC, "I don't know what I would have done without you." The RC exists through the use of volunteers and donated dollars. Without either the life saving mission would not be possible. Because of the reliance on volunteers, expenses can be kept to a minimum and as stated by Charity Navigator approximately 94 cents of every donated dollar goes to the American people in need whom we serve. It pains me deeply to read how someone who had a bad experience and feels the RC has no value - when it is only the health and safety of our neighbors who will suffer if there were no RC. No one and no organization can be perfect. The reality is that due to the RC thousands of Americans are trained with life saving skills, children are taught leadership skills, victims of disaster are given relief,our blood supply is kept safe and in supply, families are reunited through tracing, military members are given the opportunity to be with their family during a family crisis. The mission is great and the need is great. So remember the person who said "I don't know what I would have done without you" to the American Red Cross

Katrina and Oregon
Posted by Annie  |  February 21, 2008 6:47:31 AM

After spending hours finding volunteers, paying for supplies, food etc at a Shelter in Portland, Oregon for incoming survivors when no one showed up and the ones that did later were turned down for help. My husband and I took in four families and opened our home and pocketbook up for these people. Some needed major medical help and just the basics. When trying to work through all the paperwork, red tape and horrible customer service from the Red Cross, nothing was done and then received help from the Columbia-Willamette Goodwill job bank we got clothing, rental homes and jobs for these people. I was a very long term volunteer and supporter of the Red Cross, I even volunteered a month of my life after 911 in New York. I am truly disappointed and will never give any money or time to an organization that wastes money and accidentally forgets about what their mission is all about.

past experience
Posted by julietcooks  |  February 15, 2008 8:55:02 AM

As a volunteer at a local church after Katrina and Rita we could not receive any assistance from the Red Cross since we were not a Red Cross shelter. We did however receive donations from all over the country and were glad to help in any way possible.

Pt 5 - Red Cross & Katrina Recovery
Posted by Brotha Lukata  |  January 22, 2008 6:44:39 AM

After hearing their stories, she agreed to meet with MDRC members every two weeks until their applications had been processed and to arrange a meeting between them and American Red Cross officials from the head office in Washington, DC to hear their concerns.

The American Red Cross website describes the Means To Recovery Program in the following way: “where a case manager sees an unmet client need within the recovery plan, consideration may be granted to use resources from the Means To Recovery Initiative”. A full description of the disaster recovery services offered by the American Red Cross can be found on their website at www.redcross.org/services/disaster.

The meeting with American Red Cross’ regional office happened as result of the on going community organizing work initiated by MDRC members. Members have held demonstrations in front of the ARC’s Jackson headquarters for the past year.

Katrina Recovery & Red Cross _ pt 4
Posted by Brotha Lukata  |  January 22, 2008 6:44:22 AM

Jackson, MS - Part 3

In December of 2007, about 40 Members of MDRC met with Johnson to share stories of waiting for months, and in several cases over a year, for a response from the American Red Cross, regarding their application for assistance. Financial assistance could be requested for things like medical bills, automobile repairs and furniture. Only two people in attendance at the meeting had received assistance through this program. The remaining families are still waiting for a response or have been denied assistance.

The group also cited incidents of racial discrimination and insensitivity on the part of case workers who were assigned to their cases. “Just because we lost everything in the storm does not give them the right to treat us without dignity and respect,” said Wilma Taylor, MDRC organizer.

Johnson initially said that the program was ending in Jackson because the organization decided to spend the remaining funds in South Mississippi and the Gulf Coast region. She acknowledged problems with the administration of the program in Jackson and agreed to work with Katrina survivors in Jackson who had not received adequate assistance for the program.

“One of the big mistakes that we made was that we did not put enough case workers in Jackson,” Johnson admitted to the group. In addition to their Jackson office, American Red Cross contracted with groups such as Catholic Charities to administer the program.

After hearing their stories, she agreed to meet with MDRC members every two weeks until their applications had been processed and to arrange a meeting between them and American Red Cross officials from the head office in Washington, DC to hear their concerns.

The American Red Cross website describes the Means To Recovery Program in the following way: “where a case manager sees an unmet client need within the recovery plan, consideration may be granted to use resources from the Means To Recovery Initiative”.

Red Cross & Katrina Recovery
Posted by Brotha Lukata  |  January 22, 2008 6:42:49 AM

Jackson, MS-- After promising to work with Hurricane Katrina Survivor’s to resolve their issues with the American Red Cross’ Means To Recovery Program, Marguerite Johnson, Administrator of the Hurricane Recovery Program, resigned from her position at the American Red Cross’ regional office in Alabama. Members of the MS Disaster Relief Coalition learned of Johnson’s resignation from a local caseworker and were told that their applications would not be processed.

Members of MDRC are requesting that the American Red Cross explain the end of the Jackson Means To Recovery Program in a written document. They are also requesting a meeting with Congressman Thompson to ask for a Congressional review of American Red Cross expenditures as a charitable organization.

To add insult to injury for these storm survivors, Governor Haley Barbour has pledged millions of dollars in federal Hurricane Katrina relief money to help fight crime in Hinds County and Jackson. Although the American Red Cross funds are not tied to federal funds, it appears that both the state government and one of the largest non profit relief organizations in the world continue to ignore on-going needs of Hurricane Katrina survivors on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and within other areas of the state that survivors now reside.

Derrick Johnson, President of the MS State Conference NAACP, says that this is the reason that the organization fought so hard during the last two years to pass an Hurricane Katrina Oversight in the state legislature. “This bill would’ve have made sure that communities impacted by Hurricane Katrina had a voice in the distribution of federal funds designed to help people to rebuild their lives,” said Johnson

In December of 2007, about 40 Members of MDRC met with Johnson to share stories of waiting for months, and in several cases over a year, for a response from the American Red Cross, regarding their application for assistance. Financial assistance could be requested for

Repeated CEO turnover seems unreflected in rating
Posted by Mellisa  |  January 3, 2008 12:16:57 PM

I was surprised to see American Red Cross receive this "best of" rating given the repeated turnover of their CEO. Does qualitative evaluation of management factor into the ratings? If so, how? Thanks.