Special Collections For Hurricane Relief

Hurricane Disaster Relief:

October Special Collections 

Harvey, Irma, Jose, and Maria:  are the names of the recent and powerful hurricanes that have devastated small islands and major US cities. Maria, the latest Category 5 storm, began its path of destruction by pummeling the Commonwealth of Dominica, a tiny sovereign island country in the Caribbean. Two days later the slightly weakened Category 4 storm unleashed its wrath on Puerto Rico, which was still reeling from the impacts of Irma.

The relief efforts are still in progress.  The funds received allows the UUA service Committee to provide long-term recovery after a disaster — especially once many international organizations have concluded their response and moved on.

UUFP had special collections during the beginning of October for the Disaster Relief Fund. A check was sent to the UUA Service Committee (UUSC) to contribute to the relief fund.

UUFP thanks you for your thoughtful contributions as we live our UU principles to help others during their time of need.

HOW THE UUA UUSC RESPONDS TO HUMANITARIAN CRISES

UUSC responds strategically to disaster situations where human rights are threatened, focusing on the rights of marginalized and oppressed people. We work with the understanding that disasters, be they wars or hurricanes, tend to hurt most those who are already marginalized in society.

In times of disaster, our members and supporters look to us to provide leadership and an effective relief response that reflects the values underlying universal human rights, such as the equality and dignity of all people.

Because local responders are usually the first and best responders after disaster, UUSC works in close partnership with like-minded local organizations already working on the ground. Their firsthand knowledge of their communities enhances their ability to assist and support people in crisis, particularly marginalized groups, such as minorities, who are often left behind by traditional relief efforts.

After large-scale disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina and the Typhoon Haiyan in the Phippines, UUSC and the Unitarian Universalist Association launch a joint appeal for humanitarian relief donations. Together, we have directed millions of dollars of relief aid toward disaster-affected communities in the United States and around the world.

For more information, consult the UUA web page of frequently asked questions about how UUSC responds to disasters and humanitarian crises.