In response to Hurricane Katrina, which struck Alabama on August 29, 2005, Governor Riley signed a proclamation authorizing the establishment of “The Alabama Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund,” (The Fund) and a State oversight committee.  In addition to extensive loss of property and livelihood suffered by Alabamians, tens of thousands of evacuees from Mississippi and Louisiana entered the state for short-term shelter.  Many of the evacuees have chosen to reside in Alabama on an interim or long-term basis.  The Governor’s proclamation provides for an oversight committee to be responsible for providing direction in the operation of The Fund.

The Fund was created to operate on a year-round basis to help residents of Alabama (current residents and evacuees), local businesses and non-profit organizations with recovery costs that are projected to exceed the coverage provided by insurance, government funding and relief organizations. These costs must be a direct result of a wide spread disaster or emergency.  These hardship expenses are termed “Unmet Needs.”

The focus of funding is to provide assistance to individuals and organizations who have exhausted all other avenues of relief such as FEMA, Red Cross, Salvation Army, other federal, state, and local government relief programs and any other disaster relief programs.

If you would like to make a donation to the Alabama Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund, or for Hurricane Katrina please click the link below: