Committee cited as ‘big name’
in Katrina relief

United Methodist News Service
A Newsweek survey ranked the United Methodist Committee on Relief sixth among “Big Names in Katrina Relief” for the amount it raised for hurricane recovery.
The committee collected some $64.5 million for hurricane relief and rehabilitation. That money is to fund long-term recovery for the next three years.
In addition, the committee has donated $7.6 million in relief supplies. United Methodist volunteers have put in thousands of hours on recovery efforts.
“UMCOR is thankful that the capacity for giving is so great,” said the Rev. Paul Dirdak, the agency’s chief executive.
The committee’s policy of using 100 percent of all designated funds for their intended programs ensures every dollar donated will go to hurricane recovery, he said. Other funding is used to provide for administrative costs.
The relief committee’s niche in long-term recovery is the day-to-day work of helping individuals and families restore their lives and recover what was lost in the disaster. By hiring and training local people to be case managers, or family advocates, the agency is able to accomplish this goal, Dirdak said.