Local Red Cross Disaster Budget Depleted

Need for services at record levels; Chapter resources stretched to the brink

DETROIT, July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- On a national disaster level, the American Red Cross - Southeastern Michigan Chapter is playing its part as it always has, currently sending teams of volunteers to respond to the flood-ravaged Midwest who are providing mental health counseling, emergency transportation services, and general mass care assistance.

Here at home, however, the Chapter is facing serious financial hardship from increased expenses and declining contributions, and can use some badly- needed assistance as it struggles to meet the needs of the local community, which have never been greater in its 102-year history.

"The last thing we want to impact is our service here at home because we've always been there for our community," said Chief Executive Officer, Jim Laverty. "But the fact is, with both the number of local disasters and the cost to provide our services at an all-time high, all of our 2008 budgeted disaster monies have been spent."

Contrary to what many believe, Red Cross chapters are not government- funded and instead rely on the financial contributions of their communities for support. The Southeastern Michigan Chapter has experienced diminishing contribution levels for the past few years, and has responded by making painful but necessary reductions in staffing, programming, and compensation levels. Currently, the Chapter is dipping into its reserve account to maintain service levels in the short-term and invest in long-term, revenue-generating initiatives. But with donations down and expenses up, the Red Cross is asking for help now, and wants people to know that all donations given specifically for local Southeastern Michigan Chapter efforts are used in daily operations to help the local community.

"Whatever the disaster, the Red Cross will always be there to help. That is and will always be our focus," added Laverty.

  To make a donation, visit http://www.semredcross.org/ or call 1-877-788-0014.

  About the American Red Cross - Southeastern Michigan Chapter

The Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross is the organization that turns caring into action by providing disaster relief and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity worldwide.

CONTACT: Ronald Grant, +1-313-494-2740, grantron@usa.redcross.org, for American Red Cross - Southeastern Michigan Chapter

Web site: http://www.semredcross.org/

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