Hurricane Katrina

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, sparing nothing in its path. From the city of New Orleans to coastal communities across several states, more than one million residents were affected in what became the largest natural disaster in U.S. history. In the days, weeks and months after the initial disaster, AmeriCares was on the ground, delivering critically needed medicines, deploying a mobile medical unit and partnering with organizations to address the urgent emergency response needs. In total, AmeriCares delivered more than $11 million in medicines, medical supplies and other relief supplies in the first year following the hurricane.

Today, the emergency is over but the need for help remains, as the work of rebuilding and reconstructing communities continues. 

Thanks to a generous outpouring of aid from people across the country, as well as our long-term corporate partners, AmeriCares has continued to support the recovery effort, addressing a variety of issues including health care, housing, volunteer support, and a range of other "unmet needs." Our comprehensive grant program, now in its second year, has not only helped survivors with their immediate needs, but has also focused on the long-term recovery efforts of the region. In total, this program will contribute $13 million to the recovery effort, in addition to the $11 million in in-kind contributions already made by AmeriCares.