Hurricane Harvey Response: At 2-Month Mark, Red Cross Estimates More than Half of $429 Million Raised Has Been Spent

$229 million in Direct Financial Assistance Authorized to 573,000 Households

$45 Million in Estimated Expenses to Shelter, Feed and Care for Thousands

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Nov 02, 2017, 17:22 ET

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to Hurricane Harvey, the largest flooding disaster in recent history, the American Red Cross estimates it has spent more money on more people in a shorter time period than in any response since Hurricane Katrina. The Red Cross is also releasing detailed reports on how the money is being spent, achieving the highest level of transparency that we are aware of. A breakdown can be found in our one-month report.

Now that the emergency phase of our response has been completed, we are focused on long-term recovery programs to get people back on their feet and assist with unmet needs in the community. We will continue to work with local and state partners on these efforts and appreciate the tremendous leadership of Governor Greg Abbott in helping his state recover.

Our specific commitment to the people of Texas affected by Harvey includes:

As of October 31, the Red Cross has raised $429 million in donations and pledges to help people affected by Hurricane Harvey. 91 cents of every dollar we receive for Hurricane Harvey will be spent to help people affected by Hurricane Harvey.
As of October 31, the Red Cross has authorized $400 to more than 573,000 households severely affected by Hurricane Harvey. That's more than $229 million in direct financial assistance, and applications continue to be processed.
In addition, the Red Cross is spending an estimated $45 million on sheltering, meals, relief supplies, health and mental heath services.
Along with our partners, the Red Cross has provided more than 435,000 overnight shelter stays and served more than 4.5 million meals and snacks in Texas and Louisiana.
Red Cross volunteers have provided more than 127,200 mental health and health services to support and care for people in Texas and Louisiana.
We've also distributed more than 1.6 million relief items like diapers, bug spray, cleaning supplies, coolers, and comfort kits containing deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items, in Texas and Louisiana.

The Red Cross is committed to being a part of the long-term recovery effort in Texas. Because of the incredible generosity of our donors, remaining funds will be committed to support efforts across the impacted areas on top of the millions already distributed directly to those in need. The next phase of Red Cross assistance will focus on additional recovery support for people whose homes were destroyed or suffered major damage and need extra help. The Red Cross will also ensure funds are available to support community based long-term recovery efforts.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

SOURCE American Red Cross