Islamic Relief USA Assists in Colorado Relief Efforts

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), a relief and development organization based in the D.C. metro area, continues to provide emergency assistance to communities in Colorado battling wildfires.

IRUSA has provided the following assistance in Fort Collins:

• Distributed clothes and food at distribution centers
• Provided homeowners with tools—such as shovels and saws—that are necessary for recovery of their properties
• Connected Colorado Muslims looking for ways to help with organizations looking for volunteers

"Unlike a tornado or hurricane that generally arrives, does its damage and then leaves the damage for the community to deal with the aftermath, wildfires can continue to grow and expand," says William Lea, manager of IRUSA's Disaster Assistance Response Team.  

Fires in Colorado have scorched more than 18,000 acres since June 23 and destroyed 346 homes in Colorado Springs, making this the most destructive fire in Colorado's history. On June 28, President Obama declared the area a disaster, allowing more federal resources to be channeled to the state.   

IRUSA is working in Colorado under the umbrella of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), the leading national nongovernmental agency presiding over disaster assistance organizations in the United States. IRUSA was accepted earlier this year as one of VOAD's 108 members. 

IRUSA has provided relief in U.S. disasters since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The organization launched a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) training program almost a year ago; since then, it has partnered extensively with FEMA and the American Red Cross in providing emergency services to areas hit by tornadoes and other weather disasters.

Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization with eight consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator. Its mission is to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy and disease regardless of color, race, gender or creed, and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. In 2011, Islamic Relief USA helped more than 5 million people in 34 countries, including the United States. In addition to its 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Islamic Relief USA is listed on the U.S. government's Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

MEDIA CONTACT: Asma Yousef, 703.582.5880, ayousef@irusa.org

SOURCE Islamic Relief USA