KOKOMO, IN / PRESS RELEASE – United Way serving Howard and Tipton Counties’ Board of Directors has announced a $36,000 grant to help fund the Disaster Cycle Services program through American Red Cross.

Donations given through the Annual Fundraising Campaign, both individually and through workplace campaigns make this grant possible. United Way donors make it possible for American Red Cross to provide relief, support and financial assistance to victims of disaster and help prevent, prepare and respond to disasters.

“The Red Cross greatly appreciates the support of the United Way of Howard and Tipton Counties,” said Vanessa Davis, American Red Cross Grant Writer. “As an organization focused on alleviating human suffering through neighbors helping neighbors, our missions are naturally aligned. Thanks to the support of the United Way and its generous donors, we can make sure that Howard and Tipton County residents are more prepared for disasters and that we will be there to help with response and recovery.”

In 2018, the Disaster Cycle Service Program provided temporary housing and financial assistance to 10 families, increased fire safety knowledge for 17 families, educated 300 youth in disaster preparedness knowledge and helped 82% of families develop a fire evacuation plan. In addition, the Red Cross recruited and trained 6 new disaster volunteers to help Howard and Tipton Counties prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency.

“We are thankful that our donors help fund the disaster cycle services program,” said Libby O’Brien, Interim Executive Director of United Way serving Howard and Tipton Counties.“Our communities have experienced multiple disaster related emergencies and we are so grateful to the American Red Cross for providing a program that helps with preventative measures and provides support to our families in a time of need.”

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