New York – As its hurricane-relief donations approach the $1 billion mark, more than double all other charities combined, the American Red Cross is encountering criticism of its efforts and pressure to share funds with smaller groups.
The complaints – that Red Cross operations were chaotic in some places, inequitable in others – have stung deeply within an organization that is proud of its overall response to Hurricane Katrina, the most devastating natural disaster it has confronted on U.S. soil.
“It’s frustrating to our thousands of volunteers out there every day, away from their families, helping people,” said spokeswoman Devorah Goldburg. “We never said we were perfect. We’re trying to do our best under extraordinary circumstances.”
The frustration stems partly from the fact that the Red Cross has worked to avoid a recurrence of the fundraising controversy that flared after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Then, the Red Cross raised about $1.1 billion – its record so far for a single disaster – but the organization was assailed when donors belatedly learned that $200 million of their gifts were being earmarked to prepare for future crises rather than to help victims. Red Cross president Bernadine Healy resigned, the money was shifted back to the Sept. 11 Liberty Fund, and the organization promised greater accountability in future campaigns.
The Red Cross estimates it will need $2 billion to finance Katrina-related emergency services. Even if the goal is reached, Goldburg said, any policy change that would allow it to support long-term recovery would have to be authorized by the group’s board of governors.
Paul Light, a professor of public service at New York University, said he has been impressed with the Red Cross’ adjustments after Sept. 11 and its emergency response to Katrina.
But he is among numerous experts and activists who believe Katrina’s impact is so severe that the Red Cross should depart from tradition and help finance the long-term recovery.
“A lot of small nonprofits in the Gulf Coast are staring at deficits and will be hoping for partnerships,” he said. “The Red Cross would be wise to invest in them.”
