Jewish Federation sets up Colorado flood fund

SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — The Jewish Federation of San Diego County (Federation) has launched the Colorado Flood Relief Fund to help organizations and individuals impacted by the devastating floods in Boulder County and Northern Colorado.   One-hundred percent of all donations to the Colorado Flood Relief Fund will go directly to those affected, both Jewish and non-Jewish. There will be no administrative fees taken out of these funds. As of September 16, the Colorado Office of Emergency Management says that 17,494 homes are damaged and 1,502 homes are destroyed. An estimated 30-40% of the population in Boulder and surrounding areas has some level of damage to their homes. Additionally, we are hearing devastating stories of folks who lost everything in the flooding.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Colorado,” said Federation President and CEO Michael Sonduck. “We are working closely with the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado and will do whatever we can to help those in the Jewish and general communities who are suffering.”

Federation opened the Colorado Flood Relief Fund on Monday. Subsequently, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) opened a national fund and immediately allocated an emergency grant of $50,000 to assist local families and organizations. In Colorado NECHAMA, the Jewish response to disaster, reached out to us to offer support. NECHAMA provides direct cleanup assistance free of charge such as interior and exterior storm debris removal following large-scale natural disasters. This assistance is available to all and they prioritize low-income individuals and families as well as those with medical needs, young children and elderly residents. NECHAMA representatives are on the ground right now assessing the situation.

The outpouring of care and support in the midst of this natural disaster has been touching. It shows that when Klal Yisroel (the Jewish community) is in need, the Jewish community steps up to help. Federation will continue to closely monitor the situation. Our Jewish community responds quickly to crisis.  Please join us today to demonstrate our solidarity and support for all those in need in Colorado. Through our crisis relief structure, Federation has established an easy way for our community to help.

To donate to the 2013 Colorado Flood Relief Fund, please go to http://bit.ly/sdcolorado

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Preceding provided by Jewish Federation of San Diego County