Atlanta Takes Big Steps to Combat Natural Disaster Impact
Atlanta, Georgia – In a heartening display of community spirit and generosity, the American Red Cross is broadening its vital Community Adaptation Program (CAP) into Chatham County, thanks to a generous $1 million donation from the Atlanta Gas Light Foundation. This initiative aims to tackle the ongoing challenges faced by families grappling with social inequities, particularly as they relate to natural disasters.
Why Chatham County?
So, why Chatham County? According to data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this area is more vulnerable to the impacts of natural disasters than an astounding 99% of U.S. counties! That means, for the residents here, the prospect of devastating weather events is a reality they live with constantly.
Cliff Holtz, the president and CEO of the American Red Cross, shared his insights on the pressing need for this program. “Stronger and more frequent disasters are repeatedly striking communities across the country, creating incredible suffering for families,” he expressed. Having recently visited some of the areas hard-hit by natural calamities, he mentioned, “We are grateful for Atlanta Gas Light Foundation’s generosity and partnership as we work to expand the capacity of entire communities and adapt to help people in times of dire need.”
What is the Community Adaptation Program?
The Community Adaptation Program isn’t just another initiative; it’s a multi-year commitment designed to support communities that are both socially and geographically vulnerable. CAP partners with trusted local organizations specializing in health, hunger, and housing, striving to enhance resources for families in need.
Pedro Cherry, president and CEO of Atlanta Gas Light, emphasized their commitment to the community: “When conditions are at their worst, our employees at Atlanta Gas Light are at their best,” he said. “We believe in giving back to the communities where our employees live, work, and serve.” This philosophy aligns perfectly with the mission of the CAP.
A Collaborative Effort
The program aims to build the capacity, capability, and business continuity of nonprofit organizations in Chatham County. Through collaboration and shared resources, these organizations will work hand-in-hand with the Red Cross before, during, and after disasters. Doing so will help mitigate disaster-caused poverty, greatly supporting the area’s most vulnerable populations.
In fact, the Red Cross has already seen significant success with the Community Adaptation Program. Previously operating in 17 other counties across the nation and partnering with over 200 local organizations, they have committed more than $10 million to resilience projects. This support has positively impacted around 100,000 households and reached 300,000 people. Imagine the ripple effect such initiatives could have on communities!
The Road Ahead
With plans to extend the program to more counties in Georgia over the coming years, it’s exciting to think how the lessons learned from the initial CAP communities will be put into action. “We are proud to champion efforts that drive meaningful and sustainable change across Georgia,” said Serena Levy, president of the Atlanta Gas Light Foundation. ”This initiative combines long-term vision with local expertise.”
The partnership between the Red Cross and organizations like Atlanta Gas Light aims to enhance community resilience and provide help where it’s needed the most. As Mother Nature continues to throw unpredictable challenges at our communities, having programs like this one will play a key role in ensuring that communities are not only ready to respond but also to recover.
As we look towards the future and the promise of this collaboration, one thing is clear: the spirit of community and support is alive and well in Atlanta. Together, we can tackle the challenges posed by natural disasters and create a safer, more resilient future for all.
