United Way Establishes Mexico Earthquake Recovery Fund to Support Mid- and Long-term Needs

United Way Irma & Maria Recovery Fund to support local communities in the Southeast U.S. and Caribbean

Alexandria, VA (September 29, 2017) – United Way Worldwide today announced it has created the Mexico Earthquake Recovery Fund to support communities in Mexico affected by the recent earthquakes across the country. The fund will help Fondo Unido México, and their trusted partners, meet earthquake-related needs and support mid- and long-term recovery throughout the affected region.

“We’re launching this fund as part of United Way’s ongoing work to support community rebuilding, a role we play after the work of first responders is complete,” said United Way Worldwide International President José Pedro Ferrão. “Our job right now is to lay the groundwork for the region’s long-term recovery, which is expected to take several years.”

Earlier this month United Way also launched the Irma Recovery Fund, which is now expanded to support those impacted by Hurricane Maria.  United Way’s Irma/Maria Recovery Fund will support local communities in the Southeast U.S. and Caribbean affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. In August, United Way also established the Harvey Recovery Fund to support those impacted by that storm in Texas and Louisiana.

“We are extremely grateful to all those who have donated and continue to donate to these funds which so many people are relying on to get their lives back on track,” added Ferrão.

United Ways in the affected areas will continue to raise money locally and respond to emerging needs as appropriate for their community.  The Mexico Earthquake Recovery Fund and the Irma/Maria Recovery Fund will complement those efforts and provide a single clearinghouse for individual and corporate donors who want to support affected areas. One hundred percent of donations to both funds will be distributed through local United Ways in the region, and the total amount of money raised will be reported on United Way Worldwide’s website.

United Way has a history of serving as the cornerstone for long-term recovery after natural disasters including Hurricane Katrina, as well as flooding in Tamil Nadu, India. The Mexico Earthquake Recovery Fund and the Irma/Maria Recovery Fund are just one more way the organization will continue the fight for every person in every community.

To donate or volunteer, please go to www.unitedway.org.

About United Way Worldwide

United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Supported by 2.8 million volunteers, 9.8 million donors worldwide and $4.7 billion raised every year, United Way is the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit. We’re engaged in 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide to create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our communities. United Way partners include global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, government, civic and faith-based organizations, along with educators, labor leaders, health providers, senior citizens, students and more. For more information about United Way, please visit UnitedWay.org. Follow us on Twitter: @UnitedWay and #LiveUnited.