HOPE Coalition America the financial disaster preparedness and recovery division of Operation HOPE has provided guidance after 100 disasters in last 12 years
Washington, DC – November 26, 2013 – Operation HOPE (HOPE) and its financial preparedness and disaster recovery division, HOPE Coalition America (HCA) shared details around the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American Red Cross announced during the HOPE Global Financial Dignity Summit in Atlanta on November 14th.
The agreement provides for an expanded partnership between the two organizations. Included in this agreement is a shared commitment to ensure effective and inclusive service delivery to help Americans prepare for and recover from disaster through pre-disaster planning and client access to financial support services following a disaster.
“When disaster strikes, HOPE Coalition America will join the American Red Cross to provide financial recovery services to individuals and families, said President HOPE Coalition America Fred D. Smith. We are honored and pleased with this new agreement to jointly provide guidance on pre-disaster preparation and recovery to those affected in a disaster.”
HCA will provide trained volunteers from the financial services industry and HOPE employees. These individuals will, among other things, conduct training to community-based groups including employees of large corporate and government organizations. The objective is to encourage and energize individuals to take actions before a disaster or emergency that will allow them to recover with limited assistance from “first responders.” In addition, Operation HOPE and the Red Cross will engage in community preparedness events. Both organizations agree to support each other’s efforts in identifying appropriate mechanisms for volunteer training and engagements.
“Operation HOPE has been a valuable partner supporting the Red Cross mission and we’re pleased to continue our joint work through this new agreement,” said Richard Reed, senior vice president of Disaster Cycle Services for the American Red Cross. “Our combined efforts will help communities be better prepared and expand access to financial support services after large disasters.”
