Sep 5 2005
As I learn about the devastation that has been wrought by Hurricane Katrina - as I hear the anguished voices of the victims, and I see pictures of the terrible suffering and destruction - I am overcome by sadness and sympathy for all those who are affected.
I am not alone in my sadness, the entire USGBC community mourns the lives that have been lost, and grieves for the millions of people who must now try to rebuild their lives and their communities. It is not enough to grieve, however; we must also take action to help our neighbors. In the short term, the American Red Cross and dozens of other relief agencies are working to provide food, shelter, and medical care to more than half a million people, and they are in dire need of our assistance.
Please visit www.redcross.org or www.fema.gov to learn how you can help.
Many of USGBC's local chapters will also be mounting relief efforts; please contact your chapter through www.usgbc.org/chapters to find out what they may have planned or to share your own ideas for how to help. While these short term needs are critical, we must also be prepared to help over the long term. Only as the flood waters recede, and people return to what is left of their homes, will we learn the full extent of the damage.
The rebuilding effort will be a Herculean task, and the U.S. Green Building Council is committed to helping the citizens of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama restore their communities. We are currently actively exploring partnerships with a number of public and private sector organizations to coordinate a response and support the rebuilding efforts. Please check back soon to learn more about how USGBC is helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and how you can get involved.
We will never forget the lives that have been lost, and we will honor their memories as we unite to help our friends and families recover.
Rick Fedrizzi President, CEO and Founding Chairman U.S. Green Building Council