PRESS RELEASE: AARP Alabama Announces Relief Funding from AARP Foundation to Support Victims of Hurricane Ida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 1, 2021

CONTACT:
Jamie Harding, 205-470-1265, JHarding@aarp.org, @jhardingAL

AARP Alabama Announces Relief Funding from AARP Foundation to Support Victims of Hurricane Ida

Mobile, Ala.—Today, AARP Alabama announced new disaster relief funding from AARP Foundation to support victims of Hurricane Ida. The $150,000 grant will be given to United Way of Southwest Alabama to provide direct assistance to those in need in Lower Alabama. This includes services for older adults directly impacted by hurricane-related flooding and property damage. The funding is part of 10 grants from AARP Foundation totaling $2 million to organizations in the hardest hit states along the Gulf and East Coasts.

“For older adults affected by disasters, the rebuilding and recovery process is a long one, especially for vulnerable residents who were already experiencing hardships,” said AARP Foundation President Lisa Marsh Ryerson. “AARP Foundation is proud to support AARP Alabama and community-based organizations directly making a difference for older adults with low income as they get back on their feet in the wake of Hurricane Ida.”

More than two months after Hurricane Ida made landfall along the Gulf Coast, with 150 mph winds and torrential rainfall that decimated thousands of homes, toppled trees and prompted mass evacuations from coastal communities, many Lower Alabama residents continue to suffer the effects in their daily lives as they struggle to recover.  

“Older adults are disproportionately impacted by the immediate and long-term consequences of natural disasters, including detrimental effects on their financial and physical health. However, their unique needs are often hidden,” said Candi Williams, AARP Alabama State Director. “AARP Alabama thanks AARP Foundation for their generous support as we work alongside local organizations who continue to deliver vital aid to older adults still struggling with the devastation caused by Hurricane Ida.”

“We are grateful for the support from the AARP Foundation,” said United Way of Southwest Alabama President and CEO Jill Chenoweth. “These funds give us the ability to help our partner agencies provide immediate services to Hurricane Ida victims, and in the coming months as part of the long-term recovery process. We can also address the specialized needs and other potential barriers to recovery facing some older citizens.”

To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/disaster-relief

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About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

About AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable people over 50 build economic opportunity. Our approach emphasizes equitable outcomes for populations that have faced systemic discrimination. As AARP's charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Through vigorous legal advocacy and evidence-based solutions, and by building supportive community connections, we foster resilience, advance equity and restore hope. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media.​