Rollins Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership Center Hosts Meeting to Help Hurricane Katrina Evacuees

September 19, 2005

On Thursday, September 15, the Rollins College Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership Center (PNLC) helped local nonprofits come together to determine how they can collectively help Hurricane Katrina evacuees. More than 150 people representing various nonprofit organizations, government agencies and Central Florida businesses attended the event. Leaders gathered to discuss the possible needs of Hurricane Katrina evacuees who are coming to Central Florida. More than 25,000 displaced Hurricane Katrina victims have registered with FEMA in the state of Florida. It's not clear yet exactly how many people will relocate to Central Florida. During the event, various organizations discussed the best ways to accommodate and help them.

Agencies in attendance included the American Red Cross, the Heart of Florida United Way, the Salvation Army (of Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The meeting was held at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Orlando. "We hope the exchange of information will enable the organizations involved in aiding evacuees to better coordinate efforts and more effectively and efficiently provide assistance to those in need of it," shared Margaret Linnane, executive director of the PNLC.

Some in attendance include: Mitchell Glasser, Director, Orlando County Housing & Community Development Division; David Odahowski, President & CEO, Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation; Ella Gilmore, Assistant Director, Orange County Heath & Family Services; Margaret Linnane, Executive Director, Rollins College Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership Center.