NAD Distributes $2,000 to Mississippi Relief Organization

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) distributed $2,000 from the NAD Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund to the de l’Eppe Deaf Center of Gulfport, Mississippi to continue providing services for deaf and hard of hearing survivors.

The NAD Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund was formed to directly aid deaf and hard of hearing Americans impacted by this tragic event. The Fund has assisted organizations and schools that are providing resources to feed, clothe and shelter displaced deaf and hard of hearing survivors and their families. The Fund has also enabled communication access to needed programs and services.

"The de l’Eppe Deaf Center has been a vital resource for deaf and hard of hearing survivors in Mississippi," said NAD President Andrew J. Lange. "These funds are available because of caring Americans who donated to the NAD Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund with the intention of directly aiding deaf and hard of hearing survivors. We thank those who supported the Fund."

The de l’Eppe Deaf Center, a nonprofit organization, opened its doors on September 12, 2005 to deaf and hard of hearing survivors of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. In the first ten days they provided relief to nearly 1,500 people. Many supplies were donated from a variety of organizations.

To this day, de l’Eppe continues to provide food and everyday personal needs to deaf and hard of hearing survivors and their family members. de l’Eppe has become the central gathering place for deaf and hard of hearing survivors. The de l’Eppe Deaf Center has four staff interpreters who also work as case-managers to help families deal with insurance companies, FEMA, Small Business Administration, and others.

The organization is facing a very dire financial situation. They have received notice that their usual funders will not be able to provide future financial support. Despite the threat, de l’Eppe continues to serve deaf and hard of hearing survivors and their families.

"The needs of deaf and hard of hearing survivors continue to mount. As homes are rebuilt and apartments are found; furnishings, appliances, clothing, bed linens, pillows and many other day to day items will be requested," said de l’Eppe Director Gregory K. Crapo. "Very few deaf people had the proper insurance to cover their losses. Many will be starting from scratch and with little prospects for employment due to the destruction of many businesses. The de l’Eppe Deaf Center appreciates the $2,000 distribution by the NAD Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund which will aid our effort to continue to help those in need," he continued.

"Survivors of Hurricane Katrina have tremendous obstacles to overcome, thanks to organizations like de l’Eppe Deaf Center, the deaf and hard of hearing community will be on their way toward full recovery," said NAD Chief Executive Officer Nancy J. Bloch. "We are heartbroken by the difficult experiences and hope that the financial support extended by the NAD Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund can help make a difference," she continued.