Formed following Hurricane Katrina, IRD-US is a charitable, non-profit, non-governmental organization whose mission is to reduce the suffering of vulnerable groups in the United States and provide the tools and resources needed for their self-sufficiency. IRD-US has built targeted, cost-effective relief programs along the Gulf Coast of the United States, and will continue to explore other opportunities to accomplish this mission.

In early September 2005, IRD-US immediately responded to emergency needs and began implementation of community development programs targeting the most vulnerable populations along the Gulf Coast. The long-term goal in working with these devastated communities is to “build back better” – to improve conditions for residents beyond the level that existed before the hurricane. IRD-US gained the experience in developing strategy for immediate relief, and for implementing longer-term economic development programs, during the response to the December 2004 tsunami that struck Southeast Asia.

Delivering Relief Supplies

IRD-US worked with partner organizations to arrange the delivery and distribution of relief supplies to affected communities, delivering more than $850,000 worth of relief supplies to Mississippi and Louisiana, specifically to those most in need. Read the personal survivor stories of hurricane victims, including IRD-US’ efforts to rebuild the Slavonian Lodge in Biloxi.

Planning for the Future

IRD-US also worked with city officials and local community agencies to develop strategies to best assist the poorest and most marginalized populations displaced by the hurricane, collaborating with the Gulf Coast Interfaith Disaster Task Force, Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence, Inc., Mental Health Association, Catholic Social Services of the Biloxi Diocese, Open Doors Coalition, MS Lutheran Disaster Response, UMCOR, and the Gulf Coast Community Action Agency, among others.

Long-Term Community Development

On Nov. 21, 2005 IRD-US opened the Gulf Coast Community Services Center located in Gulfport, MS. The Center helps address the human needs of the survivors in Gulfport through ongoing case management and community mobilization efforts by providing free legal assistance, financial management advice, and counseling; a full-time staff, together with volunteer professionals from the community, provide these services.

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