[1]Wells Fargo [2] has announced their donation of $1 million from the Wells Fargo Foundation [3] to aid four statewide organizations providing urgent relief in Florida following the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Additionally, customer accommodations and employee support are available for those directly impacted by the storm.
“We are thinking of our customers, employees, and the many communities we serve following one of the state’s most devastating hurricanes,” said Otis Rolley, President of the Wells Fargo Foundation and head of Philanthropy and Community Impact. “Wells Fargo is here with you in the days and months ahead as communities rebuild. We are grateful for the local nonprofits that families rely on to help rebuild their homes and lives during these incredibly difficult times. We hope our donation expands their capacity to reach those who need it most.”
Wells Fargo's $1 million donation is a step closer toward disaster relief. An estimated $22 billion and $32 billion in wind losses for residential and commercial properties were projected in Florida alone, while insured storm surge losses in Florida are expected to be an additional $6 billion to $15 billion [4], according to a recent CoreLogic report [5].
The donation will support four organizations with statewide reach through $250,000 grants to:
- American Red Cross [6]: As part of ongoing disaster relief efforts, the grant will help provide food, emergency shelter, relief supplies, and comfort to those affected by Hurricane Ian.
- Feeding Florida [7]: Feeding Florida’s food banks are on the ground providing food, water, and resources to those impacted by this hurricane.
- Florida Housing Coalition [8]: Funding will support the organization’s recovery efforts focused on urgent housing needs and repairs.
- Volunteer Florida [9]: The state’s official private fund will assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover from this natural disaster.
“The Wells Fargo donation will enable the Florida Housing Coalition to help address the overwhelming need for housing stability right now,” said Jaimie Ross, president and CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition. “Early action and support are key to so many people facing the loss of their home or not being able to safely reach home. We will be working on immediate needs as well as long-term recovery across the state.”
“On behalf of Volunteer Florida, we would like to thank Wells Fargo for their significant financial contribution to the Florida Disaster Fund in response to the state-wide recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian,” said CEO of Volunteer Florida Josie Tamayo. “Their contribution to the Florida Disaster Fund will help provide essential services in rebuilding our affected communities.”
In addition, Wells Fargo customers who wish to support the American Red Cross Hurricane Ian relief efforts may donate through any Wells Fargo ATM nationwide, except for Washington D.C., which began September 30, and proceed through October 13. There is no fee for ATM donations, and 100% of contributions will be sent to the American Red Cross.
To read the full release, including more on donations, customer and employee care, click here [3].