In the devastating wake of Hurricane Katrina, Astraea extends our condolences to those who have lost loved ones, who remain separated from family members, and who have lost their homes. We know that when tragedy strikes, the most under-resourced communities are those that experience the greatest impact. These are communities Astraea supports: people of color, women, young people, elders, poor people, immigrants, people with disabilities and the LGBTI community at large.

Survivors are facing unfathomable emotional and financial hardships. Their situation has been exacerbated by a shamefully inadequate response from the administration and racist coverage of the disaster by many media outlets. The rebuilding of their lives and homes will be a long-term effort, and one which will require help from us all. Historically, we know that in the midst of dire circumstances, marginalized communities—particularly LGBTI people—often can't rely on state, federal and in some cases family support.

• To help ensure that LGBTI people receive the critical support they need to regain stability in their lives, Astraea has joined the NYAC (National Youth Advocacy Coalition) coalition. We encourage you to learn more about this effort by clicking here or going directly to http://www.nyacyouth.org/nyac/katrina_info.html.
• The following is (a non-exhaustive) list of additional Katrina Relief organizations and resources which we will continue to update.
  Atlanta Women's Foundation
  Chicago Foundation for Women
  Dallas Women's Foundation
  Hurricane Housing
  Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
  Ms. Foundation for Women
  NAACP
  PICO National Network
  Rainbow World Fund
  Twenty First Century Foundation
  Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis
  Women's Foundation of Minnesota
  Women's Fund of Birmingham
  Women's Fund of Greater Jackson
  Website listing: Grassroots/Low-income/People of Color-led Hurricane Katrina Relief
• Check back soon for links to see how Astraea grantee partners are responding to this tragedy.

The quest for justice begins with each one of us. Together, we can make a difference.

The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice works for social, racial, and economic justice in the U.S. and internationally. Our grantmaking and philanthropic advocacy programs help lesbians and allied communities challenge oppression and claim their human rights.

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