FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | September 6, 2005

ACTION ALERT: Hurricane Katrina, An Urgent Plea

(San Francisco, CA, September 6, 2005) — In Hurricane Katrina, Mother Nature provided an awesome reminder of her power, and the power of the indomitable spirit of our fellow Americans.

The complete destruction of cities, towns, and neighborhoods in the poorest states in our union, and the complete loss of everything for so many, is almost unfathomable. Thousands of families have absolutely nothing to go home to and hundreds more people are still looking for their families. We all feel sad, sick and desperate to help - and we can help.

We are awed and humbled by the spirit of community that has emerged in our country in countless ways over the past few days; and we honor the courage and hope shown by so many who are still suffering.

In the face of their strength - now is the time to act.

In partnership with many organizations around the country, NYAC and their partners, including NCLR, have launched the "Hurricane Katrina LGBT Relief Fund" to ensure that LGBT youth and families, among the most vulnerable members of our community, receive the critical support they need to regain stability in their lives.

The next few days are critical. No amount is too small to make a difference.

Outstanding national partners are working closely with NYAC to support this effort and are listed below. More groups are joining all the time.

You can invest in this life-saving effort right now at http://www.nyac%20youth.org/.

Contributions to the fund are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed under law and will support humanitarian relief for LGBTQ youth and families from the devastated areas. These funds will be distributed directly to local organizations in the best position to ensure strategic and high-impact disbursement of the emergency funds.

As a first step, on September 6th the Houston Area Teen Coalition of Homosexuals (H.A.T.C.H.) and Montrose Counseling Center will host one of a series of special support groups for the refugees to help them manage their stress, grief, and fear. NYAC will be shifting our own resources to be there on the ground to offer support and assistance to local organizers.

Find out more about the impact of your gift in the coming weeks on a new blog on our website. Thank you for your investment today in protecting and restoring the lives of LGBTQ young people and their families.

We will get through this together.

In Community,
Craig A. Bowman, Executive Director, on behalf of the staff of NYAC
Oscar Raul Lopez, President, on behalf of the board of NYAC

Partner Organizations:

• Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE)
• Equality Federation
• Family Pride Coalition
• Mautner Project: The National Lesbian Health Organization
• National Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Centers (NALGBTCC)
• National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC)
• National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)
• National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)
• National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP)
• National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC)