Message from the Chairman
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina left an indelible mark on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and our entire region. Over 400,000 inhabitants of Mississippi’s coastal counties were pummeled with sustained hurricane-level winds and a vicious tidal surge that reached over 35 feet and stretched inland over 10 miles in places. Many lost their lives. Over 100,000 homes and businesses were damaged –– more than 70,000 of those structures suffering severe damage or total destruction. But even though our region and our way-of-life was dealt such a powerful blow, the indomitable spirit of our people continues to thrive.
Like most other organizations, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and its staff have suffered terrible losses due to Katrina. We are eternally grateful to those who answered our initial call for help. Our foundation has operated in recent months from cars, trailers, homes, and borrowed offices as we continued to serve our community. To date, we have granted over $5,000,000 dollars to Katrina Relief and Rebuilding. Indeed, the generosity of coastal residents is a constant source of amazement: since Katrina, GCCF has increased its endowed assets with local donations to its highest level in the history of the Foundation.
Months after the storm, however, our needs continue to be great as we begin to rebuild the vast infrastructure that was destroyed while maintaining the multi-ethnic mix of the people that make up the fabric of our community. We continue to address ongoing challenges such as affordable housing, mental health issues, educational needs, and the socioeconomic impact of entire neighborhoods being displaced. We also continue to preserve our history, our landmarks, and the arts.
The Board of Directors and I encourage you to browse through this site. In it, you’ll find information about grants, stories of generosity by local organizations and individuals, and information about how you can help a community in need. The need is great but your reward, even greater.
Thank you, for your continued support.
Greg Cronin
Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Greg Cronin