About the Situation
By the Numbers
More than 313,232,000 people live in the U.S.
12%% of the population lives below the poverty line
Nearly one in four children in the U.S. lives in poverty
(Source: U.S. government)
Nearly 50 million Americans—including almost 17 million children—live in poverty, and the number is rising. According to U.S. Census Bureau figures, the number of Americans living in poverty rose by 3.8 million between 2008 and 2009, meaning 14% of the U.S. population was living in poverty that year—the highest rate in 15 years.
How Islamic Relief is Helping
Islamic Relief USA’s™ domestic programs aim to alleviate poverty, hunger and suffering in the U.S. IRUSA also provides grants for many organizations and sponsors annual events that provide support to local populations.
Here are some currently and recently completed programs in the U.S.:
- Emergency relief
IRUSA teams were some of the first responders during two of the most destructive natural disasters in U.S. history: in 2005, IRUSA was among the first responders to provide emergency relief to survivors of Hurricane Katrina after it slammed the Gulf Coast. Then, in 2011, IRUSA was again among the first relief organizations to provide assistance after tornadoes swept through Alabama, killing hundreds and decimating entire communities. Later that year, Islamic Relief responded to the call for assistance in New Jersey when Hurricane Irene unleashed its fury on residents. And, this year in 2012, IRUSA again worked with relief organizations to deliver vital aid in Dallas, TX, after tornadoes ripped through the area. Read “Muslims Join Disaster Relief Efforts in the Wake of Dallas Tornadoes,” posted on Examiner.com to learn more about Islamic Relief USA’s efforts in Texas. To view photos taken by D.A.R.T. volunteers working hard in the field in Texas, visit our Facebook album, “IRUSA Staff & Volunteers Deliver Aid in Texas, April 2012″, or the “From the Field” album on Pinterest.
- Livelihood support for refugees and impoverished families
IRUSA has partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Capital Area Asset Builders and local groups to deliver a program that provides valuable financial education and a matching-dollars component to empower individuals to build a better future for themselves. The program aims to help individuals attain affordable housing and job training and vocational skills, or to develop a small business. Some 100 refugees and low-income families in DC, MD and VA will benefit. Download this form for more information. - U.S. food service for kids
IRUSA has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a food service program to provide food to low-income children who rely on school for their meals. IRUSA has been providing healthy meals to kids at summer schools, after-school programs, camps and community facilities at 30 sites within the Muslim community, and plans to have more than 100 sites established within the coming year.
- Day of Dignity
Day of Dignity creates an opportunity for caring individuals from diverse communities to provide services to their neighbors in need. This grassroots effort brings volunteers around the country together each year to distribute food, clothing, blankets, medical care and other services. This project aims to mobilize communities to establish long-lasting efforts to continue the service year-round.
- Family financial assistance programs
“Zakah” means “giving of alms,” and is a charitable act that is the duty of every Muslim. Thousands of people benefit from IRUSA’s zakah program, which provide financial assistance to those with emergency needs. The program helps struggling people meet basic living costs including food, clothing and shelter, along with other family needs.
- Homeless and underserved service projects
One way IRUSA’s assists homeless and underserved neighbors is by working with Women’s Affairs of Al-Mumtahimah in Baltimore to establish a temporary homeless shelter for women and children. The project will also provide the shelter’s beneficiaries—some 1,000 a year—with life skills training and employment counseling.
- Udhiyah/Qurbani meat distribution
- Community grants
IRUSA provides grants to nonprofit organizations throughout the country, to provide access to quality health care; to promote sustainable socio-economic development; and to elevate the standard of living of those in need. Here are some of IRUSA’s recent grants projects.
Women’s Health Clinic and Home Center: Muslimat Al Nisaa, Baltimore
Muslimat Al Nisaa provides health, education, shelter and other social services to underserved communities in Baltimore. IRUSA helped the health clinic expand its services and provide health education, and provided funding for a shelter for battered women and their children. This center benefits 2,000 people a year.
Food Bank: Cultural Cup Food Bank, Phoenix
IRUSA supports a prescription medication program for those without medical insurance, and provides funding for an emergency food pantry.
Native American Indian Relief: Seeds of Faith Ministries, Millersville, MD
This program funds the transport of necessary supplies to American Indian elders and families in Oklahoma and Arizona.
Health Clinic: Inner City Muslim Action Network Health Clinic, Chicago
IRUSA’s support helps this health clinic in Chicago provide full health services to the local community, benefiting 1,200 Americans. This grant also enabled the center to hire its first medical director.
Health Clinic: UMMA, Los Angeles
UMMA provides high-quality prevention and intervention services to unemployed and homeless individuals in southern Los Angeles.IRUSA’s funding also helped the clinic expand in size by more than 33%, allowing it to provide thousands of additional health-care visits each year.
Housing Project: Lutheran Housing Services, Fairfax, VA
IRUSA supports Lutheran Housing Services, helping it to operate, maintain and subsidize its Oak Leather Knoll housing project.
Domestic Violence Imam Training: Peaceful Families Project, Great Falls, VA
IRUSA provided funding for the Peaceful Families Project to train 10 imams in the dynamics of abuse and the effects of domestic violence so they could raise awareness and provide effective intervention in Muslim communities.
Psychological First Aid: Muslim Social Services Agency, Baltimore
This project offers psychological training programs to volunteers who can assist individuals in low-income neighborhoods suffering from psychological distress.
Flood Emergency Repair: Islamic School of Rhode Island, Providence, RI
IRUSA funded repairs to the school after flooding damaged the roof, floor, boiler and electrical system.
