The Red Cross, one of the most recognized humanitarian organizations providing emergency assistance, disaster relief and education in emergency situations, is under fire for not keeping promises to help Hurricane Sandy victims.
“We Didn’t Get The Help We Were Promised”
That’s what many Hurricane Sandy victims are claiming – and they’ve filed their grievances with the New York State Attorney General’s Office. According to the Huffington Post, the Disaster Accountability Project filed a complaint with the AG’s office alleging that the Red Cross had promised thousands of Hurricane Sandy victims grants of up to $10,000 to assist them in rebuilding their lives, but then changed its requirements and left would-be grantees without a dime. Although the Red Cross denies that allegation, the non-profit has come under fire on many occasions since Superstorm Sandy hit the eastern seaboard in October, including criticism from:
- Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro, who criticized the Red Cross for its slow response
- Contributors, after the Red Cross spent $181,000 for volunteers to stay in an upscale hotel in downtown Manhattan
- Kathleen McCarthy, Director of the Center for the Study of Philanthropy and Civil Society at the City University of New York, who noted that too many people suffered in the cold and were left without housing this past winter – issues that could probably have been resolved had the Red Cross distributed the money it had collected
As of May 2013, the Red Cross had distributed only about a third of the money it raised for assistance in the storm’s aftermath.
Promises Made; Promises Broken
While it’s unclear whether the Red Cross has done, or is doing, everything it can to help Hurricane Sandy victims, the issue is very clear when it comes to insurance companies. Insurance companies charge you premiums in exchange for providing coverage for unforeseen risks such as wind damage and flooding damage.
If your insurance carrier has failed to adequately compensate you for your losses by denying your claim, delaying your settlement, offering you an unfair or lowball settlement or treated you in bad faith, contact Belluck & Fox. We understand the promises that insurance companies make and then break. We can help you to fight back and get what you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation..