Is Red Cross 100% Reliable?

One of the most prominent charities recognized by many is the American Red Cross, a non-profit organization devoted to emergency control and disaster relief. Over time, the Red Cross has afforded people the ability to hit restart on their lives after disasters have claimed most of who they were.

However, what seems like a perfect organization has had past questions unanswered in the way the Red Cross has been transferring money through its disaster fund. These worries have been brought back in to the limelight after the events of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

Harvey had a catastrophic effect on Texas, tearing families and housing apart completely. It was common knowledge that it would take plenty of money to bring the Houston area back to life after the disaster. Although many jumped to their feet and pulled out their wallet, those with uncertainty had brought up the layered question, “How much of the money truly goes to the disaster relief?” Donors might be a bit shocked to learn that Red Cross never made it clear how much is directed to the disaster fund.

After Harvey, the Red Cross constructed over 1,200 shelters for 66,000 people. It took around 60 million dollars to complete the task. But when asked the question of how much of the money is sent to the fund, Red Cross executive Brad Kieserman answered, “Yeah, I don’t think I know the answer to that any better than the chief fundraiser knows.”

Thinking the executive of such a successful organization would know all the answers, Kieserman was pressed further on the issue. When it was brought up that 25 percent of the money donated to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake went to internal spending, a simple answer was given. In the same manner as before, Kieserman stated, “It’s not something I would have visibility on.” It was a common theme that a specific answer could not be given about the matter.

After the recovery effort of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, further investigations were held regarding the funding of the disaster program by the Red Cross. It was found that $500 million dollars for the relief had disappeared. As well, there were claims of 150,000 homes being built while in reality; 15 had been constructed.

So, while it seems the Red Cross has done its job impeccably with helping out during a disaster, there is a bit of fault to be found hidden in their major accomplishments. It is important to always research any organization involved in donations, as in the end it should only be about the people, not the money.