UNITED WAY 2008 HURRICANE RECOVERY FUND ESTABLISHED

Funds Will Support Long-Term Recovery Efforts in States Devastated By 2008 Hurricanes

August 31, 2008 — United Way today announced the creation of the United Way 2008
Hurricane Recovery Fund to support long term recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout the
states that have been devastated by the intense 2008 hurricane season. Several Gulf Coast
states have been severely impacted by Hurricane Gustav, with thousands of people evacuated
and untold destruction to homes and businesses. People throughout Florida and other
Southeast states are now bracing for Hurricane Hannah, with other major storms immediately
following.

“United Way is committed to meeting the immediate and long-term needs of the communities
affected by this intense hurricane season,” said Alex Sanchez, senior vice president at United
Way of America. “We intend to be a constant and very visible partner to the individuals and
families of this region in their efforts to rebuild their lives.”

The focus of the United Way 2008 Hurricane Recovery Fund will be to support the long-term
rebuilding of lives and communities. Projects may include ensuring quality education, improving
the financial stability of those affected and improving access to health care, including mental
health services for those affected by the tragedy. United Ways throughout the affected states
and in the states accepting large numbers of evacuees will work together, and with community
partners and volunteers, to develop strategies to address the long-term needs of the
communities affected.

United Way also takes a leadership role in ensuring the strength of 2-1-1, a three-digit number
that can be dialed for people who need services or for those who want to offer help.
Thousands of people in the region are getting connected with the services they need through
2-1-1, such as finding temporary shelter and food. 2-1-1 provides an invaluable service in times
of crisis, providing maximum community access to critical resources and information to help
reduce the harmful effects of the disaster.

United Way’s community partnerships will be critical to the long-term recovery efforts. United
Way is a member of both the Coordinated Assistance Network (CAN), formed to organize relief
efforts in the wake of natural disasters, and the Major Relief Agency Consortium (MRAC) cochaired
by American Red Cross and United Way of America. Within this network, the initial
response to disasters is led by the American Red Cross while United Way takes the lead in
long-term recovery. Red Cross and United Way are joined by partners such as Voluntary
Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), Alliance of Information and Referral System (AIRS),
Salvation Army, FEMA and many others in this critical work.

Financial donations can be made by credit card online at www.liveunited.org/recoveryfund, or by
phone at 1-866-404-5826. Checks can be mailed to:

United Way
5195 Hamstead Village Way
Suite 135
New Albany, OH 43054

Checks should include "United Way 2008 Hurricane Recovery Fund" on the memo line.
Questions about the fund can be directed to 1-866-404-5826.

People who live in the region and want to volunteer to help with flood relief efforts are being
encouraged to call 2-1-1. United Ways in the area are not looking for volunteers from outside
the region at this time.

People interested in making a product donation can contact AidMatrix Network at:
www.aidmatrix.org, or 1-469-357-3185; or Gifts In Kind International: Gifts In Kind works
primarily with corporate donors who give in large amounts, but anyone interested can find out
more at: www.giftsinkind.org, or 1-703-836-2121.