The Patterson Foundation is providing up to $1 million to strengthen relief and recovery efforts in the regions and communities affected by Hurricanes Irma and Harvey.

The Patterson Foundation previously contributed $250,000 to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s (CDP) Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund, which will support recovery efforts in Texas and the affected regions in the coming months and years. The funding for Hurricane Irma will go to several partners, including: a $50,000 contribution to NetHope, to support immediate disaster assessments throughout the Caribbean, along with up to $200,000 to restore and enhance the region’s communications infrastructure based on needs identified by these assessments; a $250,000 contribution to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy Hurricane Irma Recovery Fund, which will focus on medium- and long-term recovery needs like rebuilding homes, businesses, and infrastructure while meeting the needs of young children and supporting mental health services for people throughout Florida and the Southeast; and a contribution of up to $250,000 to Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Disasater Relief Fund.

“Working with highly effective national and global partners focused on disaster response over the past five years has revealed the complexities of these efforts and the importance of strategizing for holistic, long-term recovery,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “Hurricane Irma has literally hit close to home, and The Patterson Foundation is committed to ensuring that the full range of challenges facing our community and other communities like us in Florida, the Southeast and beyond is addressed,” says Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “Furthermore, the Foundation aspires to connect anyone wishing to contribute to ongoing recovery efforts to entities with a proven track record of strengthening communities impacted by natural disasters.”