UCD’s Katrina Disaster Relief Fund

As the full extent of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation is revealed, University City District (UCD) joins their “sister” organization, the New Orleans Downtown Development District (DDD) in their commitment to rebuild New Orleans. Both 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations believe it is imperative to quickly support the local economy in order to facilitate revitalization.

Much like Philadelphia’s UCD–which builds effective partnerships to maintain a clean and safe environment and to promote, plan and advocate for University City’s diverse, urban community–the mission of the Downtown Development District is to develop and sustain a vibrant Downtown New Orleans in which to live, work and play by ensuring that Downtown is clean and safe and by acting as a catalyst for economic development.

Lewis Wendell, UCD’s Executive Director says, “The City of New Orleans is a national treasure and as a sister organization it is only fitting that UCD set up a fund for University City organizations and residents to provide help to the New Orleans Downtown Development District as it struggles to rebuild in the aftermath of the Katrina disaster.”

After Katrina hit, DDD Executive Director Kurt Weigle said in a Fox News interview, that 60-70% of stores in the DDD were lightly hit and could reopen soon and that military and construction presence would provide a strong initial market. Mr. Weigle also added that, “If there’s a glimmer of hope, it’s that downtown and the French Quarter, compared with the rest of the city, were pretty lightly touched.” Those who were fortunate to have minimal home damage will need to take the city on their shoulders while the city rebuilds itself.

To make your donation today, please visit UCD at 3940 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 or call (215) 243-0555. Checks should be made payable to Downtown Development Unlimited and can be mailed to:

Downtown Development District
c/o The Rapides Foundation
1101 Fourth Street, Suite 300
Alexandria, LA 71301