Survivors, families, donors and public are invited to provide feedback
SURFSIDE, FL (AUGUST 17, 2021) – The Support Surfside steering committee, in collaboration with the National Compassion Fund (NCF), publishes today the draft protocols and timeline for the distribution of the balance of the Support Surfside funds.
These draft protocols – available in English, Spanish, and Hebrew – were approved by the steering committee during its first meeting held on Friday, August 6.
On Friday, September 10 at 9:30 a.m., a town hall meeting will be held to present the draft protocols and provide an opportunity to comment on the draft. The meeting will be held at Beth David Congregation, located at 2625 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33129. While an in-person meeting is currently being planned, COVID-19 protocols are being monitored closely and virtual attendance options will be offered as appropriate.
“In collaboration with the National Compassion Fund, the steering committee is publishing a draft series of protocols and timelines for distributing funds. To inform the protocols, the steering committee invites survivors, victims’ families, donors and others directly impacted by the building collapse to offer feedback on these proposed rules,” said Dr. Eduardo J, Padrón, Miami Dade College President Emeritus, who chairs the Support Surfside steering committee.
The draft protocols – in English, Spanish and Hebrew – may be downloaded at NationalCompassion.org/fund/surfside/. Public comment on the draft protocols will be accepted through September 10 by sending an email to Surfside@NationalCompassionFund.org. All updates on the progress of the fund and plans for distribution will continue to be shared regularly with families impacted and with the public and are available at SupportSurfside.org.
After receiving feedback, the steering committee will refine and finalize the protocols and create a simple application portal where survivors and families impacted can apply for funds.
To date, just under $5 million has been donated to Support Surfside by more than 16,500 donors. Donations will continue to be accepted through October 15, with distributions taking place in late 2021. Donations can be made at SupportSurfside.org.
ABOUT SUPPORT SURFSIDE
Support Surfside is a philanthropic fund set up by three community foundations and many local partners, to help those impacted by the devastating building collapse in Surfside, Florida. Support Surfside provides charitable dollars to the survivors of the Champlain Tower South, as well as designated representatives for the apartments with victims or missing people.
ABOUT THE NCF
The National Compassion Fund was founded in collaboration with parents and family members from some of the worst mass casualty events in U.S. history. Since 2014, it has administered 18 relief funds, including those for Las Vegas, Pulse nightclub, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas high school, and the Walmart Shooting in El Paso, Texas. It has distributed more than $95 million to more than 3,000 victims. 100% of donations are distributed directly to the established victim base. The National Compassion Fund has the experience to help victims navigate this process, and to treat victims with the respect and dignity they deserve. NCF also preserves the intent of donors who want to know their gift goes directly to those suffering and will not be used for other purposes. NCF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.