The National Center for Victims of Crime, at the bequest of the City of Chattanooga, has opened the National Compassion Fund Chattanooga to support victims of Thursday’s events.
Officials said, "The National Compassion Fund was established by the National Center for Victims of Crime as a safe and transparent way to give to victims directly and is the only straight-to-victim fund of its kind in the country. In addition, the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Inc. has established the 7-16 Freedom Fund to cover college scholarships and educational expenses for spouses and children of the affected families."
There are several ways to donate to the National Compassion Fund:
· Online at NationalCompassionFund.org
· Text HOPE to 84465 to donate $10 via text message
· By mail. The National Center has partnered with Eagle Bank to accept secure donations. Please make checks payable to the National Compassion Fund Chattanooga and send to:
National Center for Victims of Crime
PO Box 360681
Pittsburgh, PA 15251-6681
Contributions to Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga’s 7-16 Freedom Fund can be made to 1270 Market St., Chattanooga, Tn. 37402. Write “7-16 Freedom Fund” on the memo line of the check. Currently, donations cannot be accepted online, but an online donation page will be available by July 24.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Chattanooga and all those affected by yesterday’s shooting. The National Compassion Fund will work closely with the City of Chattanooga as well as the United States Armed Forces to help meet the overwhelming, unmet needs of the victims,” said Mai Fernandez, executive director of the National Center for Victims of Crime.
“We have seen a tremendous amount of support for the families of our fallen heroes, and we are grateful to the National Center for Victims of Crime and the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga for coming together to coordinate the support for the victims and their families. I encourage all Chattanoogans to do what they can to help,” said Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke.
“Chattanooga has been rocked by the senseless killing of four Marines, and the lives of countless individuals and families were changed,” said Pete Cooper, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga. “The citizens in the area were shocked and moved to an outpouring of support for those involved, especially for the long term support of the families of four Marines who gave their lives in this incident.”
The National Compassion Fund was founded along with parents and family members from some of the worst mass casualty events in U.S. history – Sept. 11, Columbine, Virginia Tech, Northern Illinois University, Aurora, Oak Creek Sikh Temple and Newtown.
Unlike other charitable funds, 100 percent of donations are distributed directly to the victims. The fund preserves the intent of donors who want to know that their gift is going directly to those harmed and will not be used for other purposes.
The National Compassion Fund is overseen and administered by the National Center for Victims of Crime and is advised by a specially constituted expert panel with experience in mass crime victim compensation and the needs of victims of crimes. The panel also includes victim representatives from past mass casualty crimes to ensure that the voices of the victims are heard. They are integral to the distribution process.