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Dear Members of the Sarah Lawrence Community,
We have by now all seen heart-rending images of those in the path of Hurricane Harvey who have been forced from their homes, are struggling to find shelter and safety, and are living under a continuing threat of rising flood waters. Echoes of the devastation from Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy sadly come to mind.
I wanted to let the community know that on Monday the College reached out to 35 undergraduate and graduate students from areas of Texas suffering from the effects of Hurricane Harvey. We wanted to ascertain their well-being and determine if SLC could render any assistance to them or to their families who might have been stranded en route to or from campus. All of the students are safe, but some have family currently living in very uncertain circumstances as the rain continues to fall in record volumes and areas of Texas experience flooding unprecedented in modern history. Our compassion and concern for these members of our community will not abate. I would encourage each of us, in our own way, to be considerate of their needs.
We also know that we have alumni and family and friends of the larger Sarah Lawrence community who have been touched by this disaster. And many of us residing outside Texas have close friends, families and colleagues who have suffered the devastating effects of this storm.
Our understanding at this time is that those of us wishing to aid the residents of Houston and surrounding regions may most effectively do so with financial support. National Public Radio identified two aid organizations for its listeners, and I am forwarding its recommendations: The Greater Houston Community Foundation and GlobalGiving, the largest global crowdfunding community, which has a goal of raising $2 million for its Harvey relief fund. We understand from NPR that funds will be used first for immediate needs of food, water and shelter, and then transition to long-term recovery efforts.
For our students on campus affected by this disaster, please know that counseling staff in the Health and Wellness Center are here to help. Appointments can be arranged online through MySLC.
Yours,
Cristle
Cristle Collins Judd, President
president@sarahlawrence.edu