Groundbreaking Public-Private Partnership Delivers Economic Hope to Over 4,300 Families Affected by Hurricane Katrina

Strategic Insights -

As the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, a collaborative effort between the Clinton Foundation, Operation HOPE, and H&R Block has emerged as a success story in helping Americans claim millions of dollars in income tax refunds. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Program has delivered over $11 million in federal tax refunds, including $6.5 million in EITC payments, to families affected by hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, and Rita.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EITC Awareness Program, launched by the Clinton Foundation, Operation HOPE, and H&R Block, assisted 4,324 families in receiving over $6.5 million in EITC refunds, averaging over $1,500 per family.
  • The program provided free tax preparation for 5,000 taxpayers at H&R Block offices across the Gulf Coast and delivered free tax advice, access to prior-year returns, and essential financial counseling and support to impacted individuals and families.
  • Operation HOPE distributed over 8,000 Emergency Financial First Aid Kits, and established ongoing emergency and financial literacy guidance for individuals in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
  • The partnership drew support from former President Clinton and Premier Radio Networks, and established partnerships with numerous other companies and government agencies to combine resources and help hurricane survivors.
  • H&R Block and Operation HOPE have partnered to provide financial literacy programs and services to low-income individuals nationwide at select H&R Block offices and at www.hrblock.com.
  • The programs also provide free financial counseling to hurricane victims, who can contact Operation HOPE at 1-888-388-HOPE (4673) or H&R Block at 1-800-HRBLOCK.

Statistics:

  • $11 million in federal tax refunds delivered to families affected by hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, and Rita.
  • $6.5 million in EITC payments from the federal government.
  • 4,324 families assisted in receiving EITC refunds, averaging over $1,500 per family.
  • 5,000 taxpayers received free tax preparation at H&R Block offices across the Gulf Coast.
  • 8,000 Emergency Financial First Aid Kits distributed by Operation HOPE.
  • 2,000 HOPE Corps volunteers recruited by the partnership.
  • Over $40 billion projected in EITC payments from the federal government for tax year 2005, with each family receiving an average of about $1,800.

Sources:

  • The Clinton Foundation
  • Operation HOPE Inc. (www.operationhope.org)
  • H&R Block Inc. (NYSE:HRB)