NIAF Relief Efforts

When tragedies and natural disasters occur, NIAF is an immediate responder to fund relief efforts for those in need. Over the years, NIAF has collaborated with other Italian American organizations, the Embassy of Italy and the U.S. State Department to fund relief projects after the 2002, 2009, 2012 and 2016 earthquakes that struck Puglia, Abruzzo, Emilia Romagna and Umbria. In the wake of 9/11, NIAF raised money for the future education of 25 children of emergency personnel. In 2019, NIAF launched a campaign after the November flooding in Venice, the second-worst flooding in the city’s recorded history. Most recently, in response to the pandemic, NIAF launched a Coronavirus Relief page that has helped to address the critical situation in Italy, provided medical and safety guidance for Americans, and helped to ensure that the day-to-day business of NIAF moved forward.

In May 2023, the region of Emilia-Romagna was struck by devastating historic flooding. Torrential rain over a short period of time caused more than 20 rivers to burst their banks, causing landslides and towns to be submerged in water, according to the civil protection agency. Known as one of Italy’s most abundant agricultural regions, the widespread floods have claimed numerous lives and more than 36,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.

From November 12-17, 2019, Venice experienced the second worst flood in its recorded history. More than 85 percent of the city flooded causing immense damage to its cultural and historical heritage and to its homes and businesses. We in the Italian American community are tied in prayer and spirit with our Italian family members who are now frantically trying to salvage homes, businesses, archival documents, and historical and cultural artifacts.

The first earthquake struck Central Italy on August 24, 2016, taking the lives of 297 Italian villagers and dislocating tens of thousands. On October 30, a second earthquake devastated Norcia’s ancient village, located in Umbria, including the medieval monastery of the Benedictine Order. In response, NIAF in collaboration with Italian American organizations gave $450,000 to fund the project and provide on-going support to the 5,000 residents of Norcia.

On May 20, 2012, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck the communities of Emilia Romagna.  The Italian American Relief responded by raising $250,000 to rebuild the Cooperativa Sociale Nazareno, located in the Villa Chierici of Santa Croce di Carpi in the province of Modena. The Cooperativa Sociale Nazareno serves as both an educational and rehabilitation center for 27 children with grave disabilities.

In April 2009, residents of Italy’s mountainous Abruzzo region were woken in the early morning hours by an earthquake that shook the very foundations of their lives. The magnitude 6.3 quake resulted in 308 deaths, more than 1,500 injured and the displacement of 65,000 people. At the University of L’Aquila, administration buildings and residence halls collapsed, with eight students dying in just one dormitory. The academic institution, home to 27,000 registered students before the quake, was ultimately forced to close its doors.

In 2001, two days following the September 11 terrorist attack in New York City where nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, the National Italian American Foundation established an educational fund for the children of the firefighters, police, emergency medical personnel and other rescue workers who perished on that day.

You can help us support the Norcia community by donating to NIAF’s Earthquake Relief Fund. Visit https://www.italianamericanrelief.org or click the donate button to impact the lives of those affected by the natural disaster.