This page provides information about SwiftAid.org in a question-and-answer format. The questions are structured to feature our mission and operations and to answer questions about both seeking and providing aid.
When was SwiftAid.org founded?
SwiftAid.org was founded in 2006 by Yassen AbdEl-Baki, Joel Calderone, Tim Elston, and Harry Saito, all residents of the Chicagoland area and students in DePaul University's School of Computer Science, Telecommunications and Information Systems. The organization was conceived by Joel and developed by the founders as part of an e-commerce website engineering course.
Where are your offices located?
Our headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois. We have mobile units wherever active federally declared disaster areas are located. For a complete listing of our mobile units, along with local contact information, visit our emergency news section.
What kind of assistance do you provide?
We offer assistance in the form of cash, food, transportation and shelter.
How can I receive assistance
If you are a victim of a qualifying emergency, you may report to one our M*A*S*H units within the emergency zone. Upon arrival, you will immediately receive food, water, and shelter if you need it. For continued assistance you will need to register and submit to our screening process. Our screening process is designed to validate and assess your level of need. You may apply for continued assistance online or in residence at a M*A*S*H unit. For a complete listing of our mobile units, along with local contact information, visit our emergency news section.
Of what does the screening process consist?
The screening process comprises verification of your identity, an interview with you and your immediate family members, and a visual assessment of any property damage that you have sustained, . You must schedule an interview in order to complete the screening process.
How long do I have to wait before I receive cash assistance?
Our goal is to supply you with emergency cash immediately after your need has been validated. This usually is within one week of your interview but may be longer due to circumstances beyond our control. Those in need will be eligible for food and shelter during the interim period.
More FAQs to come.
Add more FAQs as you think of them.