I. Purpose
The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") is to provide a framework for cooperation between The American National Red Cross (the "Red Cross") and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") with respect to HUD access to Red Cross shelters during a Presidentially-declared disaster.

II. Independence of Operations
Each party to this MOU will maintain its own identity in providing service. Each organization will establish its own policies and finance its own activities.

III. Authority
The American Red Cross was chartered by the United States Congress in 1905 "to carry out a system of national and international relief in time of peace, and apply that system in mitigating the suffering caused by pestilence, famine, fire, floods, and other great national calamities, and to devise and carry out measures for preventing those calamities." 36 U.S.C. Sec. 300101 et seq.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was established by the Housing and Urban Development Act [42 U.S.C. 3531 et seq.]. Various statutes at various times provide HUD the authority and appropriations of funds to provide disaster assistance, most notably through the Community Development Block Grant program, certain Federal Housing Administration mortgage insurance programs, and rental housing voucher programs.

IV. Cooperative Actions
In order to further the recovery of individuals affected by a major disaster, the Red Cross will provide HUD personnel access to Red Cross shelters for the purpose of registering clients for HUD services in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Attachment A.

V. Periodic Review
Representatives of the Red Cross and HUD will, on an annual basis on or around the anniversary date of this MOU, jointly evaluate progress in the implementation of the MOU and revise and develop new plans or goals as appropriate.

VI. Term and Termination.
This MOU is effective as of the date of the last signature below and expires on the five-year anniversary of the effective date. Six months prior to expiration, the parties shall meet to review the progress and success of the cooperative effort. In connection with such review, the parties may decide to extend this MOU for an additional period not exceeding five years, and if so shall confirm this in a signed writing. This MOU may be terminated by written notification from either party to the other at any time and for any reason or for no reason.

VII. Miscellaneous
This MOU does not create a partnership or a joint venture. Neither party has the authority to bind the other to any obligation. It is not intended that this MOU be enforceable as a matter of law in any court or dispute resolution forum. The sole remedy for non-performance under this MOU shall be termination, with no damages or penalty.

Signature page follows.