Local Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

Statement

Local Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

Our nation has been riveted by the non-stop news coverage of the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast. Possibly the worst natural disaster our country has ever experienced, the vast relief effort to rebuild New Orleans is also unprecedented. Hurricane Katrina deeply affected not just New Orleans, but a 200 mile span across the Gulf Coast ranging from west of New Orleans to Pensacola, Florida. As the nation works diligently to help victims access the basic necessities of life and restore their lives, Congress must be committed to guiding the Gulf Coast through this process. What we will learn from the past few weeks' events will ensure that we are better prepared for future unexpected events.

Although we all grieve for those who have lost their loved ones and homes, I am encouraged by the strength of the American spirit that continually extends selfless service to those who need help. I am proud of the countless Ohioan individuals and organizations who have already sprung into action to help the victims of hurricane Katrina.

The Warren County Housing Authority has announced that vacant public housing units and section eight units in Lebanon, South Lebanon and Franklin will be opened to displaced victims. Two families have already been housed by the Warren County Housing Authority. The children in these families are enrolling in Ohio schools. The community has offered many services to these families as they work to get back on their feet.

Troops from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base participated in the national hurricane relief efforts. The 445th Airlift Wing has evacuated over 1,000 victims. Reservists flew aeromedical evacuation flights that provided in-flight care to patients from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Louisiana, to Dallas, Texas in a C-141. The plane made a stop at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas before returning home to Dayton. The 88th Air Base Wing has also deployed 36 people to assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency with processing aerial imagery from observation aircraft. Ohio has already sent 400 Ohio Guard Members to Lumberton, Mississippi to assist with the hurricane relief effort as well. About 80 large Ohio National Guard trucks arrived on Labor Day with water, food and fuel. An additional 1,000 Ohio Guard Members are to be deployed to the Gulf Coast, including the 371st Corps Support Group from Kettering.

The Ohio Board of Regents is enabling Ohio residents who are currently enrolled and in good standing at a college or university that was affected by hurricane Katrina to take classes at Ohio colleges and universities tuition free. Students will then be able to transfer these credits to their respective educational institutions when these institutions reopen. College access consultants with the Ohio Board of Regents can be reached at 1-877-428-8246.

At this point, individuals seeking to help with the relief efforts should please consider monetary donations to the many internationally and nationally respected organizations that have a tradition of assisting victims of natural disasters, including the Red Cross (1-800 435 7669) and the Salvation Army (USA Eastern Territory 1-800-SAL-ARMY). There are many other organizations, such as local churches, collecting goods for the victims of the hurricane. The Church of God Food Bank in Wilmington is collecting clean clothes, food, water, and toiletries and can be reached at (937) 382- 5235. Highland County Community Action is collecting food, water, and baby supplies for hurricane victims and can be reached at (937) 393-3458. R & L Trucking is loading two semi trucks with donations of food, water, clothing, medical supplies, flashlights, batteries, and other relief supplies. The supplies are being accepted by the trucks at the Food Pantry Shelter on Nelson Road (from St. Rt. 22/3; this would be on the right just before the CMH offices).

The unified effort of America's private citizens is a strong tribute to the American people. Americans are resilient and the people affected by Katrina will rise again. I encourage citizens to continue to help one another as we work to rebuild thousands of lives along the Gulf Coast.

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