It has been just over three weeks since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf
Coast where nearly a thousand people died, more than a million were displaced,
and the economic loss totaled in the billions of dollars.
With wariness, thoughts turn to Hurricane Rita. The Category 5 storm has weakened
slightly but forecasters still predict that it could be a major hurricane - meaning
Category 3 or higher - when it makes landfall. Forecasters are predicting landfall
late Friday or early Saturday between Galveston and Corpus Christi, Texas.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has been in contact with the Synod
of the Sun related to Hurricane Katrina and will continue to work with the synod
and affected presbyteries to determine an appropriate response. Based on the
extent of damage and geographic area of impact, PDA's response to Hurricane Rita
may be included as part of the current appeal for Hurricane Katrina. More information
will be known after the hurricane has made landfall.
Presbyterians across the nation have generously responded to Hurricane Katrina.
Thousands of individuals have offered their time, talents and treasures to help
the disaster survivors. Presbyterian congregations are participating in the feeding,
housing, and caring for many of the displaced families.
PDA funds are being used to support relief efforts in Alabama, Mississippi,
Louisiana and a growing number of states where Katrina evacuees are being relocated.
Funds have also been provided to Church World Service as they consider how to
incorporate the international refugee resettlement model for providing assistance
to Katrina's displaced. For those who have offered their homes to the displaced,
we have not received instructions from the Red Cross or FEMA on a structure and
screening process to facilitate these types of matches. We have advised both
agencies that we have host families available and anticipate that they will notify
us when a home is needed.
Even as we continue to be inundated with the immediate hurricane needs, PDA
is looking towards the long-term recovery plans. With help from Norwegian Church
Aid, PDA has established five Volunteer Villages.
The Volunteer Village concept is a tent camp that can house volunteers who are
coming in from all over the U.S. to provide relief services for people in greatest
need. |
