I'm sure you are getting a lot of reports from communities who have welcomed evacuees. Our congregation ended up taking responsibility for an apartment complex that had 36 families placed by the City of Dallas (2 months rent is waived and there is a hope that FEMA will cover an additional 3 months). This of course is a fraction of the number of people who have been placed, but it is a significant fraction for one congregation. We put together "welcome packets" including furniture, an entire ready to go set of pots, pans, utensils, etc., and a lot of household items. All together we have spent something like $25,000 to date. One extended family of 38 showed up for worship on Sunday. It has been great. Here is a quote from our coordinator:

One of nicest compliment the PHPC volunteers were paid came the other night. Someone, a caseworker I think, said, "Wow, you guys are just like the Baptist Men!"

We are expecting another 2000 folks to be shipped here from evacuation centers that had been established in east Texas after Katrina and now have been closed by Rita. The mayor's office has identified another 250 open apartment units.

We've really appreciated your updates on the "big picture." We've registered for work teams.

Many blessings on your great work...

Dan Rift
Executive Associate Pastor
Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church