According to the most recent Census, among the countless
number of Katrina victims there are at least 17,000 people
just in New Orleans who claimed New York as their previous
residence. This means many of the evacuees have friends
and familyhere in New York.
Each church is encouraged to adopt an evacuated
family affected by Hurricane Katrina. If a congregation
is able to offer long-term and vacant housing resources
that could be used to house evacuees, they can call 1-888-7-NYS-AID
(888-769-8243). Over 150 professionally trained staff are
handling the phone calls.
The National Guard Armory at Jamaica,
Queens, is open to accept donations of good, used clothing
from New Yorkers to transport the Gulf Coast region. You
can start dropping off good, clean and wearable clothes
at the Armory located at 93-05 168th Street, Jamaica, NY
11433.
Any Katrina victims that are already
in New York State should also call the above hotline to
register with the State to ensure that they can receive
the support and benefits they deserve. This hotline is very
much similar to the one created after September 11th
will be open seven days a week. It will operate from 9 a.m.
to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and between 10 a.m. and
4 p.m. on weekends.
Governor Pataki said, ?ew Yorkers will
never forget the support and relief that the people of Louisiana,
Mississippi and Alabama provided us in the aftermath of
September 11th. Now, when they are facing the
devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, which have uprooted
them and their family? lives, we are ready to welcome them
with open arms and help them rebuild their lives.?/p>
Secretary of State Randy Daniels has
been appointed by Governor Pataki to head up Katrina New
York humanitarian relief efforts. Mr. Daniels, always walking
with the Governor, provided extraordinary leadership on
recovery efforts after the September 11th. He
is a long time member of the Abyssinian Baptist Church where
Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts is the Senior Pastor
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, ?e have
tried to show our fellow Americans in the Gulf Coast that
we have not forgotten what they did for us in the dark days
that followed 9/11, and that we will be there for them in
their hour of need. Now, as the recovery enters a new phase,
we want to extend our arms to the evacuees. New York City
is ready to welcome them and show them that Lady Liberty?
words are real ?that New York remains a City of compassion,
hope and opportunity.
Immediately following 9/11 the Council
of Churches of the City of New York brought together local
and national church relief agencies for the purpose of coordinating
direct assistance to the 9/11 victims. The Council worked
with the Commission of Religious Leaders in New York City
and Mayor Rudolf Giuliani to produce the Prayer for America
Service held at Yankee Stadium. Recognizing the critical
need to support front line caregivers, the Council of Churches
developed and sponsored the caregiver project. The Council
of Churches of the City of New York now joins Governor Pataki
in calling on all New Yokers to come to the aid of the victims
of Katrina.
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2005 Fall & Winter: Leadership New York
