Payne Expresses Support for Victims of Hurricane Katrina
I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and their families. The people of New Jersey have responded with generosity and concern through contributions of our state resources as well as donations collected by non-profits, community-based organizations, churches and religious entities. My office has been involved in helping victims of the disaster, and I urge you to contact my office if you or anyone you know needs assistance. As we begin dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy, it is important that we not only provide support and assistance to those who have been displaced, but also that we launch a thorough investigation into the reasons that the Federal Emergency Management Agency failed so monumentally during this crisis. This is a tragedy which could have been mitigated by quick federal action. Steps must be taken to ensure that we never again allow people to suffer needlessly because our government fails to act.
Our deepest condolences go to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, who lost their lives, their homes and their livelihoods. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.
While we are devastated by the enormity of this tragedy, our faith, tenacity and determination ensure that we will rebuild and we will endure. The American spirit of generosity will be evident in the days to come, as communities in the afflicted areas come together and our American family from coast to coast provides assistance.
This page provides useful information about Hurricane Katrina, links to organizations that are helping provide relief, and how to obtain disaster assistance.
Relief Organizations
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is is moving ice, water, meals, Search and Rescue and Disaster Medical Assistance teams into areas hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina. Click here to visit FEMA's web site.
To apply for assistance call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. You may also register for assistance online here. In addition, you may find FEMA's "Help After a Disaster: Applicant's Guide to the Individuals & Households Program" helpful.
To find local shelters and other state specific information please visit:
Louisiana Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness
http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov
(225) 925-7500
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
http://www.msema.org
601-960-9020
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
http://www.ema.alabama.gov/
1-800-843-0699
Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org
1-866-GET-INFO (1-866-438-4636)
Congressional Black Caucus
http://www.congressionalblackcaucus.net/
How to Help
Volunteer agencies provide a wide variety of services after disasters, such as clean up, childcare, housing repair, crisis counseling, sheltering and food. Below is a list of phone numbers set up solely for cash donations and/or volunteers:
American Red Cross
1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669) English,
1-800-257-7575 Spanish
Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief
1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440
Salvation Army
1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
Operation Blessing
1-800-436-6348
America’s Second Harvest
1-800-344-8070
Adventist Community Services
1-800-381-7171
Catholic Charities, USA
703 549-1390
Christian Disaster Response
941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
1-800-848-5818
Church World Service
1-800-297-1516
Convoy of Hope
417-823-8998
Lutheran Disaster Response
800-638-3522
Mennonite Disaster Service
717-859-2210
Nazarene Disaster Response
888-256-5886
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
800-872-3283
United Methodist Committee on Relief
1-800-554-8583
Additional Resources
Relatives and loved ones who are struggling to cope with the devastation of the disaster and loss of life can contact their local American Red Cross to speak with a Disaster Mental Health volunteer.
Updated information about Hurricane Katrina
For updated information about the hurricane and relief efforts, please visit the FEMA and National Hurricane Center web sites.
