"No one asked us for the supplies."
That was the response of a FEMA official when asked why tens of millions of dollars in critical supplies were not distributed to survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Can you believe it?
Nearly three years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita carved their destructive paths across the Gulf Coast, life is still far from normal for many thousands of people dislocated by the storms. Many have not been able to rebuild their houses, and so continue to live in trailers or even in buses or on boats.
And this is FEMA's excuse for not doing its part? Please contact them today and tell them you want the supplies delivered to the people who need them most -- those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Dear Mr. Paulison
Nearly three years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita carved their destructive paths across the Gulf Coast, life is still far from normal for many thousands of people dislocated by the storms. Many have not been able to rebuild their houses, and so continue to live in trailers or even in buses or on boats.
Even before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast, Louisiana and Mississippi were the two poorest states in the nation. Nearly one in five residents lived below the national poverty line of about $20,000 in annual income for a family of four. Good schools, job opportunities, and decent housing were scarce. Now the region is in crisis.
And so when I recently heard that CNN did a report on how millions of dollars worth of supplies were given away, rather than be sent to help people in need, I was deeply upset, especially when a FEMA official said the reason was that no one asked for the supplies.
[Your comment]
This situation must change, and FEMA must do its part in getting these supplies to Katrina survivors without excuses. I urge you to rectify the matter immediately
