SEATTLE – With an estimated 3,000 hurricane evacuees scattered around Washington state, community leaders are calling on state and local officials to make long-term plans to care for them.
State officials prepared to take on about 2,000 people dislocated by Hurricane Katrina, but estimates show about 3,000 have made their way from the Gulf Coast region.
The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle has asked state and local leaders to implement a long-term strategy – with one agency overseeing operations – to aid evacuees who made the 2,700-mile trip and don’t know when they’ll be able to return home. A coordinated plan is needed to help them find long-term housing, jobs or medical care, director James Kelly said Friday.
“We need a plan that will create a central clearinghouse so folks can get the help they need,” said Kelly, flanked by about two dozen Gulf Coast evacuees. Representatives of government agencies, churches and the Red Cross also were present.
Kelly said he was calling on the governor, county executives and mayors to sit down in the next week and figure out a comprehensive plan. In 36 out of the state’s 39 counties, government and private agencies are serving Katrina victims, but it’s been very disjointed effort.
About 450 families have applied for medical care, emergency funds and other services from the state Department of Social and Health Services.
In Kitsap and King counties, the Red Cross has helped provide food, clothing and short-term housing to about 490 families. Meanwhile, city and county housing agencies, as well as community groups, are working to meet the long-term needs of refugees.
“We have identified about 500 units available through private landlords and are ready to take the next step once we have funding confirmed from the federal government,” said LeAnne Nelson, communications director of the Seattle Office of Housing.
At Friday’s news conference, Pastor Paul Stoot of Greater Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Everett said his church is helping to support more than 30 people.
“These are not refugees, but citizens that came out of the New Orleans area that used to work, are dying to work but don’t know where to go first,” Stoot said.
Peter Antolin, deputy director of the state Department of General Administration, said: “Now that their emergency needs have been met, it’s time to reflect on what other services are needed for our guests. There needs to be more coordinating of these services, and I think that’s the proper role for the state.”
He said representatives from his office will meet with Pierce County officials on Monday to identify what resources are available in the region. The state also plans a similar meeting with King County officials.
Antolin noted that state funds for helping the hurricane victims are limited, and that it must rely on funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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