September 7, 2005

NEW YORK – Governor Pataki has made a personal appeal to the Council of Churches of the City of New York and the religious leaders in the State of New York to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

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 family here 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 good, used clothing donation 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, "New 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's lives, we are ready to welcome them with open arms and help them rebuild their lives."

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, "We 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's 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 CCCNY developed and sponsored the caregiver project.

The Council joins Governor Pataki in calling on all New Yokers to come to the aid of the victims of Katrina.

Council of Churches of the City of New York