The National Association of Counties (NACo) announced a long-range recovery effort on Friday, called “Rebuilding the Gulf Coast” in response to the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. NACo President and Umatilla County, Oregon Commissioner Bill Hansell appointed NACo First President and Oakland County Commissioner Eric Coleman head of the new effort.
The relief effort consists of two primary components. The first involves a partnership with the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on an initiative to find temporary housing for displaced residents. As many as 50 counties have already offered empty plots of land, gymnasiums, and temporary housing shelters. Several county officials have offered their own homes as places of refuge for displaced families.
The second component is a fund-raising effort for county and parish governments and their employees.
“I am honored to serve in this capacity in what is going to be one of the greatest natural disasters of our time. This is a daunting task put before me and the many courageously committed men and women who are helping from every sector of our nation. I am humbled to be able to serve my fellow Americans during this place in our country’s history,” stated Oakland County Commissioner Eric Coleman.
“The devastation and heartbreak caused by Hurricane Katrina is beyond human comprehension. But in the wake of this national tragedy, I am inspired to see people from all over the United States and the world coming together to help the victims. My thoughts and prayers are with Commissioner Coleman and his team as they go forward to carryout their important mission of helping to rebuild lives,” stated Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.
Board Chairman Bill Bullard, Jr., stated “We are proud and support our fellow Commissioner Eric Coleman as he serves the nation on this great humanitarian effort. Our hearts are with him and all those affiliated with the Rebuilding the Gulf Coast Task Force’s efforts. We will keep the Katrina survivors and victims in our hearts and minds.”
NACo has set up a website with more information on Hurricane Katrina relief efforts at www.naco.org