DC Archdiocese steps in

Is seeking housing for Katrina survivors:

Meeting the long-term housing needs of hurricane survivors on their way to the Washington, DC area is the immediate priority for Catholic Charities. The group is looking for vacant apartment units that can be made available free-of-charge for at least 90 days. Up to 400 survivors of Hurricane Katrina may arrive at the D.C. Armory this weekend. And, other survivors are already making their way to the national capital area.

Catholic Charities is working with the 140 parishes of the Archdiocese of Washington and others in the community to find property owners or real-estate agents who can donate vacant housing units. These individuals are being asked to call Catholic Charities at 202-772-1212. Staff and volunteers will be answering this phone line between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. throughout the Labor Day weekend and beyond.

Comments

[Kathleen]

Hey Everyone.

There are seven apartments across the street from my house that are available. They are not expensive but the owner of the buildings is struggling so cannot offer them for free. They are however, cheap by NoVa standards and I think I can get him to provide them for a cut rate with a little pressure. They include utilities, so that's good. It's not the best neighborhood, but it is not SE. I've put a phone call into the number listed (it was after 5) and to my pastor who I have not heard from yet. I've also hit up my contacts here in the NoVa. area and they are trying to find out who to talk to and to look for help.

I'm hoping enough free places in better neighborhoods come about, but the NoVa market is tough, so if not, I'm hoping the Archdiocese of Arlington can raise the money and get these apartments.

If any NoVa people read this and can pass on the information to their pastors this might be helpful. My e-mail is jerabekk66@yahoo.com and I'll keep checking it to see if I get any leads.

My neighborhood is full of people who work in construction. I'm going to hit them up to for possible job leads. I also think, if this does pan out, that I can rally enough support to provide food and basic needs to be provided.

These apartments are available now, so victims of Katrina could be sleeping peacefully tomorrow night. Give me a ping if any of you NoVa/DCers have any ideas.

Kathleen