LANSING, MI – State Representative Michael C. Murphy (D-Lansing) today announced that the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus plans to make several trips to take more supplies to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
“We began to mobilize right after the Hurricane struck and called for immediate action,” said Murphy, chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. “We were able to provide much needed relief to the evacuees and that made this effort a true success. It was a grassroots effort.”
The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus thanks the Michigan citizens for its rapid response to the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in the State of Michigan. It has been outstanding. Legislative leaders in the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, and the Alabama Legislative Black Caucus truly appreciate the generosity and compassion expressed by Michigan.
”We began to mobilize right after the Hurricane struck and called for immediate action,” said Murphy, chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus
Many groups across the state have participated in the MLBC efforts, including the Lansing School District, faith-based organizations, and many more groups and individuals. The Lansing Community College has even donated semi-trailers and drivers to carry supplies to Louisiana and Mississippi.
The efforts in Lansing began the day after the hurricane struck the Gulf Coast states. The MLBC requested that the Governor move swiftly in making Michigan resources available for assistance. Their legislative colleagues asked them to send buses and supplies. Since that time the caucus has sent supplies to Baton Rouge, LA, Alexandria, LA, and Jackson, MS. More than 125,000 pounds of supplies. The MLBC staff has traveled to Louisiana to represent its organization. And they will send supplies to Moss Pointe, Alabama and Baldwin, LA in the weeks ahead.
The Black Caucus worked with the Louisiana Black Caucus on the initial effort and brought back two families who were willing to come to Michigan. In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency flew 289 evacuees to Battle Creek, some of whom have relocated in Michigan cities.
In a joint effort with numerous charity organizations in the community, the caucus is standing by to provide housing, medical needs, and other services for the victims who plan to come to Michigan.
“It’s tremendous,” said Rep. Cheryl Gray, D-New Orleans said of the Caucus efforts. “You go to bed one night wondering how things are going to be. Then you get a call that the cavalry’s coming.”
As of press time, 40 evacuees have relocated to the Lansing area through St. Vincent’s Catholic Charities.
One evacuee and his son are adjusting well. He does not feel as though he will stay in Lansing. His home that was insured is gone and he was working at his place of employment for the last 23 years. He plans on returning to Louisiana and rebuilding.
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