[E-updates] Community support for families displaced by hurricane

[Lisa Patterson]

NEWS RELEASE

City of Lawrence, Kansas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005

 

CONTACT: Mayor Dennis "Boog" Highberger, (785) 843-0995

Chip Blaser, Ballard Community Services, (785) 842-0729

Sara Corless, Douglas County Community Foundation, (785) 843-8727

 

Community support for families displaced by hurricane

 

(LAWRENCE, KS) - The Mayor's Sept. 1 call to for community support to host a family displaced by hurricane Katrina was met with contributions from the Lawrence community.  An ad hoc group of service organizations were able to quickly assemble a structure to accept community support and serve the needs of a family.  However, the Markeys, the displaced family considering a temporary relocation to Lawrence, have made a decision to stay in the Gulf Coast area.  The Markeys cited their need to continue working with families in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans area in their decision.

 

The coordination of the service groups along with community support including in-kind donations have created a resource for families from the Gulf Coast area that will continue.  It is expected that Lawrence will continue to see displaced families for many months.  The Douglas County Red Cross Chapter is meeting the immediate needs of more than two dozen families who are staying with friends and families.  For longer term needs, Ballard Community Services will screen requests and coordinate services.

 

"I find it very inspiring that the community was able to assemble such an incredible support system for displaced families.  The recovery process will certainly take many months and we will see families come to the Lawrence community needing support," said Mayor Boog Highberger.

 

-END-

 

 

_____________________________

Lisa K. Patterson

Communications Manager

City of Lawrence

PO Box 708

Lawrence, KS 66044

(785) 832-3406

fax (785) 832-3405

lpatterson at ci.lawrence.ks.us

http://www.lawrenceks.org

 

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