Posted on 09/04/2005 8:12:16 PM PDT by 11th_VA
WASHINGTON - It may take a little longer for hundreds of Hurricane Katrina refugees to arrive in the District.
The original mission of the 10-bus convoy was to pick up stranded residents in downtown New Orleans. But WTOP Radio has learned the city had already been evacuated.
So, Council Member David Catania says the convoy has been re-routed to the New Orleans airport. If all the refugees are gone from the airport, the convoy will make a last stop in Baton Rouge before returning home.
It is likely the buses won't return to the D.C. area until mid-week.
Mayor Tony Williams is inspecting the D.C. Armory where about 400 refugees could be housed, at least temporarily.
Authorities in the District say the city will begin the process of searching for long-term housing after the evacuees rest in the Armory.
Catholic Charities is one organization attempting to gather information about those who can offer shelter.
Spokesman Mike Meeran says the group is looking for independent units, such as vacant apartments, not spare rooms at this point.
Those who can't offer victims a place to stay can still help, however.
Cameron Valentine with the Red Cross says the best way to give is to call (800) HELP-NOW or go to their website and donate money.
Valentine says they are not accepting donated supplies from individual organizations, "We do take in-kind donations from coorporations, but as far as individual church groups or neighborhoods getting together to gather clothing for people, we don't have the resources to clean and redistribute that."
Thanks for all the pics !!! I'll need 'em to show my office mates on Tuesday when I get hit with the "bush's fault' rhetoric ...
What a bunch of BS - when push came to shove they were using uhauls ...
OH MY! What do the children with smaller bladders do when being bussed to school? I was always told to go before we go!
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