ADVOCATE FOR VICTIMS OF KATRINA TODAY!

Take action by Saturday, September 10, 2005

The Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (where Tom Betti works) has received a number of calls from folks asking what they can do for victims of Katrina in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. While cash and credit card donations are critical in this initial stage (http://www.redcross.org//), we would also urge your to advocate for increased accessibility for public benefits for victims of Katrina.

Please take a couple of minutes to urge the President and members of Congress to issue emergency rulings to all federal agencies to loosen up governmental regulations in order to meet the needs of refugees who are seeking shelter outside the affected areas. This will make it easier for people to access and receive housing, Medicaid, Food Stamps, WIC, Child Care and cash assistance. These directives MUST be issued immediately and sent to all fifty states.

In addition, we call upon you to remind your local schools and superintendents pursuant to the McKinney-Vento Act that students cannot be denied admittance to public schools because they don't have the right paperwork.

Click below and send an e-mail to your elected officials today! The letter available here can be changed so you can add your own thoughts and comments.

http://capwiz.com/cohhio/mail/oneclick_compose/?alertid=7990011

Thanks for your support!