E-Opinion: Blanco’s storm relief fund is successful
Story originally published June 7, 2006
Gov. Kathleen Blanco was harshly criticized for state government’s early response to Hurricane Katrina.
Baton Rouge, LA - While she may have done some things wrong in the wake of the storm, it is now apparent that some essential things have been done very well. The hurricane relief fund created by the governor has raised nearly $40 million. Thus far, the fund has provided about $7.3 million to private organizations involved in assisting hurricane victims.
The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation is awarding the funds. Organizations given priority in grant awards are those involved in economic development, housing, education, health care and legal services. The non-profit groups that have received grants list a wide array of vital services provided to storm victims. The basic goal of Catholic Community Services, for instance, is to help evacuees find jobs and affordable housing. “We want them to move to stability,” says Carol Spruell, communications coordinator for the nonprofit. “That’s what they want, too,” she added.
The good being done by the Recovery Foundation is obvious. Even Blanco’s political enemies would be hard pressed to find cause for criticism.
The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (LDRF), Louisiana's fund for Louisiana's people, has been established by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco in order to support long-term family restoration and recovery and help provide assistance to our citizens in need through a network of Louisiana charities and non-profit agencies.
225-383-1672 | www.louisianahelp.org