Congressman Al Green Tours Astrodome, Helps Spearhead Citys Efforts to Locate Additional Housing

(Houston, TX)--Congressman Al Green recently toured the Houston Astrodome, where the largest number of Hurricane Katrina victims are being housed. The Astrodome is located in his Ninth Congressional District. Congressman Al Green is particularly dedicated to making sure that the evacuees receive all possible aid available.

"With all that these victims have endured, their resilience is astounding.  The destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina reached a level of human devastation like no other weve seen in this country. The damage to New Orleans and the communities of Mississippi and Alabama is an unprecedented catastrophe; one that will require an unprecedented effort and sacrifice on the part of Houstonians and the American people," Congressman Al Green said."The suffering experienced by these victims is beyond comprehension and restoring their lives will prove to be challenging. Given the generosity already exhibited by the people of this great city, there is no question that were up to the task."

Recently, at a series of planning meetings lead by Mayor Bill White, Congressman Al Green was charged with assisting efforts to identify Houstons housing shelters.

"Our city has done an excellent job of providing these displaced citizens with a sense of comfort at a time when so many are still coming to terms with their loss. The people of Houston, Mayor White, my Congressional colleagues as well as city and county officials are to be commended for their work to bring some normalcy to their lives," Congressman Al Green said.

With no clear timeline set for the future, the length of the New Orleans evacuees stay is undetermined.  The Astrodome is now housing the largest number of those affected by Hurricane Katrina, many of whom have few resources and are in the greatest need.

"Our work is not done. Although were working diligently to meet the immediate needs of the victims such as adequate housing, we must also develop a long term strategy to help our neighbors rebuild their lives," Congressman Al Green said.