CAN’T GET TO WASHINGTON TO PROTEST FEMA?!?

SIX things YOU can do to stop the eviction of
Hurricane Katrina survivors during this holiday season

(Washington, DC) ~ The following is a statement from Tashea Brodgins, National Chair of the Minority Caucus of the Young Democrats of America:

“As an American, I was heart-broken and outraged by the catastrophe that followed Hurricane Katrina. As a community, we were disgusted by the lack of response by the Bush administration which would never have left more affluent people to suffer and die. And we were also devastated to realize that as a Black community, we did not have the capacity or the political power to demand and receive immediate action to care for our suffering brothers and sisters.”

“The federal government continues to fail these Americans with this plan of eviction from hotels and shelters during the holiday season. I ask that all members of the Minority Caucus – from Florida to Alaska – to show their solidarity with the survivors of Katrina by participating in a Phone-In/Lobbying Blitz. As thousands march on FEMA’s headquarters today to demand better treatment of Katrina evacuees, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Reverend Yearwood and the Hip-Hop Caucus in their efforts to bring accountability and fairness to a population of Americans that have been disenfranchised in the worst possible way.”

1. Call FEMA TODAY between 11 a.m. - noon, at 202-566-1600.
Ask for FEMA Director R. David Paulison (Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response) or David Garratt (Acting Division Director of FEMA's Recovery Division).

What you can say:
° Do not leave survivors homeless for the holidays or any day.
° Base policy decisions on human needs, not on agency deadlines.
° Extend the December 15th and January 7 deadlines for evacuees living in hotels until you have specific transitional or long-term housing in place.
° After three months, FEMA has failed to provide the conditions for survivors to return to New Orleans. FEMA must provide trailers; make public housing and other available units accessible through the use of Section 8 vouchers; set up a Victims Compensation Fund like the one for 9/11 victims; and involve survivors in reconstruction plans and the allocation of resources for affordable housing for New Orleans.
2. Call your Representative toll-free at 800-426-8073 (Capitol switchboard) and ask to be connected to your member of the U.S. House of Representatives. If you're not sure who your Representative is, tell the switchboard. They will identify your Representative and connect you.

What you can say:
My name is _______________ and I live in (your town/city).
I would like Representative ____ to sponsor HR 4197--the Hurricane Katrina Recovery, Reclamation, Restoration, Reconstruction and Reunion Act of 2005--which provides the most comprehensive plan to provide for the needs of Katrina survivors. I support HR 4197 because it provides assistance with housing and jobs, facilitates the reunion of families, and upholds the right of Katrina survivors to return to their communities

3. Call your Senators via the Senate switchboard at 202-225-3121.

What you can say:
Prevent federal funds from being used for the next two years to take private property (i.e., homes) by eminent domain. Support HR 4128, co-sponsored by Rep. Maxine Waters, as it comes to Senate.

What you can say:
Prevent federal funds from being used for the next two years to take private property (i.e., homes) by eminent domain. Support HR 4128, co-sponsored by Rep. Maxine Waters, as it comes to Senate.

4. Call the White House at 202-456-1111/202-456-6213 (TTY)

What you can say:
"President Bush, you promised to spend whatever it takes to ensure the recovery of the Gulf
Coast region. You promised to ensure that the displaced would be able to return home. You have broken your promise to Katrina survivors and to this nation. While your family celebrates Christmas, do not let the victims of Katrina suffer as newly homeless for the holidays. Prevent FEMA from turning people out of hotels tomorrow. And on January 7, compel FEMA to expand its housing assistance and provisions for transitional and long-term housing. Meet with representatives of the People's Hurricane Relief and Oversight Coalition to involve survivors in the process of reconstruction."

5. Email FEMA: FEMA-Correspondence-Unit@dhs.gov
Address FEMA Director R. David Paulison (Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response and Acting Recovery Director), and David Garratt (Acting Division Director of FEMA's Recovery Division).
See above for what you can write ("Do not leave survivors...")

6. PLEASE Report Back. Email us so we can keep track of your actions at
info@upfordemocracy.org or info@hiphopcaucus.org


FOR FURTHER INFO:
Contact Diane Shamis at ippn.diane@earthlink.net or 845-661-3754 and check out
www.upfordemocracy.org, www.katrinaaction.org and www.communitylaborunited.net

Brought to you by the coalition groups: Hip Hop Caucus, UP for Democracy the People's Hurricane Relief Fund and Oversight Coalition, African-American Clergy, and progressive partners such as the Backbone Campaign, and so many others...

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The Minority Caucus of the Young Democrats of America is the official youth of color arm of the Democratic Party since 1932. Open to anyone under the age of 36 who affiliates with the Democratic Party, YDA is a nationwide grassroots organization with 42 chartered states and 780 local chapters. The Minority Caucus of the Young Democrats of America has founded 33 new state chapters in the last two years. For more information about the YDA Minority Caucus, contact us at info@ydaminoritycaucus.org

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