NETWORK - A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby

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NETWORK'S Statement Marking Katrina's Anniversary

August 29, 2006

The Gulf Coast of the United States and Iraq are worlds apart, yet the needs and rights of the people parallel each other. Basic community services, as well as the meeting of human needs, have suffered in both regions.

We memorialize the tragic events that took place on the Gulf Coast just one year ago, and we examine our collective U.S. conscience. Why has there been so much suffering?

During this past year, groups of Gulf Coast residents have met and formulated a list of their rights:

the right to self-sufficiency
the right to good schools and health care
the right to return
the right to have a say in the how/what of rebuilding
the right to hometown security
the right to long term federal investment in communities
the right to coastal restoration
the right to community policing
the right to fair pricing of dwellings

They tell us that it is their right to have these needs met.

NETWORK recognizes that the “general welfare” is one purpose of the federal government, as stated in the Constitution. A moral vision of society must be based on the dignity of all human life – with particular concern for the dignity of those who are most vulnerable.

Dignity and welfare require that all persons have a secure place to live and adequate healthcare. Therefore, NETWORK supports legislation that ensures affordable housing and healthcare for all those affected by hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.

This would include support of the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (S. 3721), which would require HUD, FEMA, and other departments to work with the American Red Cross and state and local governments to develop a disaster housing strategy. It would put in place strategies for meeting both short- and long-term needs of families and individuals. Provisions would also include mental health services, case management and transportation assistance for displaced households.

This bill has been approved by senate committees and is ready for a floor vote. NETWORK encourages a September vote for passage of this bill.

NETWORK also urges federal, state and local governments to allow the voices of low-income families to be a part of planning decisions for their communities.

In addition, NETWORK calls for the federal government to make sure that the money already allocated for rebuilding efforts actually makes its way into the hands of the people. Just $44 billion of the $110 billion in federal aid has been handed out thus far, an unconscionably slow response. NETWORK also recognizes that this amount is a small percentage of what is truly needed.

And, finally, NETWORK calls for HUD to work quickly to renovate and reopen public housing apartments in New Orleans, and to develop plans for creation of mixed-income housing opportunities.

More information:

Reports from New Orleans women religious to LCWR, here.

The National Alliance to Restore Opportunity to the Gulf Coast & Displaced Persons: http:/www.linkedfate.org/

Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference:http:/199.236.97.184/downloads/Litany-clr.pdf