ACORN/ Hurricane Katrina

Recover- Rebuild-OrganizeOne year ago, the people of New Orleans were hit by a devastating storm, forced to flee by failing levees, and abandoned,before the shocked eyes of the world, by a government unable or unwilling to provide effective relief.One year later, the determination of the people of New Orleans to return and rebuild their homes, lives and communities and the overwhelming support of the American people for a humane and just recovery has brought hard-won hope and progress to the city.ACORN, the nation’s largest community organization, never had a choice about whether to take on the fight to rebuild New Orleans. Deeply rooted in the city for 30 years and with a presence in all major cities where evacuees arrived, the organization had to find the time and resources to respond to the challange.ACORN quickly began fostering communication among displaced residents, fighting for disaster assistance, preserving homes, developing a rebuilding plan and providing a national voice for Katrina survivors. The ACORN Katrina Recovery and Rebuilding Campaign has organized its many activities around one constant theme: We will return and rebuild our homes, our lives and our communities.In the second year of New Orleans’ recovery, ACORN will develop new initiatives to foster affordable housing and quality job placement and to advocate for education and access to healthcare. In this fight, as in all of ACORN’s efforts, hope comes from the strength of ordinary people who stand united in the face of extraordinary challenges. That’s you and me, my friend.Maude Hurd ACORN National President