Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

Rabbi Cohen recommends the relief drive from the Union for Reform Judaism, of which Temple Emanuel is a member. You can read about and participate in their relief efforts by clicking below, which will open a new window:

http://urj.org/relief/index.cfm (please read all the way down the page)

Alternatively (or additionally), the following relief efforts are a wonderful way to help:

To donate non-perishable food items, diapers and formula, and gently used or new clothing, the RVIHN (Roanoke Valley Interfaith Hospitality Network) can help. They will forward all items to their sister organizations in afflicted areas, where the network to support homeless families through local congregations is already established. They are also taking donations. Please follow these guidelines:

1. Donations of Food, Clothing, Toiletries, School Supplies may be sent directly to RVIHN locally, and they will ensure these items arrive in the afflicted areas.
2. Cash donations may be sent to RVIHN and they will forward the collection to their affiliate in Lafayette, Louisiana.
3. Congregants may consider housing displaced families temporarily for up to 120 days. If you are interested in this possibility please contact Joe Cobb at RVIHN to discuss details.

Joe Cobb, Executive Director rvihn@rev.net
Roanoke Valley Interfaith Hospitality Network
VAMC-25A
1970 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, Virginia 24153
540-343-9982   540-343-5068 (fax)

Housing the newly homeless:

There is an emergency national housing drive to connect empty beds with hurricane victims who desperately need a place to wait out the storm. You can post your offer of housing (a spare room, extra bed, even a decent couch) and search for available housing online at:

http://www.hurricanehousing.org

Housing is most urgently needed within reasonable driving distance (about 300 miles) of the affected areas in the Southeast, especially New Orleans.