Wyoming helps Katrina victims
September 7, 2005
Despite Wyoming’s distance from the areas hit by hurricane Katrina, offers to help have been given from all over the state. Pinedale, too, is pitching in helping with money donations and a charity collection of food, water and clothing to send to victims of the disaster.
Because of our distance from the impact area, the housing shortage in many parts of the state and lack of large shelter facilities, the state is not being asked to take a lot of displaced people. Wyoming’s official response has included military help, offers of job placement assistance, private offers of housing and financial donations.
Governor Dave Freudenthal has set up a special web on his official state website with links to sites where people can help: What you can do to help
Here are some ways Wyoming is helping:
• Kemmerer trucking company, BTI Trucking, has organized a convoy drive across Wyoming to pick up food, clothing, personal hygiene items, toys, bedding and more to be taken to those in need in the hurricane-striken area.
• National Guard deployment of 6 aircraft (Four UH-60 Helicopters and two C130 airplanes) and 72 soldiers and airmen and women.
• Deployment of over 20 personnel from Gillette, Cheyenne, Laramie, Jackson and Dubois.
• Deployment of Citizen Corp personnel.
• Deployment of F.E. Warren Air Force Base law enforcement personnel.
• Offer to relocate 100 people to Storey Gym in Cheyenne.
• Offer to relocate 100 people to Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne.
• Private offers of housing throughout the state.
• The McMurry Foundation will match all donations up to $250,000 for the American Red Cross through Wyoming Gives, a partnership with Casper Star-Tribune Communications.
Related Links
Wyoming Gives…and gives…and gives (Casper-Star Tribune article)
Wyoming.com Hurricane Katrina Relief Page
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