Washington, D.C.- Representative Tom Osborne offers information for those in the Third District interested in assisting in the relief efforts as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

"In the past week, many caring individuals in the Third District have contacted my office asking about how they can contribute to the relief efforts for those displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Whether it is a family of four, a small business owner of a construction company, or a landlord with extra space available, numerous options are available to those interested in helping in ways both big and small. Accordingly, I am providing information regarding ongoing efforts to assist those communities affected by Hurricane Katrina."

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reports that baby food, housing, transportation, and emergency supplies are the items needed most. The DHS has set up a website, www.swern.gov , to accept offers to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina. For example, individuals, businesses, and city leaders in the Third District who wish to provide housing can register the following types of housing facilities at the National Emergency Resource Registry:

Finished Structures:

Apartments, corporate housing, hotels/motels, manufactured homes, public housing, single-family homes;

Adaptable Facilities:

Community or senior centers, hospitals, military base housing, new or unused prisons, nursing homes, residence halls, shelters, sleeper cars;

Moveable units:
Mobile homes, recreational vehicles, tents, travel trailers;

Unfinished Structures:
Convertible buildings (commercial), foreclosed housing, railroad cars.

Donation offers are not limited to housing but may also include vehicles, construction equipment, food, clothing, and other personal items for those displaced by Hurricane Katrina. To register resources, please visit www.swern.gov/emergency/asset_index.php . Registering is simple and easy to do. Federal, state, and local emergency responders will be checking this directory as the need for materials and services become known.

Additionally, on September 2, 2005, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) established a toll-free number, 1-800-440-6728, to accept donations to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina. More information can be found at www.fema.gov .

"Every community in Nebraska from Alliance to Holdrege to Ord can find ways to help ease the pain and suffering felt by so many of our fellow citizens in the areas hardest hit by the hurricane. Whether it is offering a closed hotel as a means of temporary housing or donating money, food, or clothing, we can all do our part to help those greatly affected by this widespread devastation."