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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-09-27 - AGENDA REPORTS - KATRINA RELIEF HABITAT (2)Agenda Item: -- 102—wo CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT UNFINISHED BUSINESS City Manager Approval: l�ti Item to be presented by: Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Weste and Rick Gould DATE: September 27, 2005 SUBJECT: FOLLOW-UP FOR CITY RELIEF EFFORTS FOR HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUEES DEPARTMENT: Parks, Recreation & Community Services RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. City Council approve and authorize City Manager, or designee, to allocate funds from Council Contingency Fund in the amount of $66,000, for Habitat for Humanity, to build a residence for a homeless Hurricane Katrina family. 2. City Council direct staff to transfer funds from Account Number 2250-7401 to Account Number 1210-8001 for this Habitat for Humanity donation. BACKGROUND On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina, a Category Four hurricane, hit the Gulf States of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, first making landfall in Biloxi, Mississippi. The impacts included major disruption to transportation, communication, and general infrastructure within the region. Transportation sector impacts included maritime, highway, transit, rail, and pipeline facilities. Unexpected levee breaks created flood waters that left an unprecedented amount of destruction and debris, resulting in public health and medical challenges. The pace of giving is unprecedented in American history, with American charities raising $1.06 billion to help the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. The American Red Cross in Washington has raised far more than any other charity, taking in $762.5 million. A relief fund started by former Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton, at the request of President George W. Bush, has raised the second-largest sum, collecting $100 million so far, and Habitat for Humanity International in Americus, Georgia, has raised $8.2 million. Locally, the collective community outreach is impressive, with over $250,000 donated to the American Red Cross. A community leadership group called the "Katrina Coalition" has been formed with the goal of supporting ongoing relief. Numerous fundraising events are occurring throughout the City of Santa Clarita on a daily basis, as documented by our local papers, magazines, and websites. American Red Cross At the request of the State of Louisiana and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross initiated the Special Transient Accommodations Program. This program will help evacuees keep their hotel rooms once they have run out of personal resources and alleviate the need to move to already overcrowded shelters. The American Red Cross will be picking up the tab, by paying for the room and any applicable taxes, for up to 30 days to keep evacuees in a safe environment with their families together. The American Red Cross has been very successful in their fundraising efforts over the last month. It is important, however, to note that the Red Cross' efforts are focused on disaster response, not on rebuilding. Presidents' Katrina Fund In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the immense devastation, former Presidents Bush and Clinton established the Presidents' Katrina Fund to provide resources to help the victims of this disaster. By channeling funds to the states of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, the States' Governors will be able to focus on long-term recovery. Los Angeles Countv The County of Los Angeles sent a delegation to the hardest hit areas earlier this month to assess damages and best determine what help L.A. County can be in the aftermath. That report has not been released as yet by the County. All libraries operated by the County of Los Angeles are designated collection sites for donations to the Katrina Hurricane relief efforts. Libraries will accept cash or checks (payable to the American Red Cross). All proceeds go to the Red Cross. The County Board of Supervisors joins the nation in asking the public to donate time and money to assist the victims of Katrina Hurricane through a variety of charities listed on the County website. Habitat for Humanitv Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 200,000 homes throughout the world, and is in a unique position to provide long-term housing solutions for victims of the storm. Habitat for Humanity leaders plan to build thousands of homes along the Gulf Coast in what could be their largest construction project ever. Habitat for Humanity plans to launch "Operation Home Delivery" which involves volunteers building housing frames around the country, then shipping them to the Gulf Coast. From there, up to 30 volunteers per house will do a "blitz build," allowing houses to be constructed in about one week. Habitat for Humanity has yet to set a date for the start of construction, but plan for the project to continue for several years. Typically, Habitat for Humanity builds 1,200 square foot homes with three bedrooms and one bathroom. Building costs for "Operation Home Delivery" usually average $66,000 per home. Habitat is very focused on helping people resume their lives by getting them into homes. Habitat's past record for success, their new "Operation Home Delivery," and "Blitz Build" seem to be the most proactive way our City can help residents in the Gulf Coast. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS 1. Decline proposed recommendation. 2. Other action as determined by City Council. FISCAL IMPACT Transfer funds in the amount of $66,000 from Council Contingency Fund Account Number 2250-7401 to Account Number 1210-8001. The remaining balance in the Council Contingency Fund is $783,977.