Urges Residents to Donate Gift Cards to provide clothing & food for evacuees

Mineola, N.Y- Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, joined by Hurricane Katrina victims and representatives from the county's Office of Housing and Homeless Services, today announced an "Adopt-a-Family" plan to help victims of Hurricane Katrina who have resettled in Nassau County.

"With the 'Adopt-a-Family' program, I am urging community organizations, religious congregations, and neighborhood groups to consider sponsoring a family in need," County Executive Suozzi said. "Through the generosity of our residents, these families who have lost so much will be given a second chance."

About 200 victims of Hurricane Katrina have found their way to Nassau County since the disaster struck the Gulf Coast. The county's Office of Housing & Homeless Services, along with the Red Cross, has assisted the families in finding temporary housing, enrolling their children in local schools and obtaining clothing and food. The county also is assisting in finding more permanent housing for some of the victims.

Several community groups in Nassau have agreed to sponsor families and have arranged to pay for housing for several months. Suozzi created the "Adopt-A-Family" program in order to encourage additional sponsorships of individuals and families currently in the County who need assistance finding housing.

"Many citizens have been calling and asking how they can help. The 'Adopt-A-Family' program is a way to assist Katrina victims who are now here in our own backyard," Suozzi said.

Suozzi also urged residents to donate gift cards from stores such as Sears, Target, Wal-Mart, CVS and other large stores so the County's newest residents can obtain basic supplies for themselves. The county will collect and distribute the gift cards to needy victims here in Nassau. Gift cards may be mailed to: Katrina Relief, Office of Housing and Homeless Services, 100 County Seat Drive, Mineola, NY, 11501.

Groups or individuals who wish to participate in the 'Adopt-a-Family' program may call the Office of Housing and Homeless Services at (516) 571 0351.