Massachusetts Welcomes Katrina Victims

Bostonist is sure you all have been watching the horror and devestation that Hurricane Katrina has brought to the Gulf Coast states last week. While federal officials have finally admitted that there are indeed thousands dead as local officials had announced last week, the looting and lawlessness shown on the news has subsided and now those stranded residents are finally being rescued. The state of Massachusetts decided to help out as well, taking in 2,500 evacuees announced by Gov. Romney yesterday. Officials are hoping to have all 2,500 people moved to Cape Cod's Camp Edwards at the Otis Air Force Base by this Wednesday. Once there, they will receive medical treatment, food, housing, money and clothing for the next month or two. After the few months at the base, Romney plans to get local government agencies, such as the housing, health, and human services department, involved in helping evacuees who want to stay and settle in Massachusetts, rather than return home to the Gulf area.

Mayor Menino had offered an alternative suggestion to Romney's, by bringing evacuees to Logan Airport, which would establish a triage center. They would all be housed at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The state has decided to go with Gov. Romney's plan, which will be mostly paid by FEMA, but the state does have $600-800 million dollars that can be used toward Hurricane relief.

While most of the Hurricane victims are being bused into Texas, who is planning to accept the most evacuees, Massachusetts is currently the only Northeastern state to bring victims into their state; Washington D.C. is the closest in proximity to Boston, taking in 500 evacuees this week.

Besides Katrina wreaking havoc on the South, many have felt the havoc at the local gas pump, where gasoline prices have skyrocketed in the last week. While we all wait out to see when those prices drop, Bostonist hopes you can all spare a few dollars to the relief effort for Hurricane Katrina. The Herald listed local charities and chapters that are currently raising money to help the victims. Also, don't forget to check if your company matches donations. Even if you can only spare $10 from your paycheck, every bit helps.

Image courtesy of Reuters