Arlington Mayor Dr. Robert Cluck

September 28, 2005
Arlington's Response to Hurricane Katrina

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On Tuesday, August 30^th, Arlington faced an unprecedented challenge. Along with other Texas communities, we began preparations for the arrival of an unknown number of evacuees from Gulf Coast communities left devastated by Hurricane Katrina. We had all seen the terrible pictures of the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf coast in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama & Florida. Many of us have strong connections to this area; the residents there are our family, friends and neighbors. Arlington was ready to do what it could to help those left physically, emotionally and financially injured by the storm.

In Arlington, traditional service organizations, city employees and ordinary citizens banded together to create a safe haven for these weary travelers. The city’s Emergency Operations Center was activated, as we made an inventory of shelter beds, hotel rooms and other resources available. After filling beds at the Salvation Army’s Family Life Center and at a make-shift shelter in the Elzie Odom Recreation Center, community volunteers and city staff worked over the Labor Day weekend to create a livable space in the old infirmary at the vacant Eastern Star Home property on Division.

Arlington businesses, community groups, non-profit agencies and citizens contributed an overwhelming amount of resources, skills and volunteer hours in this effort to feed, clothe and shelter the Hurricane evacuees that came to Arlington. At our peak, we had close to 1,100 people in our shelters, although this does not count the hundreds who have been taken into private homes in the community. Arlington’s response to this crisis was generous, effective and prompt. As these individuals make their way into permanent living situations in our community or make plans to return home to rebuild, I hope that Arlington will maintain its spirit of helpful hospitality, welcoming these new visitors to our city and making sure they feel comfortable here.

If you are interested in volunteering or making a financial contribution to assist Hurricane Katrina evacuees, please contact the Salvation Army Family Life Center at 817-860-1836, Mission Arlington at 817-277-6620, or the American Red Cross at 1-800-HELP-NOW. Please do what you can to help.

Robert Cluck, MD
Mayor
City of Arlington