Sept. 2, 2005

 

Dear Friend,

   

    By now you have heard that Hurricane Katrina, which devastated Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, is the worst natural disaster in the history of America. The destruction is indescribable and the images which flash across the television only scratch the surface. You would have to be here to actually see the destruction and talk to the people who are affected to feel their intense pain. When our governor surveyed the devastation, he just wept. Even newscasters, hardened to disasters such as these, wept openly. Our city of Jackson has become a shelter for many of those who fled Hurricane Katrina’s fury. Mississippi has access to an emergency response team and we are so grateful for the insurmountable donations of water, food, and clothing for these refugees, but the John M. Perkins Foundation wants to do more. At this point, we don’t want to create welfare dependent refugees. Rather, we want to sustain the dignity of these victims during the long-term recovery process.

   Here at the Perkins Center, the electricity is out right now. Trees are down everywhere and four of our houses are damaged. Thousands of homes are yet to regain power. This is a real crisis, but a greater crisis approaches. It will take months, and even years for the coastal community to completely recover. We are moving forward and with your help we can be more effective in helping those most affected most by this disaster.

    Two of the greatest problems we face are the lack of electricity and gasoline. These shortages have crippled us, hindering our mobility, creating chaos and preventing us from assisting those in need. To provide short-term relief, volunteers are supplying food, water, clothing, etc. The foundation plans to aide Hurricane Katrina victims by offering its Zechariah Community houses to 10 families and provide job opportunities for them during this time of distress.    Our desire is to find highly motivated people with basic skills who have a desire to work. We will provide a stipend to these individuals and, with the help of sponsors, provide housing until they re-enter the mainstream of the workforce. At this time, we prefer married couples with children to enroll in this development program.

    We estimate it will cost at least $1,000 a month, per person to create a workable plan. As we prepare to kick-off our “workfare program,” any amount you could give toward these sponsorships will be greatly appreciated. No contribution is too small.

    I hope and pray that churches, para church organizations, businesses and Chambers of Commerce will adopt this plan or a similar plan that meets their capabilities. Our main objective is to create a loving, clean, decent, dignity affirming community for these families during this critical time in their lives. I want to do all we can to avoid crippling them, creating a welfare mentality; instead we must establish a stable working environment.

    I need your help. We need prayer, funds and volunteers. There is much work to do as we prepare housing for these Hurricane Katrina survivors.

 

Thanking you in advance,

 

John Perkins

 

“…let us rise up and build. Then they set their hands to this good work. …” Nehemiah 2:18.

 

John M. Perkins Foundation Tax ID #: 95-3818477