I received this today from Clint Wallace for Governor Granholm:
The Governor asked that I keep you updated on the hurricane relief efforts that
she is coordinating and how you can help out. Below is a full description and
explanation of the plan. For the most recent information on how to donate
goods, services and and money to the relief effort, go to
http://www.michigan.gov/.
Thank you,
Clint Wallace
Granholm for Governor
Governor Announces Statewide Resource Coordination Effort, Michigan Hurricane
Helpline, and Statewide "Michigan Cares/Michigan Gives" On-Air Fundraising
Drive
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm this morning outlined Michigans relief efforts
to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina and announced new efforts to funnel
goods and services to affected communities.
From the States Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Granholm urged citizens to
visit the states Website at
http://www.michigan.gov/ for up-to-date
information on how to donate goods, services and money to the relief effort.
Granholm announced a new Michigan Hurricane Helpline for citizens to pledge
donations of goods and services and offer help. Pledges of help will be
cataloged and coordinated so that when the affected areas ask for particular
assistance, the state can deliver immediately. The Michigan Hurricane Helpline
number is 1-888-535-6136.
Citizens can help right now by calling our new Hurricane Helpline to report
your groups activities, to volunteer your willingness to donate goods,
services and housing, said Granholm. If you have a cash contribution which is
so critical at this moment please visit
www.michigan.gov to donate to one of
the relief organizations listed.
Granholm said the states EOC is coordinating all relief efforts underway in
the state and is marshalling resources from State of Michigan departments,
private entities, private citizens, and local organizations to ensure that
Michigan support is coordinated and ready at a moments notice to be delivered
in the most impactful way to the affected areas. The State is also working to
ensure that Michigan citizens and businesses are protected from the economic
impacts of the Hurricane.
The Governor announced earlier this week that she has suspended rules that
restricted transportation of gasoline in Michigan. The Governor has also asked
Marathon Oil to lower its wholesale prices. The State has received more than
1,500 complaints regarding gas gouging. The Attorney Generals office is
investigating.
Granholm also announced that she is coordinating an on-air fundraiser next week
for victims of the hurricane. She has partnered with Michigan Association of
Broadcasters to reach out to organize a statewide, simultaneous on-air
fundraiser to support Hurricane Katrina efforts.
All across our state, next Friday, September 9, radio and television
broadcasters, commercial and public, will take part in Michigan Cares/Michigan
Gives.
This effort will involve on-air fundraising throughout the day with a
particular focus on the 6-9 a.m. morning drive time. Broadcasters will ask
their listeners to call the Red Cross relief hotline to donate funds. While
the Michigan Cares/Michigan Gives fundraising effort will culminate in on-air
activities next Friday, citizens can call and donate now.
Granholm has been briefed on numerous activities initiated by Michigan
nonprofit organizations, churches, and businesses, and she pledged to support
those activities.
We are all moved by the outpouring of support by Michigan citizens and
organizations. Outreach efforts like the one coordinated by the Legislative
Black Caucus and efforts by local citizens to open Michigans arms to evacuees
are true examples of the spirit of Michigan.
Granholm said that her office is supporting efforts like those announced by
radio-host Tom Joyner to coordinate adopt-a-family networks through churches
around the state. Her office of Community and Faith Based Initiatives is
working closely with religious leaders around the state to coordinate help and
to dedicate a portion of their weekend services to remembering our brothers and
sisters who are suffering.
There is one more way that citizens can help right now, said Granholm. Say a
prayer for the families, the children, the parents, the volunteers who need to
know we are thinking of them and sending our thoughts to them.
Granholm detailed actions underway in state departments to provide badly needed
relief and to prepare for the potential arrival of disaster victims to the
state. State efforts are being organized into five key areas:
Security and Logistics Support
As commander of the Michigan National Guard, the Governor deployed nearly 500
soldiers. Military Police are en route to Mississippi. The Michigan National
Guard has dispatched a water purification unit. Two C-130 transport aircraft
have been dispatched and two are on call. The National Guard trucking companies
are on alert as well. Michigan State Police has K-9, SWAT, and Forensics teams
ready to deploy.
Housing Support
Available housing options are being catalogued through Department of Human
Services (DHS). DHS is currently ensuring that housing is available for
evacuees who have already arrived in Michigan. DHS is working closely with the
faith community as well to identify housing and services.
Health, Human Services and Education Support
Health and human services and education services are being coordinated to
ensure that children can be accepted into schools and that citizens have access
to services.
Department of Community Health is coordinating with the Michigan Hospital
Association to identify volunteer medical and nursing personnel and is
preparing for possible immunization issues. The Department of Human Services
will expedite food assistance/food stamp rules for evacuees. DCH is also
delivering the message that the state will honor any out-of-state Medicaid
cards.
Transportation Support
Department of Transportation is marshalling transportation services. An MDOT
bridge repair rig is ready to mobilize. All charter bus companies in the state
have been, or will be, contacted to determine capacity. The Department of
Education is working with local school districts to catalogue excess school bus
capacity. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has four C-130
aircraft prepared to mobilize to move evacuees.
Environmental Cleanup/Protection
Department of Environmental Quality is mobilizing 50 conservation officers with
law enforcement capabilities and inventorying surplus equipment such as boots
and waders. The Department of Agriculture is identifying veterinarians to
assist with animal disease issues.