The Superdome in New Orleans is being evacuated, and 30,000 people are being relocated to the Astrodome here in Houston. More information on the front page of the Houston Chronicle.

One of the benefits of working for the County and the County Judge’s Office is that my mailbox has been filling up with announcements of volunteer opportunities for displaced New Orleans residents. The email below is one such announcement that’s crossed my desk. 

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From: Sloan, Mark T. (County Judge’s Office)
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 10:20 AM
Subject: Harris County Citizen Corps: Urgent Request for assistance

From County Judge Robert Eckels:

Harris County Citizen Corps Members,

Today we are going to help those who have been impacted by Hurricane Katrina who are currently located in the Super Dome in New Orleans. Up to 25,000 citizens are going to be relocated to the Astro Dome. We need your help. We are requesting volunteers to assist in setting up the dome with cots and other basic necessities.

This needs to be completed by 1700 or 5pm CST. We need for you to forward to anyone how can help through your businesses, churches and organizations.

We will also need volunteers to assist in the documentation and check in of all who arrive. CERT Teams will be needed to assist citizens from the busses to the check in locations.

Logistical information with locations and staging areas will be sent out shortly. Please respond to this e-mail and let us know how many people you have that can assisit, include time frames, as this this will be a 24/7 opperation.

This task is unprecedented and can be completed with the support of our citizens.

Thank you for your continued support,
Harris County Judge Robert Eckels
Chairman Harris County Citizen Corps