Update on Hurricane Relief Efforts

Your ministry here at Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services (PCHAS) is mobilizing to help with the unprecedented numbers of children and families left homeless in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

In addition to our on-going daily work with children and families through our existing foster group homes, therapeutic foster homes and Child and Family programs, PCHAS President Ed Knight has authorized the expenditure of agency reserve funds to implement the following plan of action:

• PCHAS residential home program directors have been directed to receive up to 42 children into our foster group home and therapeutic foster home programs. In addition to any private placements, we will work with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services who are coordinating this effort with Louisiana officials.
• PCHAS will work closely with local school districts as we enroll these children in area schools. In most cases these children will come into our care with nothing but the clothing on their backs. We will provide them with safe and loving homes for as long as they are needed, along with clothing, food, medical and dental care, and counseling.
• PCHAS Child and Family Programs in Houston, Dallas, Corsicana, Abilene, Kilgore, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, and Shreveport, Louisiana have been authorized to assist in relief efforts with displaced families coming to these communities. Some efforts already underway include providing air mattresses, blankets, pillows, socks, underwear, toiletries, diapers, counseling and other services.
• PCHAS will double the number of Child and Family Specialists in select cities. Where prudent, PCHAS will seek to employ already trained social workers (bachelor and master degreed) who themselves have been displaced by the hurricane.
• PCHAS will continue discussions with Presbyterian Churches in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, and if the way be clear, PCHAS will establish 2 new additional Child and Family Programs to assist with the long-term needs of children and families affected by this disaster.
• PCHAS will work with local Presbyterian Churches, Synod, Presbyteries, and other social service and governmental relief agencies in our service areas to see how we can best work together to provide aid to those in need.

You Can Help

• Pray daily for this ministry and for all children and families whose lives we will touch in the coming months.
• Consider an extra gift to our ministry. PCHAS is utilizing financial reserves to address this crisis. Please know that we will use your resources wisely in meeting both our regular ongoing needs and the additional financial needs we will have as we reach out to others.

September 2005