Hilda L. Solis: “over the weekend I visited the Dream Center in Los Angeles, California, which is currently housing over 250 evacuees of…”

“over the weekend I visited the Dream Center in Los Angeles, California, which is currently housing over 250 evacuees of Hurricane Katrina. The Dream Center has committed to feeding, housing and clothing these evacuees. The stories that I heard from them are gut wrenching. I met a woman who escaped with her two nephews and her 80-year-old mother, Sheila Bell. I also visited with a father who was caring for his youngster who is 1 year old. But Mrs. Bell, unfortunately, was separated from her daughters. Her daughters are somewhere in Texas. She cannot find them. She wants to hear from them. And I want to also applaud the firemen and the first responders who risked their own lives to help those in need to leave the center. Mrs. Bell recounted that the water level in her house came up to her neck. But there are many stories like hers. And one of the things that I have to bring forward is the fact that FEMA made a promise to give these evacuees assistance. Now, it is 2 weeks, the assistance is not there. Political hacks have pushed aside the professionals out of FEMA. Since this President took office, 4.1 million people have slipped into poverty. The poor and underserved of the Gulf are the hardest hit. They are the ones that need our help. Let us move forward and help those that need our assistance now. ____________________”