Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Assistant Secretary Josefina Carbonell announced today that State Units on Aging in the three states impacted by Hurricane Katrina have received an initial payment of $750,000 in hurricane relief funds. The State Units on Aging in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi have each received $250,000 to be used for immediate assistance to frail elders affected by Hurricane Katrina.

“We are deeply saddened by the devastation left in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,” said Assistant Secretary Carbonell. “This immediate, initial grant of hurricane relief funds to Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi’s aging network will help connect our seniors to the supportive assistance they need to rebuild their lives.”

The funds will provide hurricane victims with information and assistance, meals, case management and counseling assistance, in-home and chore services, personal hygiene supplies and relocation assistance. These funds will aid in supporting state aging networks whose role in helping seniors navigate state and federal supports has been greatly amplified in affected states.

AoA has worked closely with the National Aging Network to assist in the recovery in those communities hardest hit by the hurricanes. We applaud their immediate response. The AARP is providing money and volunteers, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging are providing temporary housing in some of their facilities, foundations are getting involved, the National Association of State Units on Aging and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging are coordinating the responses from state and area agencies on aging that are sending staff, money and supplies. Given the widespread devastation, extensive long-term recovery efforts are needed to help restore safe and livable environments for older persons.

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The AoA is a Federal agency dedicated to policy development, planning and the delivery of supportive home and community-based services to older persons and their caregivers through the national aging network of state and local agencies on aging, tribal organizations, service providers and volunteers.