Dear Senator/Representative [INSERT NAME],
As a constituent of your district, I am writing to urge your support for the ongoing Gulf Coast
recovery effort. Although Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, the storms impact is still evident in
these coastal communities.
Recently, I volunteered with Rebuilding Together New Orleans, a nonprofit organization that
restores homes of low-income elderly, disabled, and single parent homeowners devastated by
Katrina. While the city has made significant progress in revitalizing storm-damaged communities,
more than 35% of the population is still unable to return home. New Orleans is the birthplace of
Louis Armstrong, the home of Mardi Gras, and celebrated for its boiled crawfish and jambalaya.
Beyond the city’s cultural and historical importance, New Orleans plays a critical role in our
nation’s economic vitality. The Port of New Orleans handles the most cargo tonnage in the
country and transports our nation’s crops and manufactured goods around the world. More than
one third of the nation’s oil and one quarter of its natural gas passes through Louisiana pipelines,
delivering fuel to the entire eastern half of the country.
Since 2005, nearly 2 million individuals have traveled to the Gulf Coast, contributing their time
and energy to its recovery, however, the rebuilding is far from finished. I encourage you to
remember these coastal communities and to fulfill Congress’ commitment to devote necessary
funding for the region’s revitalization. Thank you for your attention to this important issue and on
behalf of our district, thank you for your leadership and commitment to public service.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[CONTACT INFORMATION]
Rebuilding Together New Orleans is a continuing volunteer effort to improve the quality of life of
low income homeowners, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or single parents with
minor children, through home repair and revitalization of New Orleans’ neighborhoods.