Houston, TX- Congressman Al Green took to the airwaves over the Labor Day weekend to raise money for several local grassroots organizations.  In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and with the overburdening of relief organizations, many evacuees are turning to local organizations to meet their needs.

“While many organizations have come to the aid of Katrina victims, there are many victims who do not have anywhere to turn.  Facilities are filled to their capacity and those people that are turned away look to local organizations for assistance.  It is so important that we continue to support local organizations as they have been the cornerstone of the community for decades,” commented Green.

Local organizations certainly have Congressman Green to thank as his efforts raised more than $20,000 dollars, fifteen thousand of which were donated over a two hour period. Green was joined on the live KCOH broadcast by several elected officials, heads of non-profit organizations and clergymen, whose parishioners have been affected by Katrina. The contributions will benefit the work of local organizations such as the NAACP, the Nation of Islam, and the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center.  Donations ranged in amount, from $5 dollars to $5,000 dollars.  Yet, no matter the amount, the funds will make a tremendous difference in the lives of so many people.

“These organizations are well established in the community and people turn to them in their time of need. Many of these organizations have been serving Houston’s community on a shoestring budget for years but have remained instrumental in rebuilding lives. When the cameras are gone and this story fades from the headlines, these organizations will be there and I want to do my part to ensure that they are able to provide adequate assistance over the long haul,” added Green.

Congressman Green, who celebrated his 58th birthday on September 1st, spent the entire day working to ensure that the people of Houston were fully informed of the latest developments surrounding Hurricane Katrina. Green also used the airtime to announce the involvement of his congressional office as well as local non-profit organizations in relief efforts.