News Release
King County Housing Authority
600 Andover Park West, Tukwila WA 98188
For more information contact: Rhonda Rosenberg, KCHA, Communications
Director, (206) 574-1185
November 21, 2005
AREA BUSINESSES PUT COMPASSION INTO ACTION
Federated Logistics, Distribution Center for Macy’s, Home Furniture and Windermere Foundation are among many local businesses to step up to the plate for resettled Katrina evacuees
Seattle - Sixteen families displaced by Hurricane Katrina who found their way to King County now have roofs over their heads and comfortable living environments thanks to the efforts of the King County Housing Authority and several area businesses.
“Evacuees arrived here with little in the way of possessions. While KCHA was able to provide housing assistance to people displaced by Hurricane Katrina, we didn’t have the resources to provision their homes,” said Stephen Norman, executive director of the King County Housing Authority. “The ultimate success of these families depends on our collective ability to give them the jump start they need to rebuild their lives. That’s why it has been incredibly gratifying to work with local businesses, especially Federated Logistics (servicing Macy’s), Home Furniture and the Windermere Foundation, who responded to our plea for household goods for these families with remarkable generosity.”
Federated Logistics donated mattresses, box springs, bed frames, bedroom, dining and living room furniture. In addition, the Federated Logistics associates donated their time repairing furniture and delivering these items to the apartments of each family who resettled at one of the Authority’s housing communities in White Center. Boxes of towels, bedding, lamps and kitchen items were also provided by Federated Logistics associates from their own homes and were delivered to the Katrina families as well.
“Helping others in need is a key element of our corporate culture and supports one of our Macy’s Brand Values – Give Back. We believe in giving back to the communities in which we live and work,” said Kathy Peterson, vice president of Federated Logistics/Tukwila Facility servicing Macy’s. “The trauma experienced by families who lost everything in the hurricane really tugged at our hearts. Our employees were proud to contribute to the effort to help the evacuees start a stable new life here.”
A-America/Home Furniture agreed. “We are committed to giving back to the community,” said Fred Rohrbach, and John Rohrbach, co-owners of the Tukwila based retailer. “We were truly saddened by the disaster and wanted to do whatever we could to help.” A-America/Home Furniture contributed thousands of dollars of bedroom and occasional furniture.
As part of its community service philosophy, the Windermere Foundation was also eager to help hurricane victims.
“Helping homeless and low-income families is a natural extension of our business,” said Mary Ann Vandergriff, a West Seattle Windermere agent and Windermere Foundation representative. “We are proud to have provided meaningful support to families so affected by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. We view our donation to these families as an investment in their success.” Ms. Vandergriff also noted the generosity of residents in West Seattle communities who quickly responded with donations to families once the need for contributions was made known.
Families who have been the recipient of such bounty are grateful. Mikelle Williams spoke for all the families when she said, “This is truly a blessing. We literally arrived here with not much more than the clothes we were wearing when we left Louisiana. Now my family has a place to call home – a cozy, comfortable home -- and a real chance to get back on our feet. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”
“This is a terrific partnership between KCHA and local business to meet community needs,” said Mr. Norman. “A secure place to call home is the foundation for a stable, successful life. Thanks to our partners, evacuees can now transition into the business of getting on with their lives – working, going to school, settling into their new community.”
KCHA administers a range of quality affordable rental housing programs for residents of King County, as well as providing homeownership opportunities to those for whom it would otherwise be out of reach. The Authority serves more than 17,000 households, including families, the elderly, disabled persons, and other households with special needs.