The scale of devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina has resulted in thousands of Floridians wanting to offer assistance to those in need.  Unfortunately, it has also been confusing for many people on just how they go about offering their help, whether it is volunteering to go and help displaced families, offer goods or services, or offering jobs to displaced families. 

"Florida has a long history with hurricanes, and the rest of the country has always helped Floridians in their time of need," said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.  "Floridians want to return America's generosity."

Rep. Wasserman Schultz worked with state and local officials to identify one number that Floridians could call to offer help to those in need. 

"The scale of physical, emotional and structural devastation resulting from Hurricane Katrina has seized the attention of the nation and torn at our insides," said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.  "The overwhelming question everyone has been asking themselves is how we can help?  I'm happy to announce that, beginning today, Volunteer Florida will be able to assist Floridians with their generous offers of time, money, goods and services for those affected by Hurricane Katrina." 

Volunteer Florida is the official State of Florida's comprehensive directory of disaster relief organizations that will be assisting hurricane victims in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.  Volunteer Florida works in conjunction with FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, the Red Cross, Salvation Army, medical relief organizations and countless other charities to coordinate relief efforts.

While Volunteer Florida can help Floridians donate time, resources, skills, housing, jobs, goods or make cash contributions, it can also help them become better prepared to help in future emergencies by directing people to emergency preparedness courses or providing information on how to join Citizen Corps, an organization of civilians trained to assist first responders in times of crisis.

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