The residents of this region, particularly those who live along the Red, Red Lake or Roseau rivers, feel great compassion for what the citizens of the Gulf Coast are experiencing now - many having shared similar experiences since 1997, some more than once. I know how generous the people of this area can be and will send and donate what they can for the relief effort.
However, there is also opportunity in Katrina's wake. Most importantly, an opportunity for the evacuees to rebuild their lives, but also an opportunity for our local communities. With Governor Pawlenty's commitment to bring between 3,000 and 5,000 evacuees to Camp Ripley for shelter, there exists opportunities for local communities.
Are there any local communities with surplus housing? Are there any communities that have room in their schools for more students? Are there employers who have unfilled job opportunities to offer? If so, community leaders should contact the receiving command at Camp Ripley, the Salvation Army or the Red Cross, and make this known.
Some of the folks arriving in Minnesota will choose to return, when they can, to rebuild their lives, but our experience has shown that some will not. Communities should seize on the moment and offer an opportunity for the sake of both the evacuees and the growth of this region.
John W. Johnson
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Warren, Minn.
