On Friday, September 2nd, ACORN members around the country began visiting their members of Congress to demand that the government do more to help victims of the Hurricane Katrina who remain trapped in New Orleans without water or basic necessities—and do it quickly. (These activities continue, and you can help. Take action now by contacting your members of Congress, and find out more about what your local office is doing.)

"We have seen the images of children, the elderly and other people suffering—even dieing, for lack of the most basic help," said ACORN President Maude Hurd. "Surely in the wealthiest country on earth, we can find a way to get basic necessities like water to those in need, and get them to safety quickly, if there is really a will from our nation and government."

Some of the action being taken by ACORN include:

The Oakland and Contra Costa ACORN held a press conference with Congresswoman Barbara Lee's chief of staff and about 30 ACORN member and allies. Barbara Lee's office issued a statement and members expressed their outrage and demanded more governmental action. San Francisco ACORN met with Senator Barbra Boxer's office. Sen. Boxer has called on the President to order more troops into New Orleans, urged for more FEMA response, and her office provided emergency contact information.

In Maryland, ACORN leaders and members along with the press visited two of Maryland's congressmen to find out what they are doing to help and to pressure them to fulfill demands for immediate relief.

Speakers at vigils across the country called on their members of Congress to pressure the Bush administration and federal agencies to:

• Deliver food and water to every refugee in New Orleans immediately.
• Help every person who can be saved stay alive through a sufficiently large rescue effort.
• Work with faith-based organization, community groups and private businesses to house evacuated families.
• Appropriate enough funds to rebuild New Orleans and create jobs for those left unemployed, helping with the reconstruction.

Around the county, ACORN members organized mass call-ins, and with the help of allies circulated an email to tens of thousands of supporters.

Call toll-free at 1-800-643-9557 and ask to speak to your Representatives. Call the White House at 1-202-456-1111 and demand that FEMA act now to provide food, water, security, and transport. In addition, you can send an email.

- Donate to the ACORN Hurricane Recovery and Rebuilding Fund

- Get involved