October 17 , 2005—A NeighborWorks organization in Austin, Texas, provided housing and services for more than 300 Hurricane Katrina evacuees.

Two hundred of the evacuees currently stay at Foundation Community’s Hearthside Extended-Stay Hotel, which had been purchased before the hurricane with plans to convert into housing for Austin’s homeless. In addition, the organization is matching families who with to settle in Austin with their own affordable housing, helping them obtain furniture, and providing ongoing support and referrals as needed.

The October Foundation Communities newsletter [PDF, 155 KB] is filled with fascinating stories about the evacuees, who range in age from one month to 103. The youngest resident was born on Sept. 18. The oldest, Bishop Robert McCoy, is a former Tuskegee Airman and nephew of renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. “He doesn’t need help doing anything – especially when it comes to carrying a tune,” according to the newsletter. “The bishop’s voice soars through the hallways of the hotel from a recording of his gospel choir. Passersby stop to listen, and he says he doesn’t mind too much—he’s looking for a new wife.”