PHILADELPHIA, PA (September 13, 2005) The first of what is expected to be dozens of evacuee families from Hurricane Katrina moved into a Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) home today. Norman and Thabitha Jackson selected the house on the 800 block of N. 20th Street in the Francisville section of Philadelphia during a PHA Home Selection tour last Friday. They signed their lease this morning and by afternoon they were moved in. They have been staying at the evacuee-processing center being operated by the City of Philadelphia at the Wanamaker School at 11th and Cecil B. Moore

PHA Executive Director Carl Greene welcomed the Jacksons, saying it was pleasure to help a family that had lost so much to the storm, personally presenting them with the keys and a gift plant. We hope these keys lead to a whole new life for you, he told the new residents. Were just pleased to play a role in the citys Operation Brotherly Love, helping solid American citizens get the kind of quality housing they deserve.

The Jacksons, who are from New Orleans, have four children. A cousin is also moving in with them in the six-bedroom unit. PHA is a federally funded developer and manager of affordable housing, serving 80,000 mainly low-income Philadelphians. To date, approximately 50 evacuee families have requested PHA housing with more expected to make similar requests.

Under normal circumstances, clients supply their own furniture but in the case of the hurricane evacuees PHA is working in partnership with the City of Philadelphia. PHA provides the housing; the City provides the furniture. The City is handling social support services and an initial allotment of food. Mayor Street has said Operation Brotherly Love will continue as long as evacuees from Katrina continue to seek help in Philadelphia.