[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 20, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S10230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        OPERATION HOME DELIVERY

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, Hurricane Katrina has caused unprecedented 
destruction and suffering for so many people in this country. The rest 
of the Nation has been extremely generous to help people who are 
suffering from the devastation caused by Katrina.
  One area where people need help is rebuilding housing. To help 
Katrina victims, Habitat for Humanity International is launching 
``Operation Home Delivery,'' to provide assistance and rebuilding 
opportunities in New Orleans and elsewhere along the gulf coast. A 
major component of this operation is the ``home in a box project.''
  The plan is to ``pre-build'' the frame of a home. The house will be 
assembled to ensure the construction, and, then, the frame will be 
taken apart and the components placed, along with other necessary 
construction materials, in a container and shipped to an area along the 
gulf coast or New Orleans where families, volunteers, and builders will 
rebuild the home.
  ``Operation Home Delivery'' homes will mirror traditional Habitat 
homes by being simple and affordable, providing approximately 1,100 to 
1,300 square feet of living space. The estimated cost of a house for 
the gulf region is only $85,000. This includes all components to 
completely build the home and costs associated with transportation, 
delivery, utilities and site preparation. The first project in 
``Operation Home Delivery'' will be this month in Jackson, MS.
  I am asking each Senator to go back to your respective States and 
seek assistance for Habitat for this outstanding project. Designated 
dollars for ``Operation Home Delivery'' will purchase specific pieces 
of the house. For example, $35 will buy roof shingles or $100 will buy 
a front door. These gifts will allow people not only to have a home but 
to begin to rebuild their lives.
  Habitat for Humanity is working to provide hope for the future to the 
victims of Katrina with this worthy project.

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