Tribes contribute $1 million to Katrina relief

11:38 AM PDT By: Jason Probst, The Press-Tribune (Roseville Press-Tribune)

It wasn't long ago that the 255 members of the United Auburn Indian Community, among the state's poorest people were battling problems such as poor health care, chronic unemployment and even homelessness.

But with the opening of the Thunder Valley Casino in 2003, the tribe's financial fortunes took a considerable upswing.

Now, they're giving back to those who need help. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and recovery efforts on the Gulf Coast, members of the tribe, along with the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians who operate Cache Creek, donated $1 million Tuesday to Habitat For Humanity on "The Today Show." The funds are part of Habitat for Humanity's effort this week, along with "The Today Show" and Warner Music Group, to build homes in a round-the-clock effort in Rockefeller Center. They will be shipped directly to the Gulf Coast to help victims of Katrina.

Jessica Tavares, tribal chairperson for UAIC, said both tribes wanted to help with the recovery effort in response to Katrina and chose Habitat for Humanity because of its ability to deliver that assistance.

"Thousands of American citizens have lost everything," Tavares said. "We've chosen to give to Habitat for Humanity, International because the organization is committed to the long term rebuilding of homes throughout the entire affected region. It is our deepest hope that our donation will help Habitat to develop long-term shelter solutions and provide hope to those most in need."

Doug Elmets, spokesperson for the UAIC, said the million-dollar donation will be split evenly by the Auburn and Rumsey tribes, and called it a happy irony.

"A couple years ago, several members of the United Auburn Indian Community didn't have adequate housing, and now by virtue of their success, they're able to help other people in need," Elmets said.

"This is the worst natural disaster ever to take place on our soil," said Paula Lorenzo, spokesperson for the RBWI. "We are deeply saddened by the destruction and loss of life in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and Alabama and we want to do our part to help restore these great states."

After the Dec. 26 tsunami in Southeast Asia, each tribe contributed $250,000 to relief efforts, said Elmets.

Long-term assistance for Gulf Coast recovery and rebuilding will involve Habitat for Humanity affiliates and volunteers working with those states impacted by the storm.

For more information on the "Humanity Plaza" effort, go to www.habitat.org/disaster/2005/katrina.