Religious groups winding down post-Katrina

NEW ORLEANS, March 21 (UPI) -- The United Methodist Church and the Salvation Army are winding down their Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts in New Orleans, officials say.

Most major groups have decided to continue relief efforts, the (New Orleans) Times-Picayune reported, but the move by the two religious organizations is a sign some will be throttling back.

The report said the Methodists likely will end their efforts this year, while the Salvation Army plans to end its efforts at the end of next year.

One estimate suggests the Methodist and Salvation Army contributed to the rebuilding of more than 1,200 homes damaged by Katrina, the Times-Picayune said.

Before winding down its efforts, the Salvation Army still plans to launch a $12 million housing program designed to construct 125 new, energy-efficient homes in Broadmoor, Algiers and two yet-to-be-announced New Orleans neighborhoods.

The agencies and other non-profits say they have nearly exhausted private donations collected after Katrina and they have chosen not to apply for federal grants, the report said.

Even as non-profits scale back, recovery managers say the number of volunteers willing to rebuild housing is still high, the report said. Rebuilding agencies say they are once again booked solid for spring break 4 1/2 years after the storm.