Let's hope this is a sign of more creative, effective relief initiatives to come:
The federal government plans to begin doling out debit cards worth $2,000 each to adult victims of Hurricane Katrina, The Associated Press has learned.
...
The cards could be used to buy food, transportation, gas and other essentials the displaced people need, according to a state official who was on the call and requested anonymity because the program has not been publicly announced.
Those at the Astrodome will get them first. Good work by the government on this one, it's a desperately needed measure. Via Talkleft.