Posted on 09/01/2005 12:45:35 PM PDT by hocndoc
Freepers, help me come up with concrete actions, consistent with our conservatism and the true spirit of America, to blunt the homelessness, unemployment and possible hunger, disease and social breakdown that Katrina left in her wake.
Our group has influenced and ensured the fairness of elections. We are watchdogs for the press and brave extreme heat and cold to stand up for our Country, our Soldiers and human life. Our prayer groups have seen miracles happen. We can make a difference for the future of our children by acting this week.
We all want to give what we can, and we're waiting during these times of confusion. Like the wandering homeless on I 10, we don't know where to go. We can give to the Red Cross or to the Salvation Army, etc., but that may not be enough for some of us who want to ***do*** something!
Many of us are lucky enough to have a spare bedroom, an RV parked in the alley, or even guest houses that the kids aren't living in this month. We need to open our homes to the homeless and help those without jobs find work so that they, too, can help others as well as themselves.
I remember the flood in 1998. Our neighbors loaned us their guesthouse. I think their kindness, and that of our church members who helped clean up the mud, were what kept me from a complete nervous breakdown.
I'm not suggesting that we drive up to the Superdome and take just anybody into our homes. Use the connections that you've already got in place to help find trustworthy guests.
This morning, my husband emailed the listserve for the National Pawnbrokers Association to let them know that we will take in one family for the duration and that he could probably help by providing a job for one or two pawnbrokers. We may end up squeezing in 2 families for a while - but that's better than the Astrodome or a motel room in a stressed area. We are fortunate to have the room and my husband always needs good employees.
If you don't have friends or family in the areas affected by Katrina, call your church's national charity, your professional associations, and your unions. Ask for references, etc.
Maybe we could even make a list of Freepers who were and those able to help - what could be better than 5 years or so of FR posts to judge someone?
We keep hearing that the homes that are intact now shelter 4 or more families. I'm sure that your basement family room would look like a palace to one of the families.
If you don't have extra room or a job, work through these associations to focus the aide you can give.
Hi TxBubba,
If you can help with pets, a member of my Breederville Community posted for help yesterday here:
http://breederville.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=31
She may have an idea or two for you if you can lend a hand. Her contact information is posted.
Thank you. I'll look over there.
A lady outside the Dome in Houston was asking for shoes and "plus" size clothing. The folks there have nothing.
Ping to NOLA freepers
"For Everyone coming to Texas Pass the word that the Department of Human Services will provide 2 months of Food Stamps to Louisiana Katrina Victims. "
Not blaming you, but that information is wrong.
Texas Health and Human Services has the following notice on their website:
http://www.hhs.state.tx.us/hurricane.shtml
"An e-mail is being circulated that indicates that food stamps and free gasoline for Hurricane Katrina evacuees are available from or through the "Texas Department of Health and Human Services." The e-mail is bogus.
Hurricane evacuees wanting accurate information about food stamps and other resources may dial 2-1-1 or 1-888-312-4567."
Tell evacuees to call the number.
OTOH, message #73 has the real deal from the HHS Website.
My wife suggested communities sponsor families. Find them housing and support them if necessary.
This just in from a Baptist church in Houston:
Personal Hygiene Packs
A personal hygiene pack is a wonderful gift to personally express your love and compassion. Using a GALLON ZIP LOC BAG, please assemble the following items:
1. Toothbrush and regular sized toothpaste
2. Deodorant
3. Soap
4. Shampoo
5. Wet Wipes / Travel pack
DROP OFF LOCATION:
Second Baptist Church: Woodway Campus Communications Center/Warehouse
Click for Map
DROP OFF TIME:
Tuesday, September 6th
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Print-N-Go Info:
Download This Info
http://www.second.org/global/operationcompassion_interfaith.aspx
Me too with the exception, I do carry.
The gasoline problem is a biggie right now. I'm in NC. with an SUV.
I've got a big truck but it's old and I don't think it would make it there.
Got to do something.
This site was posted here the other day..they sound like they know what they're doing, they may be able to assist.
http://www.noahswish.org/Who%20We%20Are.htm
As long as it isn't the one they are playing on our news here in Austin going "they aren't doing enough, they aren't doing enough for us". That one can go naked as far as I'm concerned. And I'm praying she doesn't represent them all because I want to have more faith in people than that.
I sure clarify that she is now at the Astrodome with a shower, food, water, AC and a cot. I can understand someone still stuck in NO saying this.
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