"People who had followed the advice to evacuate and driven themselves -- obviously couldn't afford shelter themselves -- are being turned away from the Astrodome because they're not the "right" evacuees. "
There are several other shelters already set up for refugees in Houston, and they'll likely be much more comfortable in them. Everyone is tired and frustrated at this point, and there is much understandable confusion. However, if evacuees need a place to stay, they just need to keep asking where shelters are until they find the people who know. Texans do want to help.
Dallas' Reunion Arena is also set up as to take folks from New Orleans, and they've got space.
It was my distinct impression that that information was not being relayed by the guards at the gate.
If other Houston shelters are actually open and taking people in, it would be great if someone would take the step to print out lists of addresses -- even Map Quests from the Astrodome since the refugees are from out of town -- and get that information out to the people who are being turned away. This problem -- refugees showing up at the Astrodome under their own power -- should have been anticipated and addressed the minute the Astrodome was named as the next staging center.
I know there is an element of 20/20 hindsight and the problems are overwhelming to say the least, but there are some very basic, commonsense things that people seem to be overlooking.