Working with the evacuees today in Lafayette

[AnnInLa]

Thought I was going up to work under FEMA, but no, no one has seen FEMA in Lafayette. I worked with the Lafayette Housing Authority from 11:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., when another shift arrived. We were taking applications for housing for the evacuees, explaining the program to them, and just listening to their stories. I don't have to tell yall this obviously, but those people had nothing, nothing...it was heartbreaking. Some of the things that really impressed me: Every Person was gracious, appreciative, and anxious. I hate to say this, and I hope you don't take it wrong, but they were almost too nice, too appreciative....I personally think they are still in shock. They have no idea where some of their family and friends are, and yet they aren't raging? We had alot of pens and pencils lying around, and quite a few just unconsciously walked off with them, but came immediately back and handed back the pen, apologizing. They had nothing, but brought our lousy pens back? A couple, obviously in their 60s was there, nicely dressed and very dignified....the sorrow and fear in their eyes was so obvious! They looked at me in supplication, and that was hard to take. They had just finished paying off their own home. I almost lost it. Most want to stay in this area, don't want to go back to N.O....I'm afraid what will happen to these people when they bodies are discovered, and their friends and families are among them. It was hard not to take them all home with me. Going tomorrow afternoon, and then again Monday afternoon. It was good just to be doing something rather than watching TV and reading DU! I needed the break.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. thanks for this report

the majority of New Orleanians are like the folks you met, I think. It makes my blood boil to see how the repukes demean and demonize these people.

Thanks also for the work you are doing.

[Spazito]

2. A very sad yet also heartwarming post, thank you!

I am so glad people like you are there to help them and their plight breaks my heart.

[Wind Dancer]

5. I'll second that!

These stories are heartbreaking, I'm so glad you are comforting these wonderful, brave souls.

[hlthe2b]

3. I can well imagine that they are numb...

Sort of the mind's way of coping when all becomes too overwhelming.

I'm glad you were there to help.

[expatriot]

4. thank you for being there....

i was at first going to post a sarcastic " 'b-but Laura said that Lafayette was completely different than what we saw on TV' guess there is at least one similarity - no FEMA." but first need to thank you for being there to help. I am very lucky to be able to join you.... I just signed up with a red cross team that will be leaving southern Arizona in a week and a half to two weeks from now and will be there (somewhere in theater) for three weeks.

We, the People, will work to rectify the sins of our leaders!

[AnnInLa]

8. Yay! If you show up near me, PM me, I'd love to meet you and

buy you dinner and a brew. Listen to me, brew? I meant beer.

[magellan]

6. You are wonderful to volunteer

What a positive way to intercede on behalf of the victims! Thank you so much for sharing your story. Please tell them our hearts are with them (and breaking for them).

[caligirl]

7. thanks for letting us know this. be strong for them okay.

[darkstar]

9. Hey Miss Ann !

Thank-you so much for your help....

:hi:

[AnnInLa]

13. Hey K: I don't need thanks...it was such a pleasure

I was the one who benefitted

[Big Kahuna]

10. You are doing great work

I wish I were in a position to help out, but I'm kind of living on the edge of poverty myself.

One thing I plan to do within the next year, is to take EMT courses at the local community college. I don't think I'd like to do it for a living, but I want to be useful, and take action the next time something like this happens, instead of sitting helplessly watching the horror unfold like I am now.

[jbnow]

11. They are surely in shock but

in a time of crisis it helps to be in the presence of someone who cares, who sees and hears them. who wants to help....and I will add CARING again.

You caring and helping, offering succor makes a difference. Thanks

[Generic Other]

12. Here's another resource in your area

Camp Casey II moves to Camp Casey Covington
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=4595057

[madrchsod]

14. big hug for you lady

you must be an angel to them. thank you for helping those who are in need

[funkybutt]

15. Thank you so much Ann!

The world needs more people like you.

We'll be in touch. Still staying in S'port now. Probably going to set up a temporary (6 month or so) residence somewhere closer to the city until we can go back.

We are determined to be part of rebuilding our great city.