FEMA's response at our town hall meeting

[finecraft]

We have had two town hall meetings (last night and the night before) and invited evacuees from the New Orleans area that are staying in our town to come and meet with our city's leaders to discuss how we can help them more.

Last night the FEMA person for our area came to address some of the evacuees concerns. Not a single evacuee here has received anything from FEMA. They wanted to know why. The FEMA person said that after they registered with FEMA, and if they qualified, it would be about 10 days before they received a check. It has been close to two weeks since a majority of our evacuees registered with FEMA. Everyone wanted to know what the qualifications were to receive a check. She said that she couldn't tell what the qualifications were. We asked her what did she mean that she "couldn't tell us what the qualifications were"? She said that there were certain qualifications that people applying for FEMA benefits had to meet, but they were "secret", and could not be divulged because FEMA was concerned that if the qualifications were made public people who didn't qualify would apply for benefits using fake qualifications that met the criteria.

It was a packed hall, and you could have heard a pin drop after she said that. What kind of crap is that! I didn't know that FEMA had "secret" qualifications to receive benefits.

[chalky]

1. "Secret qualifications"??!!?? HOLY HELL, I don't BELIEVE this crap!!

This is beyond insane!

:banghead:

[TahitiNut]

19. So much for "of, by, and for the People" -- the Curtain of Oz descends.

"Don't look behind that curtain!"

We have "secret" evidence, "secret" laws, "secret" policies, "secret" meetings, "secret" judicial qualifications, "secret" plans, "secret" don't-fly lists, "secret" access to private records, and "secret" requirements. It's GestapO Politics as usual.

[merh]

2. As one of the Hurricane Katrina survivors on the MS Gulf Coast

let me tell you that both FEMA and the Red Cross are screwed up -

This is just one big clusterf*ck! :argh:

[finecraft]

6. Merh, I can't agree more

The "efforts" of these two organizations are just pathetic. The evacuees in Texas have had better luck with FEMA and the RC than those that are in Louisiana and Mississippi. We STILL don't have the Red Cross here yet (or FEMA) and we have close to 4000 evacuees in our town.

[merh]

12. The Red Cross here is playing shell games - we survivors have to pick

the place that they will be at from one day to the next - They don't have enough financial distributions sites and they move them each and every day. It is very frustrating.

Good luck to you and thanks for caring about the evacuees in your town. :hug:

[finecraft]

13. I'm bypassing both organizations and "adopting" families

I "adopted" a family on Wednesday night. Ezelle and her family are living at the Comfort Suites. I got the job service office here in town to go to her and enroll here in their "employ an evacuee" program. I'm trying to get her a job in our office. If all works out, she should be starting next week. We'll work in finding her and her family a house over the weekend.

Last night I "adopted" Michael and Latonya and their 4 girls. After the meeting I took them out to dinner and then to the store to buy school uniforms for the girls so they can start school next week. They both used to work at a French Quarter restaurant, so I called around this morning and got them job interviews with a couple of the restaurants in town. They have found a house to rent, so I'm going tonight with them and put the deposit on the house for them.

I'm sick to death of giving money to large organizations that do jack crap. Hopefully their FEMA benefits will kick in soon, but they really needed help "NOW"....not sometime next week. As soon as I get these two families settled I'll go and find two more. My new motto is "One family at a time".

[merh]

14. Thank you so much for all you are doing.

We survivors will make it - we just need a little support and encouragement. I wish more folks would do what you have done and are doing. The Red Cross is a JOKE!

God bless you for doing so much. :hug: :loveya:

[KitchenWitch]

47. Say merh,

Other than a GC from Walmart...what types of items do you need?

You can PM me, and I will pick up a few things and mail them to you on Monday.

[Lindsay]

18. finecraft, that's awesome!

:yourock:

[NJCher]

25. big hug to finecraft

<[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[hug>]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]




Cher

[MsTryska]

16. Here in Atlanta....I'm actually a red-cross volunteer

and we're seeing the same thing.....apparently they keep running out of those credit card thingies, and soemtimes they open a service center on time, sometimes no one is there, even if people are waiting, i can definitely understand the shell game perception.


also i understand that the voucher amounts that they are supposed to have keep dropping and no one is ever sure what the voucher amount will be on any given day. i'm guessing that depends on how much money they've got to work with.


it jsut seems an all around mess - no organization.


but then again - ti's the Red Cross and they are a charity - and they're actually trying to step up and fill the shoes of FEMA who's doing jackshit.

[merh]

20. Yeah, Red Cross is a charity - a charity that has been given millions

to help the survivors - If you went to Alabama you got $1200 - if you went to a center on the MS Gulf Coast, you got $300 - makes sense don't it!

I don't want to hear the "it's a charity thing" - it is a charity that has raised MILLIONS for us, the survivors - As a survivor in need - I want to know where my money is and how I can collect it.

I appreciate your position, I hope you appreciate mine. It is hard to catch the new where Millions were raised for the victims/survivors and then as a survivor not get any of it. I have no home, no job, I just bought a used car to get me around since mine floated around in the storm and is buried in mud. I need the help, not excuses, not adding to the blame game (FEMA's job, not ours) - if the Red Cross collected the money for us, then they took on the responsibility. It is just that simple.

[MsTryska]

21. well that's kinda what i'm saying......

it's a charity (i don't have much use for charities, personally because i feel that a lot of them are pretty worthless in getting things done). I give them props for stepping up when FEMA is doing jacksquat - but i can't give them props for the actual job that's being done.


I primarily signed up, so that i would be able to direct people, to various departments of my organization, who really can help them get what they need.

incidentally where are you right now?

[merh]

22. My old office - it has power & internet

I use the resources to try to get through to the agencies, like FEMA and the Red Cross - the 800 numbers are always busy, which is very costly for a cell phone - I can use the internet and land line here.

My home was in Biloxi - it was flattened by Katrina - I have a slab and rubble and am staying with family members.

[MsTryska]

23. So you are in Mississippi then?

I 'm in Georgia, but i will see what I can find out in regards to Mississippi from here.

[merh]

24. I do appreciate it - it is very frustrating

Any help you can give me will be so appreciated. :hug:

[MsTryska]

31. well...

I sent my coordinator an email yesterday, but i know she's been bouncing back and forth between the 3 or 4 centers we have here in Atlanta. I'm not sure she will get back to me until Monday.


in the meantime - i found this info off of the Red Cross Site:


http://www.redcross-msgc.com/

under the "Latest News" link.


as of September 15th:

"We are encouraging people seeking Red Cross financial assistance to call 1-800-975-7585 and request this assistance using our telephone system. We know the lines are busy, but people are getting through - tens of thousands are being served on the phone every day. Red Cross financial assistance is also available today at 5343 Jefferson St in Moss Point at the East Jackson Co. Service Complex. We are working to get other financial assistance locations set up as quickly as possible in Harrison, Hancock and Pearl River counties. We are coordinating with local governments, businesses and the Emergency Operations centers to establish suitable locations."


From my experience I would suggest getting to any of these financial centers at around 9am. You'll most likely have to wait in line for them to open, but it's your best chance of getting a Credit Card. Also bring your License - you yourself don't have to go, but whoever can make decisions for your families can (ie Spouse, Adult Sibling, etc).

Also a little hint - they are capping the maximum family amount at 5 people here in Atlanta. If you have more than five people, I would split up the family group in a logical way, and apply for 2 separate households.

[merh]

32. Try that 1-800 number you provided, try it any time, day or night

try it from your land line (if it works) or your cell phone. That number is constantly busy even at 2:00 a.m. (tried last night/this a.m.).

Can't make it to a Center if you don't know where the center is -
They change locations every day - thus the shell game.

We have to plan our days around the traffic. We have to make the most of our gas tanks, driving around town wastes the gas and congests the very congested streets. There are check points everywhere, access to cities and movement in cities is very limited due to broken/destroyed highways and bridges. Other roadways are clogged with debris.

Then of course there is the need to take care of my damaged property in an effort to get a FEMA trailer - I have to get the sewer, water and electric connections set up - without electricians available, that is a treat in and of itself.

I appreciate your emailing your coordinator - thanks for the suggestions and trying to help. :hug:

[MsTryska]

49. no problem -

I'll let you know as soon as I hear from her.

the only other thing i'd suggest is check that "breaking news site" to see if maybe you can catch it on a day they have the location avaialble.

i know this is tough situtation, just hang in there. :hug:

[alarimer]

50. I would like to know where that money is going too

Is it really being used to help people? Or is it going into some Red Cross fund for something else. I remember questions were raised after 9/11 about RC donations. Every time I turn on the TV there is another fundraiser for the Red Cross. We need to know the truth. I don't donate to the Red Cross for this reason. I will help with donations for some of the evacuees that are here in my town but unless I know my money is going to be used for the purpose for which I intended, the RC will get nothing from me. They may get my blood but not my money.

[Coastie for Truth]

35. That's the problem

FEMA has bailed out on their part of the Operational Plan -- and left the NGO's and charities holding the bag.

And FEMA keeps changing the plan - I think for frankly political reasons.

[Coastie for Truth]

30. From the "inside"

I was a United States Coast Guard Officer stationed in New Orleans in the 1960's and I am an active Red Cross volunteer and contributor.

The Red Cross was royally jerked around by FEMA - "Go here - No go here - don't come at all ... you need a FEMA security clearance...."

I got the impression that the Feds were trying to cover something up/

[merh]

33. That does not explain the failure of the Red Cross to coordinate

the financical distribution once they are here - the blame game doesn't work for the survivors - we don't care who is to blame - we want organization and we want results. It is our lives that depend on it - we are the ones that have lost it all and that need the help. The money was raised for us - don't make excuses - that doesn't work for the thousands that need the help.

And that is from a true insider - one so deep inside the tragedy and destruction that even the simple vouchers from the Red Cross are vital.

[Coastie for Truth]

34. The Red Cross is NOT FEMA

I want organization and results too-------

I live right here---->

<>

between the San Andreas (as in North Ridge and Loma Prieta) and Hayward/Calaveras Faults in the Guadalupe River-Coyote Creek-Alviso Creek flood plain (the "VIII" region in red at the foot of SF Bay) - an area that is more at risk then even New orleans from flooding or NY from a terror attack.

I want organization --- and I want results--- because I know fer sure that the "Big One" is coming.

I made a conscious decision to live here.

I take matters into my own hands:

1) I took the full Red Cross Disaster Training Sequence - from "Live on the fault Line" to "Mass Shelter Logistics." I serve as a Disaster Assistance Team Captain and as a Shelter Manager and as a Community Instructor.

2) I took the Full Citizens Corps Community Emergency Response Team training - and serve as team leader for my Condo Association - over 980 units.

3) I know the cell phones will be dead -- I got my Ham Radio License -- and my Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service training. (That's about 12 hours a month)

4) I share with my community - both my local community and my DU community---

5) I want results too. It is my life and my butt that is (was) on the line from Panama City to Lake Charles -- I am a veteran of the United States Coast Guard - 8th Coast Guard District. And I served on the Gulf Coast -- and I have seen first hand the tragedy of a storm -- and my car was totaled by a flood in New Orleans when we first arrived. And I have been to Houma and Morgan City while the storms were raging. And I have pulled the corpses out of the water and bagged them.

6) I don't control the money. In the Red Cross I am a low level peon.

The Red Cross doesn't control FEMA. FEMA calls the shots. Your complaint about "co-ordination" should go to Chertoff or Rove or Cheney or Bush.

It wasn't the Red Cross didn't want to enter the storm area. It was that Bush-Cheney-Rove-Chertoff-Brown were covering something up -- and ORDERED the Red Cross not to enter the area.

The list of who FEMA barred from entering New Orleans is growing every day. That's why Bush-Cheney-Rove fear a real, independent investigation.

[merh]

36. You are so wrong - the red cross is calling the shots about when

and where it sets up financial distribution centers - it is in charge of the poorly manned 800 number - it is responsible for the failures that have left many without much needed financial support.

I have no home and I had no car until last week - I know how the failure to organize and coordinate NOW is hurting thousands - hurting me.

Good for you for volunteering and taking part in the efforts and responsibility for your life - that does not give you the right to defend the failings of the Red Cross. $500 million collected and a person receives $200 plus in vouchers - can you see why that causes me and many others to doubt the Red Cross?


Here, use your poorly charge cell phone with poor reception because land lines don't work and the towers are screwed up and call this number 800-975-7585 and see if you can get through. Call it at all hours of the day and night.

[Coastie for Truth]

38. I know enough people that have resigned from FEMA

that I can pinpoint some of the failures.

This screwup was predicted by people who resigned from FEMA -- FEMA has been going to hell in a handbag since Idiot son was inaugurated. And they are blaming everybody else for their screwups.

At what should be the serious, senior, decision and planning and management level -- FEMA is nothing but Heritage Foundation GOP hack kids.

[merh]

40. You just don't get it - FEMA has its failings, I will not dispute that

BUT SO DOES THE RED CROSS - you cannot blame FEMA for the Red Cross's delay in setting up financial distribution centers on the Mississippi Gulf Coast -- They only set them up this week, last week they were in Alabama and folks that needed the money had to hitch a ride to Alabama. In Alabama, the Red Cross gave more money than they give folks in MS.

The Red Cross never keeps the same distribution center - each day it is somewhere new in each city. They never have enough vouchers and/or manpower to process the claims to distribute the financial aid. Folks stand in lines for hours in the hot sun, without shade.

And that 800 number STILL is not manned properly - have you gotten through on it yet?

The Red Cross has problems of its own - it doesn't need to blame FEMA.
And please, tell me how raising over $500 Million for the victims equates to $200 plus for the survivors?

[Coastie for Truth]

42. Yeah - but the Red Cross is a charity run by volunteers

and FEMA used to be a professional organization -- and is run by Heritage Foundation ideologues who make a hell of lot more then any Red Cross or Salvation Army staffer or my enlisted men -- or me as an "O-3/over 3."

You want to speed up the Red Cross --- VOLUNTEER

Direct your anger positively.

"Coastie"

Lieutenant, United States Coast Guard (Honorably Discharged)

[merh]

44. You have your nerve - direct my anger postively -

I am homeless - my days are spent trying to recover my life - trying to recover from the devasation that surrounds me. I have lost it all and yet I know enough to know that THERE ARE PAID MEMBERS OF THE RED CROSS THAT MAKE THE DECISIONS and assign the volunteers.

If you really cared, if you really wanted to help, you would say "Let me see what I can find out - let me see if I can try to help." Instead you pat yourself on the back and believe the Red Cross can do no wrong because you are one of its volunteers. That is just silly.

With $500 million they should be able to do something constructive and stop blaming FEMA for their failings. What do they do with the $500M by the way. A good portion of what they distribute to folks is donated.

[Coastie for Truth]

39. You are seeing the Bush-Cheney-Rove spin machine full bore

1. Bushie deserted from the Texas Air Guard -- blame Kerry because he shot himself in the butt.

2. Chambliss was a draft dodger -- blame Max Cleland because it was his own negligence (Annie Coulter says he was drunk) that caused him to lose three limbs.

3. Bush was a coke head and a drunk - blame Anne Richardson because she's a public drunk.

4. Joe Wilson said there was no "yellow cake" - blame Valerie Plame for getting her husband the job.

5. FEMA has gone to hell in a handbag under Bush -- blame the Red Cross for not taking up the slack.

6. FEMA dropped the ball -- big time -- blame Naygin and Blanco (but not Haley Barbour - he's a Repug).

This is so Bush-Cheney-Rove -- that I know they won't be here after we get hit with the inevitable "Big One."

It's all described in "What's the Matter with Kansas? How Conservatives Won the Heart of America" by Thomas Frank

[merh]

41. You are not accepting the truth from SOMEONE that is

experiencing difficulties due to the FAILURES of the RED CROSS. You are the one drinking the kool aid served by the Red Cross, not me.

Have you been able to get through on that 800 number yet?

[Coastie for Truth]

43. Sorry

The Coast Guard is part of the same DHS as FEMA -- and I have seen what Chertoff did to FEMA - and what he is trying to do the Coast Guard. (Two year ago Rummie tried to eliminate the Coast Guard)

And I know enough retired "Chief Officers" of local Fire Departments who worked for FEMA and resigned.

And I have worked with enough FEMA political dolts.

Direct your wrath positively---

VOLUNTEER

[merh]

45. You are a piece of work -

Why don't you go blow up your house and leave only a slab and debris. Watch your car float away in the tidal surge, spend 12 hours watching the storm destroy things all around you, huddle with your family in the 2nd story of a house that is 2 miles inland and built at 14 foot elevation and watch 9 feet of water come into the house as you make your plans to escape to the roof - smell the gas leak as the gas appliances are ripped from their anchors on the 1st floor, then you fucking tell me if you feel like you can VOLUNTEER.

You have your nerve - you go lose it all and tell me you would volunteer - be jobless, be homeless and without a thing to your name and tell me you would be volunteering.

What a fool you are - that you would defend the failings of the RED CROSS and ignore the truth from one of the victims of the Red Cross' failings. Most folks that REALLY cared would offer to try to help correct the problem - not you, guess you just get off being a FUCKING VOLUNTEER!

[anitar1]

46. Part of the problem is, all of the millions do not

go to just Katrina victims. Monies collected are for any disasters,per a clause in their statement, is my understanding. Read it on a DU thread the other day, plus I have heard this before, when there was a hurricane in Florida. If this is true, some of the money people are donating to Katrina victims is held back for future disasters. Nice, huh?

[merh]

48. I know - that sucks royally -- the Red Cross keeps money in reserve

that folks donate for the victims of the disaster to be used now. And do you know what - like Mr Coastie Volunteeer, the Red Cross has the nerve to advertize for donations on our local TV and radio.

The MS Gulf Coast was devasated, some towns NO LONGER exist, others don't have much left. It is estimated that 6 out of 10 homes are gone or are unlivable. Can you imagine a charity that is here to help calling for donations from those it is supposed to be helping?

With all due respect to Coastie, the Red Cross SUCKS, imho.

[Nostradammit]

3. " #1, you must be white, #2...

you must show that you do not need the money.

No further questions, thank you."

[chalky]

4. Ah, but there's a #3: "Do you vote Republican?"

Doesn't necessarily disqualify you if you say, "No", but diminishes your compensation down to about a buck fifty.

[fooj]

5. WTF? Secret? Who the hell does she think she's talking to?

I received aid from FEMA during the 1989 earthquake. There were NO "secret" qualifications. This is unfuckingbelievable. I need to go take a walk on the beach. I feel sick to my stomach.
I've heard just about enough today. I don't know which is worse...the rat bastard's press conference or this line of bullshit!

Peace.

[finecraft]

10. She was talking to a room full of

evacuees from the 9th ward in New Orleans. They were not impressed with her "secret" qualifications. A majority of the evacuees we had last night were formerly employed by French Quarter restaurants and hotels in New Orleans. If looks could have killed.....she would not have gone home last night. FEMA is treating these people like crap.

[jsamuel]

7. FEMA is now an anal insurance company that doesn't pay out benefits

only takes in the premiums.

[tsuki]

8. They were not secret last year here in the panhandle of Florida. FEMA

was knocking on doors on Chat Holley Road telling people to apply and what they were eligible for. 'Course, they were white, and it was an election year.

:sarcasm:

[gratuitous]

9. This administration's obsession with secrecy

EVERYTHING is a secret with these assclowns. Had I been at the meeting, I probably would have need two or three people to restrain me from shouting at the FEMA person that SHE works for us, the people of the United States, not vice versa. Why haven't these people gotten help, fer crissakes?!

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

11. somebody saw Animal House once too many.

double secret qualifications!

We are in some alternative universe

[klyon]

15. they are crooks so they think everyone else is also

KL

[Skidmore]

17. When are the people going to turn ugly on these

clowns, and I'm not just talking hurricaine survivors here. I'm talking the majority of the population. Ordinary people need to get in their faces. It appears that they only act out of shame or fear. Sad that our country has come to this.

[spuddonna]

26. Finecraft, I found something that might help answer some questions...

You may have this info already... I found it at http://www.fema.gov/txt/about/process/help_after_disaster_english.txt

It talks about being eligible for aid, not necessarily that they'll approve you, but what it takes to be eligible. It also lists the type of aid available there too. Hope it helps! :)

"ELIGIBILITY
To receive money or help for Housing Needs that are the result of a disaster, all of the following must be true:
-You have losses in an area that has been declared a disaster area by the President.
-You have filed for insurance benefits and the damaged to your property is not covered by your insurance. You may be eligible for help from IHP to repair damage to your property.
-You or someone who lives with you is a citizen of the United States, a non-citizen national, or a qualified alien.
-Your home is in an area that has been declared a disaster area by the President.
-The home in the disaster area is where you usually live and where you were living at the time of the disaster.

-You are not able to live in your home now, you cannot get to your home due to the disaster, or your home requires repairs because of damage from the disaster.

To receive money for Other than Housing Needs that are the result of a disaster, all of the following must be true:
-You have losses in an area that has been declared a disaster area by the President.
-You have filed for insurance benefits and the damage to your property is not covered by your insurance. You may be eligible for help from IHP to repair damage to your property.
-You or someone who lives with you is a citizen of the United States, a non-citizen national, or a qualified alien.
-You have necessary expenses or serious needs because of the disaster.
- You have accepted assistance from all other sources for which you are eligible, such as insurance proceeds or SBA loans.

You may not be eligible for money or help from IHP if:
-You have other, adequate rent-free housing that you can use (for example, rental property that is not occupied).
-Your home that was damaged is your secondary or vacation residence.
-Your expenses resulted only from leaving your home as a precaution and you were able to return to your home immediately after the incident.
-You have refused assistance from your insurance provider(s).
-Your only losses are business losses (including farm business other than the farmhouse and self-employment) or items not covered by this program.
-The damaged home where you live is located in a designated flood hazard area and your community is not participating in the National Flood Insurance Program. In this case, the flood damage to your home would not be covered, but you may qualify for rental assistance
or items not covered by flood insurance, such as water wells, septic systems, medical, dental, or funeral expenses."

ETA: I went to the fema.gov site, and it crashed my browser twice. Then I tried to open the document above and it crashed trying to load the pdf. I finally went with the 'text version' which is what I posted some of above. Just FYI in case you have trouble getting there...

[AnnInLa]

27. Write that up as a Letter to the Editor, and send it

to The Advertiser, The Advocate and to your local paper, please!!!!

Oh yeah, send it to the Abb. Meridional too!

The incompetence is just staggering.

[finecraft]

29. It was on the front page of today's Daily Iberian

They sent a reporter to cover the meeting last night. This is how the reporter covered what the FEMA rep said:

www.iberianet.com

"Annette Monet, with FEMA, urged evacuees to register with FEMA. However, she warned that not all evacuees will receive assistance. She said evacuees must meet certain criteria to receive aid including aid for those staying in hotels.

When asked by an evacuee what the qualifications were, Monet declined to give them to prevent applicants from taking advantage of the system. Her comments were met with criticism from the audience"

I was there. She just didn't "decline to give them", she used the word secret.

These people make me sick! BTW- If you get a copy of the Iberian Latonya and Michael and their family are in the picture on the front page. We went tonight to put the deposit on their house. They will try to move in this weekend. ARC and Interfaith Church are trying to get them furniture to put in the house.

I told my friend in Florida about my "adopt a family" project. She called me today and said that her office had started a collection to help me, and they were sending the first of their donations, two $300.00 Walmart cards to help Latonya and Michael and Ezelle get some supplies for their houses. She said the people in her office were hesitant to donate to the Red Cross after the bad experiences they had with them in the aftermath of the hurricanes they had last year, but they were happy to donate something when they knew it would be going to help families directly. :)

After all the donated clothes I have sorted, and the mountains of lasagna I have made for the shelters, I actually feel now that I am making a difference. :grouphug:

[Synnical]

28. Kick n/t

[Coastie for Truth]

37. Secret and Security Clearances

FEMA was stopping doctors, nurses, communications techicians, etc. at the LA border - and making them leave.

Why - because they didn;t have FEMA Security Clearances from last year's hurricanes.

Chertoff is an anal retentive anus.