Just got back from the dome and I was overwhelmed by the shere numbers of folks they have put in there. The media was complaining that its not the 23,000 promised but in actuality there is probably close to 100,000 here throughout the Houston metroplex.It made me think of a modern day Hoovervile, by the sadness and magnitude of the trauma but the living conditions here seemed wonderful. I spent only an hour or so in the dome where around 17,000 people are living(its virtually a small US city) and was told they had just opened up the Astro Arena and that 3,500 new folks had been set up there. It felt more personal to be connecting with a mere 3500 folks. A pittance of people where I felt more comfortable. There are huge trucks rolling in with food, baby supplies and clothing and every conceivable medical supply. There are plenty of sick people but I din't sense the horible coughing and general sickness I expected to see.
For about 2 hours I got to play Santa Claus( and that's really something special for a Jewish guy) with my shopping cart of stuffed animals and small toys that seemed to light up the eyes of these kids who didn't seem to know what was going on before finally running out.The evacuees seem orderly and polite and appreciative of the help. I spoke with numerous young men who were in construction and ran small business operations(not the so called trash folks the media seem to be fixated on) and who's home were totally gone who told me they would be staying in Houston and relocating they just couldn't stand to return. There were men wearing the same dirty socks for 5 days that appreciated fresh socks and underwear and my trying to match their shoe sizes.
Anyways the medical units set up were overwhelming. There were dozens of doctors, nurses, and residents who had arrived just when I walked in, who had been instructed by the local hospitals to volunteer 20 hrs per week there and were giving these folks top notch care. I have psychologists friends who are consulting with these folks about their emotional trauma. There were xray machines, dialysis, and chemo going on and everyone was instructed to be given vaccinations, tetnus shots I believe.
I think my community is really making a difference in making these folks lives more comfortable and god knows that is all that any of us can do; to try and make a small difference in this world.
Folks this has nothing absolutely nothing to do with Bush, he is irrelevant, these folks just want to get on with their lives, period and blame is not something they care one bit about.
One thing I did learn today was that my reports that the Red Cross was not interested in small children's toys was wrong. They are trying to set up a day care, library, internet cafe and the whole works, but just like building a small city which is what this is, it will take time.
The Red Cross women I spoke with and got to know(and Suz one woman is from Ann Arbour and has never seen an operation as large as this even in Fla.) told me that its OK for me to bring in items to our area in the Astro Arena if anyone is interested in helping me.
For the time being the following items would be appreciated:
1. Small games for young children
2. Puzzles
3. Crayons lots of small(not large) crayons
4. Puzzle books with connect the dots
5. Coloring books
Even the small teddy bears and stuffed animals,contrary to what every agency told me this week, I can get into the dome if anyone desires.
One issue I am trying to figure out is finding a way to get thousands or at least hundreds of small pillows. I contacted Gallery Furniture tonight and Mr.McCalvane to see if he can help (he has given a million dollars so far and maybe maxed out) but if anyone has ANY contact with anyone at the corporate level of Bed Bath and Beyond or Linnens and Things that is a project I would like to attempt only b/c there were so few pillows and I received lots of requests and don't think that is a high priority.
Will keep you guys posted. One sad note was that the Red Cross people were telling me that many if not most may be there 2-3 months not the days or weeks they are thinking, but our mayor has plans to find vacant apts and homes to try and start moving these folks into as well as getting these kids enrolled in our local schools. I am just so poud of my community I am busting with civic pride.
Posted by: Ira at September 2, 2005 11:20 PM
http://www.democracycellproject.net/blog/archives/2005/09/katrina_exposes.htmlPlease pm me if you can help Ira.
I don't know if I'm allowed to cross-post this in GD.
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