HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF INFORMATION AND RESOURCE THREAD

The purpose of this thread is to provide links to organizations which are coordinating disaster relief efforts, along with other resources. Here is a preliminary list:

http://www.redcross.org

http://www.noahswish.org

http://www.teamster.org/benefits/disasterrelief/disaste...

http://www.msana.com/msadisasterrelief.htm

http://www.la-spca.org/forms/donations.htm

http://www.hssm.org

I am going to keep this thread pinned to the top of the General Discussion forum. Feel free to add further links and resources to this thread, along with requests for help, but PLEASE DO NOT POST OFF-TOPIC OR GENERAL CONVERSATION MESSAGES. I don't want this thread to fill up with chatter, we need to keep it informative and quick-loading.

Thanks,
EarlG
DU Admin

.

Email from Howard Dean: "Hurricane Katrina: How to Help"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

Right now, their server is down for obvious reasons, but I am sure in the coming days, weeks and months they will be offering support - as well as needing donations.

(504) 734-1322

1201 Sams Ave,
New Orleans, 70123

http://www.secondharvestersfoodbank.org/

America's Second Harvest admits that it is a conduit to religious organizations:

.

and reconsider your judgments please. Stop defaming the biggest provider of food in the country to people in need.

(Salvation Army)

And I let them know that I got their website from a link at democratic underground!

We can't have people of faith thinking that we are the enemy, now can we?

http://www.er-d.org/newsroom_64473_ENG_HTM.htm

Episcopal Relief and Development

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

Everyone: No matter what your status may be, please donate some money, even if you can only afford a couple of bucks. Every person makes a difference!

Operation Blessing
1-800-436-6348

This is a Pat Robertson operation even though they just list his initials, very misleading.


Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation (OBI) is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) humanitarian organization based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. Since 1978, Operation Blessing International has touched the lives of more than 179.7 million people in 96 countries and all 50 states, providing goods and services valued at more than $1.1 billion. Operation Blessing is governed by a national board of directors that includes founder M. G. Robertson and retired COO Robert W. Fanning.



http://www.ob.org/about/index.asp

http://www.patrobertson.com/humanitarian /


Why have 2 different relief sites both connected to Pat Robertson?

I wouldn't trust any group affiliated with the RW fundies.

"I wouldn't trust any group affiliated with the RW fundies."

Your post serves as a reminder to research various agencies' backgrounds.

If I could edit my post, I'd either <snip> out Robertson's org or make a note of the connection.

is that although it's stridently "religious", FEMA didn't include it with the other religious groups. Instead, it jumped it up right below the Red Cross. ANOTHER example of Dubya whoring after the theocracy vote.

pnorman

...that being said - all-speed to anyone who is doing the work.

HELLO? Every one of those in FEMA's list is a religious organization or has systemic ties w/ religious organizations . . . Indeed.

Yes, the Salvation Army is a religion. And, the Salvation Army discriminates in its hiring and firing policies against gays as can other religions. And, the Salvation Army was brought into federal court because it failed to pay minimum wage to recovering substance abusers and alcoholics! Failed to pay a wage when working for the Salvation Army. The court ordered the Salvation Army to pay those workers or not to hire them for work, period.

The sole exception in FEMA's list that is not affiliated with any religion or religious institution is the American Red Cross, period. F*ck this Bush Administration in buying votes through religions!!



.

I was struck by how many of orgs on the FEMA list are "faith-based". where is OXFAM for example? I know they are active. Also they are an excellent group with strong track record.
There are probably better examples. But - this FEMA list seems very skewed toward the faith based groups and that troubles me.

i want my money to go to organisations that are effective, efficient and NON religious, non faith-based.

(Ideally - I would like my taxes- within a restructured and progressive tax system - to be used for thie relief and resettlemnt effort.)

National Food Bank network - provides hunger relief to disaster areas:

Catastrophic Hurricane ‘Katrina’ Causes Devastation
You can help people in need!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

America’s Second Harvest—The Nation’s Food Bank Network has activated its disaster mode in response to Hurricane ‘Katrina’.

We are in need of food and funds to respond to Hurricane Katrina in states impacted by the disaster including Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida.

http://www.secondharvest.org/

I want to give, but I don't care to donate to proselytizing organizations.

I work for a regional affiliate in Michigan. Second Harvest and its member agencies are NOT religious organizations.

In order for local agencies to receive food from Secon Harvest or its affiliates, they have to sign a document saying that they will not require recipients to sit through any type of service or even a prayer to receive the food (nor can the recipients be made to pay or work for the food). Some of the agencies which receive and distribute the food may be churches or church-related, and let me tell you these groups have more integrity than some other well-known nonprofits with no religious affiliation (I will not name names).

Peace!

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

.
GoddessofGuinness, please see my post #45 in this DU thread, because America's Second Harvest is by its own admission(1) very heavily affiliated with "faith-based" (religious) organizations! And I believe the truth should be told.

In addition, many Americans who want to uphold the U.S. constitution's Separation of Church and State believe, legally, that George Walker Bush's FEMA should not proselytize "faith-based" (religious) organizations on taxpayer funded websites such as FEMA!

Your question was a good one, indeed.

___________________________

(1) "Q: What Kinds of Organizations Operate A2H (America's Second Harvest) Emergency Food Programs?

A: 76% of pantries, 71% of kitchens, and 43% of shelters are run by faith-based agencies affiliated with churches, mosques, synagogues, and other religious organizations (Table 10.6.1)."
http://www.secondharvest.org/site_content.asp?s=82 (a direct quote)
.

they don't care what religion...
they help poor people period

I'd be interested in helping our own.

our DU friends who are in need. More information will be posted once we know a little bit more. Anyone who wants to provide input is free to send me a message as I certainly don't have all the answers. (Please do not post ideas on this thread as it would be considered off topic).

On edit: This is being done with the permission of the admins.

Lowes Home Improvement is offering matching funds (up to $1Million I think). Good way to double your contributions.

you watch the tv so many of them got to their attics without shoes,
and obviously with 40,000 houses under water all they have is the clothes on their backs.

Salvation army sells clothes they collect.

Where can we send shoes and clothes?

http://www1.salvationarmy.org/usw/www_usw_gstate.nsf

I know some dont like some of their beliefs, but they have very effective & well-trained diaster relief teams. They will be providing meals to the needy & to first responders.

Salvation Army: Donations can be made via the group's Web site, www.salvationarmyusa.org ; by calling (800) 725-2769; or by mail at Salvation Army, Attention: Hurricane Katrina Fund, P.O. Box 193465, San Francisco, CA 94119- 3465.

The organization expects to serve 400,000 meals a day to victims and first responders.

Here is a working link:

https://www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Simple/Donor.asp?ievent...

You can select Hurriane Katrina as where you want your donation to go.

http://store.yahoo.com/naacp-donate1 /

every little bit helps ...

Please see link in GD:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

Also posted in Liberal Christians group:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

These buckets will be sent to the affected areas ASAP.

through UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief)at UMC.org. It is a secure site.

The IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) is sending help and coordinating through local churches in the affected areas.

https://www.iocc.org/giving/giving_hurricane8-29-05.sht...

I know it's another religious one, but the IOCC is pretty good overall.

I'm not going to go wading through the archives but here's the list from my blog (I recognize that some of these are objectionable to Dems, I posted what was available as of early yesterday):

Relief Organizations:

America’s Second Harvest: 800-344-8070.

Adventist Community Services: 800-381-7171.

Catholic Charities: 1-800-919-9338 or http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org /

Christian Disaster Response: 941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554.

Christian Reformed World Relief Committee: 800-848-5818.

Church World Service: 800-297-1516.

Convoy of Hope: 417-823-8998.

Episcopal Relief & Development: 1-800-334-7626 or http://www.er-d.org /

FEMA Charity tips: http://www.fema.gov/rrr/help2.shtm

Hearts With Hands (their website has a list of items needed): Credit Card Donations - (828) 667-1912 or 1-800-726-9185; http://www.heartswithhands.org

Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: http://www.la-spca.org /

Lutheran Disaster Response: 800-638-3522.

Mennonite Disaster Service: 717-859-2210.

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster: http://www.nvoad.org /

Nazarene Disaster Response: 888-256-5886.

Network for Good (source to donate to multiple agencies): http://www.networkforgood.org

North Shore Animal League America: http://www.nsalamerica.org / & https://secure.ga3.org/01/support_rescue

Operation Blessing: 800-436-6348.

PetSmart Charities: http://www.petsmartcharities.org

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance: 800-872-3283.

Red Cross: 1-800-HELP-NOW or 800-257-7575 Spanish https://http://www.redcross.org /

Salvation Army: 1-800-SAL-ARMY or http://www.salvationarmyusa.org /

Samaritan’s Purse: http://www.samaritanspurse.org

Southern Baptist Convention — Disaster Relief: 800-462-8657, ext. 6440.

United Methodist Committee on Relief: 1-800-554-8583 or http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/emergency/hurricanes/2005 /

United Way of New Orleans: http://www.unitedwaynola.org

http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=380

Peace.

http://www.noahswish.org /

I emailed someone at Noah's Wish to get their address so I can send a check, so they don't have to pay any fees associated with a paypal or associated with donating via a credit card. Here is there address:


Noah's Wish, PO Box 997, Placerville, CA 95667

They also have a list on their website of needed supplies. So, if you can't donate money, at least look to see if you have any items at home that is on their list, and send those.

jessica

As the fury of Hurricane Katrina dies down, relief and rescue teams mobilize to save lives. The HSUS’s Disaster Animal Response Teams provide vital aid to animals and pet-owners devastated by storm damage and flooding.

www.hsus.org

Since so many of us are animal lovers at DU...I just wanted to forward the link to you if anyone might be interested in donating to the Katrina rescue efforts for pets. The URL is http://www.uan.org . Lots of people worry about the four-legged people in these situations I thought I'd forward the info. UAN is usually the first-response team, working along side the Red Cross in pet rescues.

Some close friends of mine donate time to this organization and really recommend them.

...can someone help them?

for animals as I have for people. Does that make me kind of evil? you would think someone would give more $$ for people than animals but damn, I really can't take stand seeing those poor stranded dogs they keep showing.

http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/news/katrina.cfm

This is the national Catholic Charities site, which is the domestic arm of Catholic Relief Services. Catholic Charities works locally, and many of its sites have been very hard hit.

For Verizon:
http://communities.vtext.com/group.jsp?group=disastersu ...

For other carriers:
http://www.upoc.com/group.jsp?group=disastersupd

A place to post alerts to help keep people and nature safe to post valid advice. Disasters such as:hurricanes,flooding,tornadoes ,monsoons,earthquakes,fires,explosions,chemical spills, avalanches excessive snows and sadley terrorium, major highway closings, major vehicle pileups, airplaine crashes,mudslides and volcanoes. News about anything that threatens. False reporters quickly booted!
104 members

Meta-link for animal shelters in LA
http://muttcats.com/shelters/louisiana.htm

Mississippi Animal Rescue League (in Jackson)

http://www.msarl.org

Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society in Mississippi

http://www.clhumanesociety.org/frames.htm

Alabama Animal Rescue

http://www.aarescue.org /

Someone posted this and said that they had friends who volunteered.
There is a link for donating to help rescue animals who are victims of Katrina. I just donated.

United Animal Nation

Do we know if anybody is trying to find out who is in shelters? Or providing a place for people who have moved out to hotels to check in to say if they are safe?

post to ask for info on people or to let others know they are safe. I'm sure there must be other similar forums but this is set up by the New Orleans Times-Picayune so people from NO would likely think of it as a resource.

Yahoo Katrina Missing People Search Engine - Searches Katrina lists from across the web

Red Cross Family News Network

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children - for both missing and found children.

Find Your New Orleans Employer - Site operated by The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Baton Rouge

Patients Evacuated from Louisiana Hospitals - from the Louisiana Hospital Association

Louisiana Nursing Home Information - from the Louisiana Nursing Home Association

East Baton Rouge Shelter Listing - Baton Rouge Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

Missing Foreign Nationals - Dept. of State list of US Embassy contact info

National Next of Kin Registry - Nonprofit. Register a missing person or read message board to search for people.

craigslist Katrina People Finder

Most of these sites are listed on the FEMA website. The FEMA site also has a List of Evacuees from Alabama Shelters, but I can't get it to link to this page. So if you're looking for someone who may have gone to Alabama, go to the FEMA page and look them up.

From their site:

The McCormick Tribune Foundation Hurricane Katrina Relief Campaign has
been established as an effort between
McCormick Tribune Foundation and many
of its Communities Program Partners to
raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina. The McCormick Tribune Foundation will match the first $1,000,000 contributed to the campaign at 50 cents on the dollar. All administrative costs will be paid by the foundation so that all funds can be distributed directly to disaster relief organizations that provide short and long-term aid to those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

http://www.rrmtf.org/mtf/hurricanerelief.htm

More information on the McCormick Tribune Foundation:
http://www.rrmtf.org/mtf/mtfinfo.htm

And remember to check with your employer to see if they may be matching funds for donations to the Red Cross and other national organizations. Some employers will match dollar-per-dollar.

I've passed this on to friends who were considering contributing. This may make all the difference.

I just noticed they updated the match on September 1 because they had already received $1 million in donations. The match is still 50 cents on the dollar.

Press release:
http://www.rrmtf.org/mtf/pressroom/2005/pr090105.htm

Online donation form:
https://mccormicktribune.org/donations/startapp.aspx?ca...

Again, please remember to check with your employer's HR department about charitable donations. Some may match donations at dollar-per-dollar or even better.

http://neworleans.mindsay.com

I'm posting all kinds of info as I find them, as this touches me personally. I'll post your list of links too. useful.

http://www.pnionline.com/dnblog/attytood/archives/00233...

Basically, Bush again giving the finger to the Have-Nots who nonetheless make up the outer fringes of his base.

JP
http://jurassicpork.blogspot.com

I know some disaster relief orgs post names, please if you have any of these sites post them, desperate to contact family and friends in the affected areas.

pleasenotifyme.org

The National Next Of Kin Registry (NOKR) is a new high-speed solution to locating your Next Of Kin in urgent situations. NOKR is designed as an emergency contact system to help if you or your family member is missing, injured or deceased. NOKR is a free service to the public as well as the Local and State agencies using the search service.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

We are trying to aggregate all the various databases and forms different organizations have set up - into ONE searchable database. We need a LOT of people to give just a little time.

I'm OK Line

The Sun Herald is setting up an "I'm OK Line" for folks who left the area to phone in and let their relatives know where they evacuated to. It's a toll free number and the information will be printed in the paper and posted online. You can call (866) 453-1925.
http://eyesonkatrina.blogspot.com /




http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald /

Southern Mississippi newspaper

Kick!!!

here you go

http://newcenturyfriends.net/hurricanekatrinadisasterre...

Can't vouch for them, but here they are.

http://www.networkforgood.org/topics/animal_environ/hur...

Thanks for the information. I just donated $50. I know it's not much. It's all a teacher who is just starting out can afford.

Donations made through your employer may be subject to doubling, as many companies will match your donation, dollar for dollar.

American Red Cross (800) HELP NOW (435-7669) English; (800) 257-7575 Spanish

http://www.redcross.org/donate/donate.html



Operation Blessing (800) 436-6348

America's Second Harvest (800) 344-8070

Adventist Community Services (800) 381-7171

Catholic Charities, USA (703) 549-1390

Christian Disaster Response (941) 956-5183 or (941) 551-9554

Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (800) 848-5818

Church World Service (800) 297-1516

Convoy of Hope (417) 823-8998

Lutheran Disaster Response (800) 638-3522

Mennonite Disaster Service (717) 859-2210

Nazarene Disaster Response (888) 256-5886

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (800) 872-3283

Salvation Army (800) SAL-ARMY (725-2769)

Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief (800) 462-8657, ext. 6133


United Methodist Committee on Relief (800) 554-8583

LOUISIANA SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS:
Web: http://www.la-spca.org

NATIONAL VOLUNTARY
ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN DISASTER:
Web: http://www.nvoad.org



Following is a list of other Web sites offering disaster relief information:

Federal Emergency Management Agency
Phone: 1-800-621-FEMA
http://www.fema.gov /

Louisiana Homeland Security
http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov /

City of New Orleans
http://www.cityofno.com/portal.aspx

Louisiana Governor's Office
http://www.gov.state.la.us /

Catholic Charities
Phone: 1-800-919-9338
http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org /

FEMA Charity tips
http://www.fema.gov/rrr/help2.shtm

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
http://www.nvoad.org /

Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
http://www.la-spca.org /

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
Ande Miller, Executive Director
Email: amiller@nvoad.org
Phone: 703-339-5596


State Emergency Organizations:

FEMA State Emergency Contact — http://www.fema.gov/fema/statedr.shtm

Alabama Department of Public Safety
Phone: (334) 242-4445
Website: http://www.dps.state.al.us

Alabama Emergency Management Agency
5898 County Road 41
P.O. Drawer 2160
Clanton, Alabama 35046-2160
Phone: 205-280-2200
Fax: 205-280-2495
Website: http://www.ema.alabama.gov

Florida Division of Emergency Management
2555 Shumard Oak Blvd.
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100
Phone: 850-413-9900
Email: florida.disaster@dca.state.fl.us
Website: http://www.floridadisaster.org

Florida Emergency Preparedness Association
Phone: 850-906-0779
Fax: 850-893-1845
Email: fepa@fepa.org
Website: http://www.fepa.org

Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Phone: 225-925-7500
Fax: 225-925-7501
Website: http://www.ohsep.louisiana.gov

Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness
7667 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806
Phone: (225) 925-7500
Fax: (225) 925-7501
http://www.loep.state.la.us

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
P.O. Box 4501 - Fondren Station
Jackson, Mississippi 39296-4501
Phone: (601) 352-9100
Toll Free Phone: (800) 442-6362
Fax: (601) 352-8314
http://www.mema.state.ms.us
http://www.msema.org/mitigate/mssaferoominit.htm

Georgia Emergency Management Agency
P.O. Box 18055
Atlanta, Georgia 30316-0055
Phone: (404) 635-7000
Fax: (404) 635-7205
http://www.State.Ga.US/GEMA/

My cousin in Wisconsin e-mailed me last night completely bereft about a friend of hers in NO who was doing dog rescue, and had about 25 in various stages of blindness, cancer, epilepsy, and old age.

They tried to get them out; her husband wanted to get a big air conditioned truck to get them all out of harm's way, but it was too late when the implications of the hurricane began getting clearer.

Pat has not heard from her friend. She figures the dogs are probably gone, and she's afraid her friend may have died trying to save her babies.

I was so upset I practically bawled when I got her e-mail. I figure the Red Cross and blood banks and such are going to be overwhelmed with kindnesses very soon. Not as many people think of the pets.

reprehensor and I are giving a huge donation to Noah's Wish today. So I can feel like I'm doing something to help all the scared, helpless furbabies suffering through this too.


FSC

Thanks KrazyKat.

With a handle and avatar like yours, it's obvious you loves you some furbabies too.

FSC

If you wish to help visit the following website and select a reliable organization that has a solid infrastructure and means of getting the support directly where it is needed most.

http://www.give.org/news/katrina.asp

American Red Cross, 800-HELP-NOW (435-7669) English, 800-257-7575 Spanish.
America's Second Harvest, 800-344-8070.
Adventist Community Services, 800-381-7171.
Catholic Charities USA, 800-919-9338.
Christian Disaster Response, 941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554.
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, 800-848-5818.
Church World Service, 800-297-1516.
Convoy of Hope, 417-823-8998.
Lutheran Disaster Response, 800-638-3522.
Mennonite Disaster Service, 717-859-2210.
Nazarene Disaster Response, 888-256-5886.
Operation Blessing, 800-436-6348.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, 800-872-3283.
Salvation Army, 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769).
Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief, 800-462-8657, Ext. 6440.
United Methodist Committee on Relief, 800-554-8583.

For the next 30 days, Capitol Hill Blue...will match any contribution made by a reader and forward it on to The American Red Cross and other agencies. The donations will be made "on behalf of the readers of Capitol Hill Blue."

http://www.capitolhillblue.com/katrinaaid.html

If you donate to the Red Cross at the Capitol Hill Blues site, your donation will be matched. Make the most of your contribution by having it doubled at this site. Please pass this info on. These folks are also donating 100% of their ad revenue for the next 30 days.

my contribution knowing that it was doubled!

Does anyone have any insight as to who or what organization would be best to contact if I and a friend are wanting to go down and help hands-on? I've given money, but I want to feel like I'm doing more and I can be there to do whatever they need.

Thanks in advance.

Does anyone have any insight as to who or what organization would be best to contact if I and a friend are wanting to go down and help hands-on? I've given money, but I want to feel like I'm doing more and I can be there to do whatever they need.

Thanks in advance.

was looking for volunteers to do three week stints.

they charged soldiers in the battle of the bulge and nickel for a coffee and a donut!!!!!

rot in hell!!

My company and many others are matching dollar-for-dollar all employee donations to the American Red Cross. Find out if this is the case before you make a donation...make your money go twice as far.

The effects of hurricane Katrina have, and continue to, take a devastating toll on our neighbors in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Many of us have family, friends and co-workers in the areas affected by the storm. Our thoughts are with those who have experienced loss and those who may be in a period of uncertainty.

UnitedHealthcare, in conjunction with LifeEra and Optum, has opened a crisis hotline to help individuals in Gulf Coast states impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina cope with the emotional aftermath of this traumatic event. While these services are routinely available to UnitedHealthcare customers, the hotline set up for Hurricane Katrina is designed to address the needs of all residents affected by the hurricane.

Callers can speak with counselors to help them handle the difficult emotions they may experience such as stress, anxiety and the grieving process. Callers also may receive referrals from a national database of community resources to help them with specific concerns, such as financial and legal issues. Callers who may have suffered physical trauma or symptoms will be transferred to a nurse who will be able to provide health education and decision support regarding the need for medical treatment. Internet resources are available through www.liveandworkwell.com .

The toll-free crisis hotline number is (866) 615-8700. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as necessary. Service is free of charge.

at http://www.afsc.org /

(Quakers for those not familiar with AFSC)

"I'm writing to give you information about an opportunity to contribute to Hurrican Katrina housing relief. Last night I spoke to my good friend, Penny Dendy, the director of Volunteer Mobile, about the damage in Mobile County from Katrina. She told me it was by far the worst she had seen from a hurricane. For example, she described the devastation in Bayou Le Batre, a small fishing community, SW of Mobile toward the Gulf. Many houses were destroyed, others were knocked from the foundations. One woman came up to the emergency management group Penny was with and pointed to a nearby house. The woman tearfully explained that the house was her sister's house and she could not find her sister.

Penny said the fishing industry, which provides a lot of low-wage jobs, is almost destroyed with boats missing or blown from their moorings and heavily damaged and processing plants washed out by the surging waters. Plus, the shrimp beds along the tributaries and in the Gulf are all messed up.

The good news is that Volunteer Mobile is leading an effort to begin to restore homes. They work with homeowners, primarily low-income, who have FEMA grants or other resources. Volunteer Mobile finds volunteers to contribute time to rebuild houses. Thus, Volunteer Mobile can stretch people's money from the small, often inadequate, grants.

You can contribute to this effort by sending a check to
Long-Term Recovery
Volunteer Mobile
1050 Government St.
Mobile, Ala. 36604

Volunteer Mobile's website is www.volunteermobile.org "

My employer matches grants for charities that fall into one of three categories

• Cultural or environmental institutions


• Colleges and universities


• Hospices, hospitals, and nursing homes

Specifically excluded are health and medical organizations, social welfare organizations, religious, political, public affairs, fraternal and social organizations, SPCA - Humane Societies, City beautification projects, Capital campaigns, construction and renovation projects.

They seem to have done a pretty good job of excluding all of the institutions I'd want to donate to.

Any suggestions for an organization that would fit an eligible category?

1-800-448-3543

Blood is the gift of life.

Tune in between 7-8 pm

Saw the announcement on CNN.

My blog offers lots of useful info too.

http://www.scipionus.com /

Lots of good interactive information.

http://uua.org/news/2005/050831_katrina/donate.html

Will pass it on.
the light in me bows to the light in you
namaste

The refugees at the Louisiana SuperDome are being transported in bus convoys to the Houston AstroDome (350 miles west), along with other evacuees. The AstroDome will be shelter to 23,000 people, many of whom will be here in Houston for months. All hurricane refugee children, whether staying at the AstroDome, other shelters, motels, or friends' houses, are be allowed to enroll in Houston schools effective immediately.

The Houston Food Bank can leverage every dollar donated to provide $25 in food. Please consider them:
http://www.houstonfoodbank.org/Katrina.htm

Thank you!

-Sky in Houston

Houston raised $6+ million the first day to help. Houston has taken in an estimated 100,000, perhaps 150,000 displaced people.

Quick guide to help in Houston, where the agencies are now showing a few signs of coordination, and aren't contradicting themselves every few minutes.

http://www.uwtgc.org - United Way info

Call 211 -- that's the local Katrina hotline

http://katrina.uwtgc.org/pdfs/HChron_UWTGC_Katrina_Ad.p... - another overview for those who need help, and those who want to help

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) 800-621-FEMA (621-3362) - making contact with them can help get housing grants a start on processing.

Where to find a Red Cross shelter in Houston: 1-866-GETINFO (1-866-438-4636).

Doctors and nurses who can volunteer at refugee clinics should call the Harris County Hospital District, which is coordinating care, at 832-667-3153. They are seeing very large numbers of patients, with a broad array of problems.

They are a great organization. www.mercycorps.org .

Thank you to everyone who can and will donate.

This is from Army Knowledge Online...

"Families of Deployed Soldiers affected by the Hurricane are asked to call the National Guard Bureau Family Program at 1-888-777-7731 to let family members know of their whereabouts. Deployed soldiers may call as well to request information."

people are contributing.

http://www.fema.gov/press/2005/resources_katrina.shtm#c...

pnorman

https://www.habitat.org/donation/generaldonation/defaul...

Searching for someone? Post in our special forum: http://www.wwltv.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=16&sid=2824...

Are you okay? Post in our special forum: http://www.wwltv.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=15

Emergency search and rescue phone lines for those in distress:
(225) 925-7708 | (225) 925-7709 | (225) 925-3511 | (225) 925-7412

To inquire about those in the area who did not evacuate:
American Red Cross, (866) 438-4636

http://www.wwltv.com /

I'm sure this list will become longer, but here are a few companies that are matching employee donations. If possible, it's great to double a donation:

Amerada Hess

Anheuser-Busch

Bayer Corp.

BI-LO/Bruno's

Citigroup

Flowserve

General Motors

Home Depot

JPMorgan Chase

Lowe's Companies

Turner Broadcasting (parent of CNN)

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

United Airlines will give 500 frequent flier miles to anyone who donates $50 or more to the Red Cross, AmeriCares or Operation USA.

Washington Mutual

Wachovia

Help Katrina Victims

Tags: neworleans, katrina, tropical, storm, rain, hurricane @ 08:36PM (PDT) on August 30, 2005

One of my friends is trying to get the Craigslist postings re: Katrina victims posted and announced through as many sources as possible. As you look at these listings he's included, you will find there are enormous resources available to victims of the Katrina hurricane - but no one knows about them unless they know about Craigslist. He's finding offers for all types of assistance are getting posted from all over the world. The sooner this information can get pushed out there, the less the effect of this devastation should have upon the Katrina victims.

He asks me to help. I'm helping.

Housing - there are enormous amounts of free housing offers for Katrina victims here.

Community Board - There are hundreds of postings of survivors looking for info on relatives and others as well as offers for free housing and offers to help.

For Sale - Lots of listings for free housing, free items for Katrina victims.

Services - Professionals offering their services for free for the Katrina-effected areas.

I'd watch out for poachers and evildoers, even on Craigslist. If there's looting and polluting going on in Nawlins, you can assume the same thing can and will happen online. Seriously, now is not the time to let your guard down. I hope all of my readers who have endured hurricane Katrina are (and remain) safe.

http://chris.pirillo.com/blog/_archives/2005/8/30/11837...

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/hhh /

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/apa /

http://houston.craigslist.org/apa /

John Kerry Appeals for Help for Katrina Victims
August 31st, 2005

John Kerry sent out an email to the members of JohnKerry.com appealing for help for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Here’s the text:

Dear Friend,

This is a time for all Americans to pull together and do everything we can to assist people whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

If you haven’t acted already, I urge you to join in delivering immediate help to the people who need it most. One way to do that is to support the relief and recovery efforts of the Red Cross with a personal donation. Donate to the Red Cross. - https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp



As we hold those who are going through so much pain and suffering in our prayers, I know you’ll do everything you can to reach out and help.

Sincerely,
John Kerry

P.S. There are a host of other volunteer relief agencies doing essential life-saving work in this emergency. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is coordinating the federal government’s response efforts, has posted a list of recommended groups on its website.

The following statement is from John Kerry’s Senate website:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the thousands of families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Katrina’s unprecedented devastation has cost those in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi their homes, their loved ones, even their lives. Our great nation must come together to comfort and bring relief to those in the Gulf Coast suffering from this blow. Local leaders and National Guard forces have bravely started the effort, but they need all of our help.{/b}

http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=397

I have a complaint against Northwest Airlines customer service regarding canceling my flight reservation to New Orleans for Oct. 8, 2005. I called to cancel my flight after the tragic storm wiped out New Orleans on Aug. 30, 2005. I was told by Northwest Airlines customer service that I would be charged a 100-dollar penalty. They told me it was not that bad and that I am over exaggerating the conditions in New Orleans. I asked for the supervisor her name was Kelley, she told me that all will be fine in a few days. I was shocked that NWA customer service and their supervisors were telling me. They also stated that in October the airport will be fine and that it is not their fault for the disaster for it was an act of God. Northwest airlines will penalize anyone canceling their trip to New Orleans after Sept. 3, 2005 because they say it is not that bad down their and all will be fine in a few days. NWA said long as the airport is open I must take my flight, even if New Orleans is still off limits to the public or be penalized 100 dollars. My trip was to be on Oct. 8, 2005. NWA said,” you would not even notice there was a storm there”, by the time I take my trip. I could not believe they think the storm is nothing serious and that I can avoid the penalty by taking my trip to New Orleans Oct. 8 2005. On Aug. 31, 2005 I called NWA again about the 100-dollar penalty for canceling my trip their response was no one would be penalized if their trip were before Oct. 1, 2005. Also NWA told me many others are being charged 100 dollars per person for their cancellations, because their hotels are completely destroyed. This NWA ticket I had for New Orleans I was using my frequent fly-er miles so I could have a free trip to New Orleans. Now I have paid 100 dollars to NWA for a city I can not fly too because it no longer exist at this time. I am asking the FAA to investigate them for them rapping customers with penalties when they want to cancel their trips to New Orleans, so we will not be in the way of the massive clean up. Plus someone must talk to these customer service people that this tragic incident is very serious. I believe that anyone that wants to cancel his or her trip to any of the major disaster areas should not be fined 100-dollars. Most states have laws that penalizing business’s for charging fines or raising prices from maybe the worst disaster in USA history. I am writing to my congressman and all three major cable news networks on this matter. I hope that you can intervene and stop Northwest Airlines from making monies of this most tragic incident. The monies they are taking from the consumers unfairly should be given to the disaster relief fund.

(One round trip airplane trip in the last ten years--and Northwest is almost the only choice for flights out of this area.)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

Good stuff.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

http://www.nola.com/forums/homesavailable /
www.katrinahome.com
http://www.homesforkatrina.org
http://katrinahomes.billhennessy.com
http://www.shareyourhome.org /

I just tried to make a donation to the red cross, but state zip code etc is compulsory... and I can't complete the donation process... any one got any ideas, links for overseas donors?

From AP Newswire this morning:

LOS ANGELES - Hurricane Katrina telethons reminiscent of benefits for tsunami and 9/11 victims will feature artists including Wynton Marsalis and Green Day, while Jerry Lewis' annual Labor Day fundraiser also will join in.

Lewis said his telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association would include celebrity appeals for hurricane relief. MDA will donate $1 million as well to help victims in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, he said.

"I need the American people to know I don't want you to forget my (MDA) kids because that suffering is ongoing," Lewis told a Beverly Hills news conference on Wednesday. But he called on donors to divide their compassion in half.

"If you want to send me 20 bucks for my kids, send 10. Send the other 10 to these people in this trouble," the actor-comedian said.

The broadcast begins at 9 p.m. EDT Sunday and ends at 5:30 p.m. EDT Monday (check local listings for station).

A special 800 phone number will be used for the Katrina donations, with proceeds going to the Salvation Army in the hard-hit states.

Additionally, "A Concert for Hurricane Relief" will air on NBC, MSNBC and CNBC at 8 p.m. EDT Friday, NBC Universal Television Group announced Wednesday.

The hourlong special, hosted by Matt Lauer in New York, is scheduled to include performances by Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr. and Tim McGraw, all with ties to the affected areas, NBC said. Leonardo DiCaprio and other celebrities are expected to participate.

Viewers will be encouraged to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Another aid effort was announced by MTV Networks, starting with a Saturday, Sept. 10, music special airing on MTV, VH1 and CMT and intended to raise funds for the American Red Cross and other organizations.

Besides Green Day, scheduled performers include Ludacris, Gretchen Wilson, Usher, Alicia Keys, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews Band, Rob Thomas, David Banner and Linkin Park's Chester Bennington.

The special also will be available on MTV2, mtvU and VH1 Classic, as well as broadband video networks MTV Overdrive and VSpot.

Also Wednesday, MTV Networks' parent company, Viacom, announced a $1 million donation to the American Red Cross and a worldwide matching gift program for employee donations. Other support efforts are planned by Viacom media properties including BET, CBS and UPN, the company said.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

Someone just called Jerry Springer
If you receive a call from someone who is stuck,
call 1-800-DAD-SAFE 1-800-323-7233
and you will talk to a live person
give them the info and the coast guard will go get them

I verified the number using google news search,
it is given in several news articles:
http://news.google.com/news?q=800-323-7233&hl=en&lr=&ie...


(I originally posted this here http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...
in case there are follow-ups)

The Democratic Daily has joined with other liberal blogs to raise money for Hurricane Katrina relief. Please help us reach our goal.

From Kari Chisholm, of Mandate Media and Chris Bowers, of MyDD.com, Liberal Blog Ad Network:

Hurricane Katrina has devastated thousands of lives. Today, we’re announcing a coordinated effort by the liberal/progressive blogosphere to help the victims of the devastation. Together, we’re going to raise $1 million for the American Red Cross - and prove that the liberal blogosphere can help our fellow citizens in need. Make a donation for hurricane relief.

MORE & LINKS - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=402

Posted on this thread - http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

www.katrinahousing.org

My brother has started a website www.katrinahousing.org and has been coordinating with Moveon.org. Moveon.org also has a website for those wishing to provide housing for victims.

We need to help the million+ homeless!
May God bless the people trying to hang on at this time and stay alive. Please hurry rescuers!

http://www.bestfriends.org /
We've contributed to these folks and they are great.
They are on their way to NO right now with an 82' self contained animal rescue truck.

With summer coming to a close, many of us will be cleaning out our closets and getting rid of clothes that we no longer wear.

Let's all put our still wearable but unwanted summer clothes aside, and then when we hear of someone collecting clothes for the hurricane survivors, we'll have something to give.

According to a friend who went to Tulane, New Orleans stays hot through October.

www.redcross.org is currently not responding. however, you can still donate to the american red cross via :

A link to the ARC site - can also donate at the register
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat521000...

www.apple.com

www.amazon.com

big list of organizations to donate to
http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/citizenship/giving/reli...

http://cdbaby.com/group/redcross

Lots of great music on this site. Many artists have agreed to give all money to charity.

Here's mine:

http://cdbaby.com/cd/johnsonl