When the church down the street in Crowley took in over 100 people (not a big church either), I knew I must do something to help. I took them some children’s clothes, children’s videos and towels. When I got there, I met a man that needed to go to the social security office. I told him I would take him and who ever else needed to go. I did that and they were able to get replacement checks. When I saw how desperate they were to get transportation I knew I must help with that. I have a pickup, so spent the next 2 weeks helping 5 families get settled in homes. These people became friends. When Rita was on the way I just could not believe it. After all they had been though they were going to have to do it again. The good I saw in all of this is how well everyone got along and how willing everyone was to help out.
Color didn’t matter and I wish that would remain. I am a 62 year old white grandmother and the people I have been helping are black. I went to places I would never have gone to if it weren’t for these people , the projects in town that are considered to be a bad section of town. I found out that if you treat people with respect, they will respect you in return. I asked teen boys with their baggie pants walking down the street to help unload furniture, they looked startled at first , then willingly lent a hand. I made many trips to a part of town I would never have gone to and received many smiles and waves. I learned to never judge a group of people because they are made up of individuals, many good, some bad. I made a lot of good friends I never would have because of Katrina, but also saw first the heart break and sorrow she caused.