While we are a place to offer and request goods and supplies, we have this ”Stories” section so that our readers can share a little about themselves, and as you shared, this soon became one of our most favorite sections of the site.
Toni
Hi, My name is Toni, I live in Biloxi,MS..I have been married for 5 years and have 3 little boys ages 5, 23mnths and 9 mnths..I would just like to say that what you guys are doing is absolutly wonderful..your response has drove me to tears..right now I live in my mother in laws livingroom, we lived in low income housing which was condemned friday..they say we can move out of state, but my husband is enrolled in the local college here and has an OK job that is giving us a little bit of money.Things have not been easy for us..we applied for FEMA but because their online application process in so messed up we were denied benefits..we are trying hard to appeal right now, but getting through to FEMA is virtually impossible..we go out everyday to these places were Red Cross says they will have monetary assistance, and we wait in long lines and Red cross never shows up..We live day to day hoping all the help that has been promised will arrive and hoping not to fall through the cracks..in the last 3 weeks I have seen the best and the worst of humanity and what links people will go through to help someone they don’t know..I wouldn’t mind being “adopted”, but what I really want is for someone to listen, and even if you don’t understand, say its ok and we we’ll get by.. Thanks for listening and opening your hearts and homes.
Maddie
Hello everyone, My name is Maddie, I am the sister of Britt whom some of you have been in contact with to help my son and I.
We arrived in Denver today to be greeted with the most wonderful hugs and love from my sister and niece. I cannot tell you how happy I am to be here….in CIVILIZATION! I bet the folks sitting near us two smelly people on the plane were happy as all heck to get here too! lol Wow….the water is potable and clean. The air doesn’t reek of unmentionable things, just good clean smog!
I feel like I have just come from a war zone to Eden. This may sound crazy but it was still hard to leave “home”, and I feel a little bit like I’m walking out on it when I’m needed most. I’m sure many of you have heard the horror stories of whats happening and has been happening down on the Coast and I am here to assure you its no fabrication. Just because we have FEMA and Red Cross supposedly availible doesn’t mean we are able to actually find a way to get it. In Biloxi the FEMA and Red Cross headquarters move daily. People start lining up at 4am only to find out unless they registered online or by phone they can’t get checks. How in the world can most of us register when we don’t yet have internet access even IF we are lucky enough to still have computers. Phone lines stay busy 24 hrs. I have been trying to get signed up by phone since 3 days after the storm when I got cellular service back. It was intermittent at best, I was climbing on top of vehicles and rubble to try and get a signal. One of the first things I did when I got here was to sign up for my FEMA online and to find out where the nearest Red Cross is. Luckily all I have to do is show ID with my Biloxi address and they’ll cut me a check. If you really want to be a help to people, offer to submit their FEMA info for them online so they can have funds deposited. Try to find actual addresses of individual families in need of goods because all of those trucks being sent to the Coast…..most of the things don’t get to people.
Most folks have lost their vehicles and have to walk everywhere, which is a hazard in itself. Try lugging an infant 2 miles to the nearest place thats giving out goods. At that point all you have energy and room for is what food you can carry or fit in a stroller. What would be hugely helpful are shopping carts, wagons, wheel barrels, etc. Things that folks can fit things in if they don’t have transport. We have one bridge open in the whole Coast area, theres one way in and one way out. Thats it. The Red Cross and FEMA seems to love to put their help centers on the other side of the Biloxi Bay in Ocean Springs….the only way to get there is the highway or boat since that bridge is out. We aren’t allowed in the water and most of us don’t have cars to drive over there and we aren’t allowed to walk on the highways…how do you get help? You can imagine the frustration.
I keep wondering why there weren’t more ways for people to refugee out of the area. We all heard about the offers but buses leaving were rare. Why not take the buses and vehicles bringing goods into the area and carry people that want to leave back OUT of the area instead of just leaving empty? You all offer so very much and give so much of yourselves and want so much to help but very very very few of us have access to reach YOU. I hope that I was able to help a little to give a better picture of things to you.
I am so grateful and excited about all of the things that are en route to Denver for me and my little boy. My heart aches for all of my friends still back on the Coast that aren’t as lucky as me. So many of them want to leave but most of the refugee planes and buses leaving seem to be for folks in New Orleans and Houston. There are entire cities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast that have been WIPED off the map, that need help so badly in moving people out of there. Pray for them and try to get to them. We all know there are people out there that want to help us start over somewhere else and so many people WANT to leave but have no way to do so. My love and thanks to all of you!
Maddie
ps…The baby had his first hot bath in almost three weeks tonight. He chowed two bottles of formula, one of water, and curled up in his new crib. There hasn’t been a peep since. THANKYOU!
Dennis
I don’t know where to start, never experienced anything like this. We lost almost everything, and I’ve been trying to salvage anything. (put everything in a porta-potty, leave it for 5 days, then take it all out) We are bad off, not as bad as others but alot worst than many. We havn’t seen the adjuster, but did see Fema, not much help, just numbers, forms and questions. We don’t know any of the process. What I do know is, our resources are going fast, and either I’m too tired to think or gone brain dead. I know my wife and I will be ok, maybe because our parents were depression kids and we heard all the stories. I worry for my kids, son at college, he is helping and studying. Daughter a senior in HS, lost 2 after school jobs, her car (no ins, liability only) and all her friends relocated and she is in a big school, lost and lonely, the “refugee”. I know I’m rambling or venting, but I think I need this. We don’t know the charity process and have applied but have not seen, nor heard from anyone. I guess what I’m asking for is help for my kids (good kids). My daughter is 17, plays golf, wants to play college golf and is national honors society. She needs 17 yr old girls stuff. My son is 19, I need for him to stay in school, (there is 11 people living in his apartment that lost their home) its too expensive, he works at school and has tuition mostly paid. (give us some creative ideas for rent etc)
I just got to a computer and trying to find help is tough, its easy to find how to donate.
Sorry for the ramble thanks for the time.
My name is Danielle and I’m a proud mother of 3 we lost everything due to Hurricane Katrina one of my kids has special needs. We are in desperate need of clothing. WE are currently staying in Baton Rouge with my brother and 20 other family members times are getting harder but yet i’m still holding on if any one can help us please email me at dantrelynn@yahoo.com A YOUNG MOTHER CRYING FOR HELP THANK FOR ANY HELP OR INFORMATION THAT IS GIVEN TO US SO THAT WE CAN START OUR LIVES OVER
Good Morning, my name is Danielle and I have 3 kids. WE are one of the families that was hit by Hurricane Katrina I’m just typing to say thank you for all the support and donation of clothing you all are offering to me and my kids I cant stop thanking you all I really I can not stop thanking you all we have been thorough so much.
JUST A NOTE TO SAY THANKS FOR ALL OF YA’LLS HELP.
I LIVE IN BATON ROUGE AND I MADE IT THROUGH OK.
THIS IS THE SADDEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN OR BEEN THROUGHT.
MY CHURCH HAS A SHELTER THAT I HAVE BEEN WORKING AT.
THANKS AGAIN AND GOD BLESS EVERYONE
To Susanne Powell and all the other survivors of Katrina,
I can’t imagine what you are going through. I have never experienced hurricanes or floods here in Massachusetts.
My heart goes out to you all.
I wish I lived closer to help out. Because believe me, I would be there for sure.
I truely wish you all the best of luck.
God Bless you all.
Hi, I was reading the posts and thought maybe you could give us a hand. My name is Heidi, and I live in Ocala, Florida. My brother and his wife and children however live just outside New Orleans, and needless to say were evacuated, and after many years, I am reunited with my brother, met his wife and their 2 precious girls. (Ages 2 and 3) I will probably get to meet my nephew soon too, as my sister in law is VERRRRY pregnant. ( We think she started haveing labor pains today) We have clothes for the children, however we do not have toys for them, and they do get bored rather quickly. I am also on disability, and can’t help a whole lot, but we are together and they are safe. Right now we are all piled into an efficiency appartment, but it would be great for the girls to have toys. If you could help us in anyway, it would be greatly appreciated. Heidi O’Neil I can be emailed at: chb2771@earthilnk.net
I have a sister that lost everyting, she is located in the hammond , la area now, but was in metarie la, I guess she needs an appartment to help get on her feet, and will go from there, she did work at the East Jefferson Hospital, but now has no job, or no car, if anyone can help please e mail me, Her name is Darlene, anything would be appreciated, thanks
I am gathering items from friends and family to add to our own large box of clothing, diapers, toys, toiletries and blankets and we’ll be sending it on Tuesday to the Baton Rouge River Center. While we also donated cash to the Red Cross, I am glad there are specific shelters we can send specific items to.
Thanks so much for posting the shelter information. I hope more and more people continue to give.
Originally published on September 4, 2005
[Items received] Hello all, I live in Denver, CO. but I’m from Biloxi, MS. My younger sisters and nephew still reside there and they have lost everything. Our family home is virtually matchsticks at this point. My sister and nephew (aged 1 yr) are arriving here in a few days. I am a single mom myself and I am hard pressed to provide goods for them on top of the other expenses. If anyone has these items and is willing to ship them, (I’ll help with the expenses if needed.)Please email me at nolavoodoo@gmail.com women’s clothing: sz 1x-3x women’s shoes: 9.5-10 queen size sheets towels boy’s clothing sz 12-24 mo. asstd. women’s hygiene stuff diapers sz 3 or 4 baby formula baby wipes and bath products Thanks to you all.
Hello all, I want to thank you for all the kind offers that have come in for my sister and her baby. I am so moved and I know she will be thrilled. I wanted to give everyone an update on the events and also to bring your attention to a link I just found on e-bay. This is a disabled woman that is trying to raise funds to bring her daughter and her three grandkids from Biloxi to her home. Her asking bid is so low and I noticed that noone had yet bid on this at the time I looked at it.Its a dutch auction, shes offering pics of her grandkids via email in exchange for bids. If you can spare 5.00 for her please visit this link: http://cgi.ebay.com/Help-a-mom-and-3-kids-relocate-from-Biloxi-Advertise_W0QQitemZ5615559126QQcategoryZ102333QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem As to my sister and nephew they arriving tomorrow afternoon from Biloxi. It took some doing to get them on a flight. She is very excited and says the one thing she can’t wait to do is to have all the water she can drink and a long hot bubble bath. They are going to need some minor medical attention and I’m getting them on medicaid as soon as they arrive. The baby and my sister both have been suffering from the heat and are covered in rash from that and not being able to bathe properly. Hes going to need some nutrition as she had to give him gatoraid for three days until the relief supplies came in. I can’t imagine his appetite is very good with the stress and heat either. As for me, I can’t wait to get my arms around both of them. I’m sure to drive her nuts with attention because the thought of her and that little baby fighting for their lives the way they did….moves me to sobs every time. Do me a favor….go hug your family and friends today and tell them how much you love them. Its all so precious and can be so fleeting. My deepest gratitude and love to all of you who have offered to help us. I feel like a have this huge new extended family. xoxox B ps…I got word yesterday, we’ve found my dad and hes okay.
Hi, My name is Toni, I live in Biloxi,MS..I have been married for 5 years and have 3 little boys ages 5, 23mnths and 9 mnths..I would just like to say that what you guys are doing is absolutly wonderful..your response has drove me to tears..right now I live in my mother in laws livingroom, we lived in low income housing which was condemned friday..they say we can move out of state, but my husband is enrolled in the local college here and has an OK job that is giving us a little bit of money.Things have not been easy for us..we applied for FEMA but because their online application process in so messed up we were denied benefits..we are trying hard to appeal right now, but getting through to FEMA is virtually impossible..we go out everyday to these places were Red Cross says they will have monetary assistance, and we wait in long lines and Red cross never shows up..We live day to day hoping all the help that has been promised will arrive and hoping not to fall through the cracks..in the last 3 weeks I have seen the best and the worst of humanity and what links people will go through to help someone they don’t know..I wouldn’t mind being “adopted”, but what I really want is for someone to listen, and even if you don’t understand, say its ok and we we’ll get by.. Thanks for listening and opening your hearts and homes..
Hello, My name is Joli W. and I am currently a college student in Monroe, LA and I am from New Orleans, LA where my family still lived. I live in a 3 bedroom apartment here in Monroe with my boyfriend, both my boyfriend’s and my younger brothers, and one other roommate. So as you can see we had a pretty full house already before the hurricane. Since the hurricane we have taken din some of my family members and some of my boyfriends family so there is now a total of 15 people staying with us ranging in age from 4 months to 47 years old. I would appreciate any help that anyone can offer. Anything would be greatly appreciated. My email address is jwill12183@hotmail.com. Thanks again and God Bless.
Hello everyone, My name is Maddie, I am the sister of Britt whom some of you have been in contact with to help my son and I.
I will like to thank everyone who has helped my family and I. I have 3 kids one with special needs and we have been blessed. We lost everything our home and everything that was in it. We were blessed with a home and all we are in need of is household goods due to my daughers situation I’m unable to work. I’m willing to accept any thing that is donated to us. Once again I just will like to thank you all that have supported and showed us LOVE I really do appreciate it from the bottom of my heart
My name is Paul I am from New Orleans. Just like the many stories that has been told, I have lost everything. My family has relocated to Illinois to start over some-how. I have 4 children (9yrs, 5yrs, 2yrs, 3months) that I am trying to care for. Eventhough I am working part-time to care for my kids and family, I feel that a little help is still needed untile I find a “full-time” job. Thing needed for my family is “coats”, “baby items”, and some monetary donations for food, ect. (if possible). I can be contacted at (504)931-4865 or agefp7th@yahoo.com I would like to thank you in advance for whatever you feel is needed for my family.
I don’t know where to start, never experienced anything like this. We lost
almost everything, and I’ve been trying to salvage anything. (put everything
in a porta-potty, leave it for 5 days, then take it all out)
We are bad off, not as bad as others but alot worst than many.
We havn’t seen the adjuster, but did see Fema, not much help, just numbers,
forms and questions.
We don’t know any of the process.
What I do know is, our resources are going fast, and either I’m too tired to
think or gone brain dead. I know my wife and I will be ok, maybe because
our parents were depression kids and we heard all the stories.
I worry for my kids, son at college, he is helping and studying. Daughter a
senior in HS, lost 2 after school jobs, her car (no ins, liability only) and
all her friends relocated and she is in a big school, lost and lonely, the
“refugee”.
I know I’m rambling or venting, but I think I need this.
We don’t know the charity process and have applied but have not seen, nor
heard from anyone.
I guess what I’m asking for is help for my kids (good kids).
My daughter is 17, plays golf, wants to play college golf and is national
honors society.
She needs 17 yr old girls stuff.
My son is 19, I need for him to stay in school, (there is 11 people living
in his apartment that lost their home) its too expensive, he works at school
and has tuition mostly paid. (give us some creative ideas for rent etc)
I just got to a computer and trying to find help is tough, its easy to find
how to donate.
Sorry for the ramble thanks for the time.
Dennis
We wanted to share this story with you about Meg, who donated a calling card to the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home through the Been There Clearinghouse, as it is so symbolic of the amazing connections that are being made everyday:
FROM AN EMAIL TO BEEN THERE:
Hi! I have a valid working calling card that I can donate to someone who is needing to make phone calls to find family or friends. It has 600+ minutes on it. If you know of someone who could use it, I can give you the 800 number and pin straight away via e-mail. I want it to go to evacuees if possible, but I’m willing to give it up to whatever best use it can find. Is this something you can find a use for?
Regards,
Meg
___________________________________________________
Hello Meg,
Thank you so very much for offering the calling card to us. We will
be able to use it for our children to make calls to loved ones.
Your graciousness is so appreciated.
–
Kindest Regards,
Jane Ellen Boothe
NOTE: Jane Ellen Boothe is with the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston, Louisiana and she told us, “This little parish has tripled in size in three days. We’ve taken in 36 children, ages 9-17 from New Orleans and many of them don’t know what’s happened to their families. The staff from a Methodist Home for Children came too - with their entire families - because they’ve all lost their homes.”
EMAILS FROM KRISTEN:
Dear Been There, I am Kristen, a fifteen year old girl from Gulfport, MS, a town on the coast, and a Hurricane Katrina victim. I’d like to thank you for your relief efforts. Please continue to do so. I was mainly writing to ask where my mother and I can go to receive clothes, food, and water. We have retreated to Mobile, but are low on supplies and money. We have also heard of $2,000 being handed out by Fema, if you know of the details please contact us. We have tried calling, but never get through. My mother and I lived in apartment that was write on the back bay and not far from the beach. Our home was flooded with six feet of water, but we are greatful to be alive. Our home has now been seized by mold and everything downstairs is destroyed. We know that we are luckier than some, but have lost much and need as much help as we can get. I have very little clothes. We are going back home again tomarrow to salvage and if you could contact us to let us know where any relief services around the area of Gulfport, Mississippi, please do so. I feel weird about giving out my email address over the internet, but under the circumstances I will make an exception. Please help us. selenegothik@yahoo.com
________________________________________________
Dear Been There, Thank you for your response. We have gotten some help as far as a tetanus shot (as treatment for cutting my leg), some MREs, and some hot meals, and some clothes, but all help is being overwhelmed by the need and many are giving up. We are still in need of clothes, money, and food. Luckily, we have more than others and have a place to stay with my grandma, but we cannot rely on her for long. She is retired and living on the money she saved up while working and us living here has already put her far back. I will be relocating to Texas to stay with family and get re enrolled in school. I am extremely worried about all my hard work going down the drain. I am in all advanced classes. I will continue to look at your website. thank you for your help.
_________________________________________________
Dear Been There, Any help would be greatly appreciated. My leg is doing better, I cut it open on a metal bed frame. The doctor said it could of used a few stitches, but it was too late by the time I saw the doctor. I am pouring peroxide on it and I have to keep it bandaged today while we help salvage stuff, so I don’t get any mold spores in it. I will try my best to keep in touch, but my aunt’s house doesn’t have a working computer and I do not know how long it will be until my mother and I have our own place again. We would be thankful for any clothes I could get, just let me know what to do. It is usually very hard for me to find clothes that fit properly, because I am very tall. I’m 5′9 and that is tall for a girl. Thanks again. Kristen
__________________________________________________
Dear Been There, My mom’s pride is hurt a bit at having to ask for help. We’ve never been people to take charity because we have always believed there were people who needed it more. I’m sorry I must sound like a jerk I’m just new at this. sorry. Anything you can donate for the living room, dining room, or kitchen, and I need clothes: mainly pants and some shirts. Groceries: any non-perishables would be super. As far as clothes I like, I enjoy being unique. I love rock band t- shirts, regular shirts,black, jeans, pen stripes, and over accessorizing! Again though anything will help. (Some of my stuff got a little water-logged, but I got most everything I need The main damage was just to my sketchbook and some notebook paper so nothing too important.) If you find anyone who needs it more though, please give it to them first. We are very lucky and have places to stay. Many people do not. um..I guess the best place to send stuff would be my aunt’s I’ll be going there tomarrow, all the way to San Antonio, Tx. Wish us luck that we can get through Louisiana or else we’ll have to take the long way around and might not get there.
I live in Hattiesburg, MS and had little damage. However, my sweet love, Jim, had an apartment right
on the beach in Long Beach, MS and lost everything. He went to his parents home for the storm, thinking he’d be right back, and only brought a few dirty clothes to wash. These have been such difficult weeks. My heart aches for him, and I feel like I lost everything too, because I care for him to much and he is going through such a difficult time. He is fortunate to still have his job with a concrete company (and will have job security for sure, as the MS Gulf Coast rebuilds), but has no place to live there. He is currently living with my parents and me and commuting to Gulfport every day. As if these times aren’t hard enough, he has this 180 mile commute every day. He is worn thin.
He has lots of needs, but is still in survival mode as he does not have a place of his own. His most crucial need is a place to stay somewhere south of Hattiesburg. Once he finds somewhere to live, he can begin rebuilding his life.
Photos of Jim’s apartment complex can be viewed on my blog (site listed above)…
I know these are such trying times for us all. Blessings to all who have been touched by Katrina’s fury.
Traci
Hattiesburg, MS
I thought website would be listed… my blog, for anyone interested is http://tracistruth.blogspot.com/
Hello.., my name is Sonia.., I live in Mississippi, I am still living in my home with my family, I have 3 children. I am still waiting to hear something from FEMA.., although I was told they were out of the emergency assistance, I would assume due to people out there who are taking advantage of them, which is a shame. While waiting tho, to hear something, I am sitting in a house.., with the carpet in one bathroom drenched in water, water standing in my back yard, a leak in my ceiling, and the list goes on…. I guess I just needed to vent..thanks for letting me comment….ddrlbd@aol.com
Hello, my name is Inez. I am 41 years old. I survived Hurricane Katrina (thanks only to God). I lived in the heart of the city of New Orleans. I am now in Monroe, La. with my two children, my mother,sister, and best friend. I have another daugther that got evacuated to Houston who by the way is 19 and 7 months pregnant with her 2nd child. We literally lost everything we own, including our dog. I am trying to be strong for my children, but it is really hard. I have recieved hellp from Red Cross and Fema but we had to buy a used car so that I can look for work. Believe me, I would give it all back if I can have my life back, but we all know that isn’t possible. I know there are very nice, kind-hearted people out there that would like to donate, but first and formost, all I really need is prayer. thanks
Hello and Praise the Lord. My name is Dwayne Broussard and my wife’s name is Cheryl we have
three (3) children Benjamin 17, Jessica 14, and Cassie 21/2 just like so many other families
in the great state of Louisiana my wife and I lost everthing, clothing, personal needs,
household goods everthing but we have not lost our faith or trust in God. Our house is located
in Metairie,La. and it was deemed unlivable. My situation may be a little different, I Pastor
a small church with a membership size of about (50) great and lovable people who love God and
have a heart for God. Here is my plight along with my wife and I losing our Home we also lost
our church which we co-habitated with another church, our church name is (MYSTERY OF GOD’S
FELLOWSHIP CHURCH)the other chuch name is (BEREAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH) LOCATED in
Kenner,La. my wife(first Lady) and I lost all our “church atire” suits, ties, shoes etc. Ilove
Pastoring, since Katrina I HAVE NO INCOME COMING IN! Our church members are all across the USA
It is my greatest desire to be a blessing to the people of God. I am an annoited preacher who
is asking for help from the body of Christ.I am asking for guest speaking engagements to
preach and if the Lord willing receive a love offering. I am willing to work, also when we
get into housing we will need your help and getting appliances and beds. Any and all acts of
kindness will be appreiacted. please contact AT {pastorbroussard_mogfc@hotmail.com} thank
The following is reprinted from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which has been running some pretty amazing first-hand accounts of Katrina in their Page Two column, “The Morning File.”
‘I was once like you’
From Howard Luna, who wrote this in church the first Sunday after Katrina.
I was once like you.
I had a home, a community, a church.
I was once like you.
I had family and friends close by.
I was once like you.
I said that I would donate money and volunteer time but never did.
I was once like you.
I had a job, financial security, cars, boats, etc.
But no more, I am not like you.
I am happy that friends and family are not close by because I know that they are safe.
I am not like you.
I cry tears of joy when friends and family leave knowing that they are one step closer to going home.
I am not like you.
I left home, not by choice but by the hand of GOD.
Who am I
I know that home is where my wife and kids are.
Who am I
I am a person who will give more, volunteer more and open my home to anyone in need without reservation.
Who am I
I am a person who has seen more angels in the past two weeks then a thousand people will see in a lifetime.
Who am I
I am a displaced person to some, a refugee to others.
Who am I
I’m a person that just wants to go home.
Also from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
The Kindness of Strangers
I picked my husband Brian up in Baton Rouge Tuesday, Sept. 6, and brought him to Jackson, Miss. Brian needed to get some supplies before returning to New Orleans. Since someone had given me $100 worth of gift certificates to Wal-Mart, I suggested going there. Brian approached the store manager.
He explained that he was a New Orleans police officer in Jackson on a break and was trying to set his family up in an apartment. He told the manager whose name was Chad that we had lost everything and asked if there was any way we could get a discount. Chad was very polite and said that he’d see what he could do. We walked around the store and began loading our shopping cart with things like underwear, socks and diapers. After a while Chad found us and asked us to come to the back of the store. We followed him to a room where around 25 or 30 employees had gathered. Chad said they were all so sorry about what had happened. Then he handed Brian a huge wad of money.
Right there on the spot they had taken up a collection for us. Brian and I were so overcome with emotion that we immediately began crying. I had never seen Brian cry before, but he let all his emotions out in the middle of Wal-Mart with all of those wonderful people surrounding us. Many of them broke into tears as well, and many of them embraced us. The generosity of these people was profoundly humbling. They were not rich or well-to-do, but rather normal, average hard working people — like Brian and me before the storm. They probably could not afford to give much, but they took the dollars that they had in their pockets and gave them to us.
One young lady approached us with money in her hands. She was weeping, and she said that she knew what it was like to have nothing. She explained that she had had a rough life and pushed the money into Brian’s hand. When Brian attempted to refuse the money, she told him that he had to take it. She said that she had to give it to us, that she had to give something.
When she walked away Brian looked at the folded bills and saw that it was $50. All in all, they gave us just over $400. In recent years I had become very jaded; I did not trust average people and was leery of everyone. The people at Wal-Mart showed me that deep down inside people are fundamentally good.
– Brooke Weiss
Hello,
I’m glad to say that several ladies contacted me regarding obtaining the clothing I had offered to send. One hears so many stories about donations sitting in warehouses instead of reaching their intended recipients.
My husband and I continue to pray for those affected by this storm (plural, considering Rita).
May God bless the rebuilding efforts.
Debbie
hi i am lora, me and my family wasnt hit by katrina but was hit by rita. the damage was horrible here our mobile home was smached by 2 trees that did horrible frame damage and so i had to leave because of water damage. Fema sent us to San Antoino for 2 weeks. me and my daughters was there for 3 days and it was horrible. out stuff was stolen. if i left to take my 4 year old to the bath room. something was gone when i got back. it was hard to make friends there. my 2 year old got chicken pox there. so that wasnt fun. then my 4 year old got it. at the same time. my 4 year old saw a young man bring his dog with him when he left his home and she went to touch the dog and it bit her causeing large damage to her hand. the infection was horrible they gave her 4 shots a day 2 in her belly and 2 in her legs. our weeks was getting crapper and crapper. then after a week there everyone in this shelter starting getting sick. voming and high fevers there was a virus going around. i got it and my daughters got it. and all they did for you there was give you aspirn. i was glad to get out there but i was also glad that i left my home in vidor texas. the damange was horrible i couldn’t live there cause of mold and water damage and i had a large hole in the roof.
i finely got to come home and found out 75% of our stuff was stolen. what luck. fema have given me 2000 dollars but that went fast because of tring to fix the roof.
so to the point. if u got stuff u dont need for 2 little girls from clothes to shoes to school stuff, toys. pots. what ever. it will go in good hands that need it. truely need it.
thanks
lora schick
12492 sandridge rd
vidor, texas 77662
I WENT THROUGH THE HURRICANE AND HAVE REALLY BEEN DISMAYED AT THE NUMBER OF RESPONSE
ON THE WEB SITE “MORE RISING FROM THE RUINS” AT THE ATITUTE OF PEOPLE WHO THINK ANYONE IS EXPECTING SOMEONE TO GIVE THEM SOMETHING. I WENT OVER NINE DAYS WITH NO POWER,AND NINE PEOPLE IN MY HOUSE. I HAVE WORKED SINCE I WAS 14 YEARS OLD AND PAID MY TAXES AND I AM 53 YEARS OLD. I HAVE ALWAYS WORKED 2 OR THREE JOBS TO CARE FOR MY FAMILY. I BECAME A FOSTER PARENT 5 YEARS AGO AND OPENED MY HOME TO CHILDREN AND AM RAISING A DAUGHTER 12 OF MY OWN. I HAVE GROWN CHILDREN 30 AND 28 WHO I RAISED AS A SINGLE MOTHER. I HAVE ALWAYS LIVED FROM PAY CHECK TO PAYCHECK BUT HAVE MADE DUE AND SHARED ANYTHING I HAD WITH WHOM EVER HAD A NEED. AFTER THE STORM I WENT THROUGH EVER PENNY I HAD TRYING TO GET ANYTHING THAT WAS AVAILABLE TO FEED THE 9 PEOPLE IN MY HOME. I WENT 5 DAYS UNABLE TO REFILL MY MEDICINE BECAUSE NO PHARMACYS WERE OPEN .THE ONLY PLACE YOU COULD BUY ANYTHING WAS AT CONVIENCE STORE AND THE PRICES WERE OUT OF SIGHT. I FELL AND BROKE MY GLASSES AND HAVE STILL NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THEM REPLACED AS MY NEEDS ARE VERY FAR DOWN THE LIST AS THE CHILDRENS NEEDS COME FIRST. AS SOON AS I WAS ABLE I WENT BACK TO WORK BUT IN THE TIME WE HAD NO POWER I LOST 2 FREEZER FULL OF FOOD. WE HAD NO WAY TO CALL ANYONE FOR OVER 6 DAYS AS BOTH HOUSE PHONE AND CELL PHONE SERVICE WAS OUT. I SAT IN LINE ONE DAY FOR 7 HOURS TO GET 20.00 WORTH OF GAS AS MY CAR WAS ON EMPLY. OUR MAYOR TOLD ALL THE PEOPLE THAT OFFERED TO HELP OUR TOWN THAT IT WASNT NEEDED SO WE DID EVEN GET ICE OR WATER FOR 4 DAY THEN ONLY CAME 3 TIMES. I WENT BACK TO WORK 15 DAYS AFTER THE STORM BUT YOU COULDNT EVEN GET BASICS AT THE STORES WITHOUT WAITING IN LINES FOR HOURS . AND WHEN YOU LIVE PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK IT REALLY IS HARD TO GET OUT OF THE HOLE
AND GET BACK ON YOUR FEET. IT HAS BEEN THREE MONTHS AND I STILL DONT HAVE MY GROCERYS BACK WHERE THEY WERE. BUT WHAT I WANT TO SAY TO EVERYONE IS BEFORE YOU JUDGE ANYONE TRY GOING WITHOUT THE BASIC OF FOOD, WATER FOR WEEKS. TRY TURNING OFF YOUR PHONE, LIGHTS AND TAKING COLD SHOWERS FOR DAYS, EAT CAN GOODS OUT OF THE CAN BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO WAY TO HEAT THEM, WASH YOUR CLOTHES OUT BY HAND AND HANG WHERE EVER YOU CAN TO DRY. THEN GO TO THE STORE TO GET MILK OR BREAD AND HAVE TO WAIT HOURS IN LINE. THIS IS ONLY A SAMPLE OF WHAT WE HAVE GONE THROUGH. SO ALL I ASK IS BEFORE YOU JUDGE ANYONE WHO YOU THINK IS JUST LOOKING FOR A HAND OUT FROM THE GOVERNMENT REMEMBER BUT BY THE GRACE OF GOD YOU COULD BE IN THEIR SHOES AND ALOT OF THESE PEOPLE ARE HARD WORKING PEOPLE LIKE ME WHO HAVE WORKED ALL THEIR LIVES TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILES. AND IT IS REALLY HARD TO KEEP UPBEAT WHEN ALL YOU SEE IS DISTRUCTION AROURND YOU . IN OUR TOWN THEY MAJORITY OF THE HOUSES ALL HAVE BLUE ROOFS, THEIR IS ONLY ONE CREW STILL PICKING UP TREES AND YET EVERY ROAD HAS TREES STILL DOWN. AND YOU CAN NO LONGER RUN TO THE STORE TO PICK UP ANYTHING IN A HURRY AS THERE ARE STILL LINES. SO WHILE THE COVERAGE WAS GREAT TO BEGIN WITH MANY PEOPLE THING BECAUSE IT IS NO LONGER IN THE NEWS EVERYTHING IS OK, WELL I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL BE YEARS .SO WHEN YOU SIT DOWN AT YOUR TABLE TONIGHT THANK GOD FOR YOUR FAMILY, YOUR JOB AND THAT YOU WERE SPARED GOING THROUGH KATRINA. THEN TAKE THE TIME TO ALSO REMEMBER EACH PERSON WHO IS STILL STRUGGLING TO TRY AND JUST GET SOME ASSIMBLANCE OF NORMALCY IN THEIR LIVES AND IN THE LIVES OF THEIR CHILDREN. BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE ARE LIKE ME AND ALL WE WANT TO DO IS CARE FOR OUR CHILDRENS NEEDS. BECAUSE NONE OF US ASKED FOR THIS TO HAPPEN AND WE ARE TRYING TO DO THE BEST WE CAN. AND I THANK GOD EVER DAY THAT I MADE IT THROUGH AND THAT ALL MY FAMILY IS OK, AND HOPE THAT TOMORROW WILL BE BETTER.SO PLEASE DONT PUT ANY OF THESE PEOPLE DOWN BY SAYING THEY ARE EXPECTING THE GOVERNMENT TAKE CARE OF THEM, THEY ARE JUST TOTALLY OVERWHELMED AND MY DAD ALWAYS SAID IF YOU CANT LIFT A PERSON UP, WHO ARE YOU TO PUT THEM DOWN. AND NO ONE WHO HAS GONE THROUGH KATRINA OR RITA NEED ANYONE SAYING ANYTHING NEGATIVE TO THEM, JUST UPLIFT THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS BECAUSE DEPRESSION IS A CONSTANT IN ALL OUR LIVES. IT IS REALLY HARD TO NOT BE DEPRESSED WHEN YOU HAVE WORKED ALL YOUR LIFE AND SUDDENLY YOU FEEL AS IF YOU ARE STARTING OVER. I JUST PRAY EVERYDAY GOD GIVES ME THE STRENGTH TO FACE ANOTHER DAY.
SO IF YOU CAN HELP ANYONE HELP IF NOT PLEASE DONT MAKE THEM FEEL ANY WORSE. KATRINA AND RITA HAVE ALREADY DEALT THEM ONE BLOW PLEASE DONT DEAL THEM ONE.
THIS IS BARBARA I FORGOT TO INCLUDE MY ADDRESS IN CASE ANYONE WANTS TO JUST WRITE AND SAY HELLO.
KATRINA SURVIVOR
15 TRAILWOOD CIRCLE
PETAL, MS 39465
this is barbara one more time.as you can tell my thoughts arent really together. but if anyone needs to talk or just to vent please feel free to email me at bgvis115@yahoo.com
because i for one could really use it. just when you feel that you might be getting a handle on it something else knocks you down and emotionally you wonder if you have the energy to get up again. so please email if you have the time and write if you need a friend as i feel the only way we will all make it through this with our sanity is knowing we are not alone. thank goodness for prayer but sometime you also need to
hear a human voice. so for all the katrina and rita survivors may God bless you and give you the strength to get through each day. that is something i really am having to ask for today as it has been a bad day. and with Christmas coming i for one have not done anything but put up a tree for the kids and wish i could just crawl back in bed and pull the covers over my head and wake up on a new day. this will be a Christmas like no other and i am originally from Florida and have been through a catagore 5 hurricane and i dont remember it being near this bad. you just keep hoping to have a normal day again where you dont have to face the total dispair that the landscape tends to bring you. i guess this is just my day to have a pitty party, thankfully they arent as common as before. so on that note i will close. take care and remember all the survivors in your prayer and thoughts because life has a tendancy to really throw you a curve when you least expect it and it could happen to you MAY GOD BLESS US ALL……
Dear readers, I have just looked over this site and I am moved by the number of people who care about others and wish to help. There are so many needs down here in Mississippi…I am almost reluctant to add our needs to the list. But I am compelled to list them on behalf of the children who will need a safe place to go in the New Year. We operate a small (12 bed) emergency shelter for abused and nelgected children in Waveland Mississippi. Waveland was almost totally destroyed. Our main shelter buildings were left standing…but we lost several small buildings including our onsite office. We lost everything inside every building…about $80,000 in furniture, supplies, appliances, clothing, computers, etc. Hope Haven is the only shelter for abused and neglected children in the area and it is vital we reopen as the incidence of physical and sexual abuse rises dramatically after events such as Katrina due to the added stress and unusual living conditions families face. Our web page is hopehavenshelter.org We are accepting donations of many items and I invite anyone reading this to call us if you are moved to help. We are members of the local United Way, Chamber, Ms. Center for Non Profits, Ms. Assoc. of Child Care Agencies and Guidstar…so you can be assured we are “on the level”. God bless all of you and your site coordinatiors for everything you are doing to help. Terry Latham Director d228 255 5241, cell 228 263 7945 Hope Haven PO Box 3777 Bay St. Louis, Ms. 39521
i want to thank everyone that has helped me and my daughter, she lived in biloxi miss with a friend of her’s they shared a apt together it belonged to her friend but suzanne shared the rent, her friend asked her to come down and live with her so she wanted a change and took her up on it. they stayed in the Quietwater Beach Apt. I thank god everyday that suzanne decided to come home to visit that week when hurricane Katrina hit bioxi because if she didnt i might not have her and my new grandaughter with me any more, the apt she lived in is nothing but a pieace of slab know, she has heard from her friend but she saids she is not returning to biloxi and for my daughter to stay where she is, they both lost all of there stuff, suzanne had her room made into the nursery with her bed in it. but know she lives with me and is starting over.we went threw ivan but it was nothing compare to hurrican katrina and i pry we wont go threw anything like that when the 2006 seasson starts up, i pry everynite for the people who lost so much, iam just happy suzanne came home when she did, my daughter gave birth to a beautful baby girl oct,4th she was 2mo early due to stress, she has a hole in her heart which know she has to have a shot that cost us 1,000. to keep her alive, for the next 12 mo, after that surgary, will have to take place, she is my angle, they both are, thats why i ask for anyone to donate stuff to us cause with that and not working or my husband not finding work its hard on us right know,,
this is a very good site and iam glade someone made it. thanks for reading this and god bless to each and everyone. god is our savior.
Prior to Hurricane Katrina my mom and I were living in an apartment in Waveland Mississippi. I am seventeen and currently an honor roll senior student at Hancock High School. The day before the storm my mom and I went to the Ramada in Diamondhead for shelter. We lost power that night cutting us off from all information on the storm and what was going on. During the eye of the storm we went outside to see what it looked like and everything was water. All we could see were the white caps coming over the interstate. We knew it would be bad. That is when we herd alarms going off and we thought that a fire had sparked, but that was the least of our worries. With me being six months pregnant they rushed me to the front of the building where it was supported by concrete beams (not metal like the rest of the building). I was not there two minutes when all of the doors and windows blew in throwing glass and furniture straight toward us. We were in the middle of a tornado. It had to been the worst thing I have ever experienced. All I could do was run toward the middle of the building where the ceiling was falling down in pieces. It looked like the building was possessed. The roof was breathing going up and down, up and down. The entire outside walls and second floor rooms had caved in, and all of the tiles and glass fell in that were connecting the ceiling. We were, by the grace of God, safe and ran into a room and covered ourselves with a mattress. After all of that we were stuck in a shelter with about one hundred people. After about three days with no real food water or air conditioner things started to get very chaotic. We still had no way to get information on what was really going on. Red Cross finally got to us on the third day and they only came with enough MREs to feed the children and half of the women. My mother and I was not that fortunate. We were not able to receive food. So, as soon as the roads were clear of most the water we went to find food. Traveling back to Waveland it looked as if an atomic bomb had gone off. We could not tell what anything was. Our house had almost sixteen feet of water and all the back walls were blown out. My mom’s new shop that we just built and moved into was completely destroyed. It held nine foot one inch of water. It was the worst thing I had ever seen in my life. We still had to find food. On our way back to the shelter we saw about twenty people and two cops infront of the Save-A-Center. When we went by there the walls had blown out and they were allowing us to take the food. We were so greatful. Everything had marsh mud and water in or on it. We grabbed as much as we could. When we got back to the shelter we cooked and shared as much as we could. After about a week we were able to make it to my grandfather’s house that was in Picayune. This is where we had to live, in a doublewide trailer, with five families until about three months after the storm. We lived with no electricity and no form of communication for three weeks. It was very hard to find the fuel to run the generators and when we did the cost was so high. It was a major need at the time because my grandfather was on oxygen and still is. This is the way we lived until FEMA was able to give us a trailer. We are now on his land and it is just my mom and me. When it was time for school to start I had nothing to start with. Everything that we owned was given to us from different organizations. Going to school post-Katrina was somewhat like a dream. We had no real books or even a sufficient number of returning students. Being that this is my senior year it is very disappointing to have everything taken away. This school year we did not get to have a Homecoming dance or any pep rallies for football. Things just are not the same. Hopefully, after all the shock and recovery is complete we will all come out stronger and more appreciative of the things given to us now. Thank you, Branissa Baum (If anybody wants to contact me email me aor call 228-216-6501)
I would like to extend a very warm heart felt thank you to the owners, management, staff and their families who took the time and sent us some much needed and wanted things. I can’t express how truely thankfull we are for the many thoughful items and we were all very touched as how much time, effort and expense was put into each and every item. It was very clear that so many of you put yourself in our shoes and tried to think of just what you would need if it was you and your family and that truely meant the world to us. The walkman’s were exspecially loved by the boys, I think they acutally saved our sanity and theirs (I’m sure anyone with teenagers will appreciate that). The various tolietries will certainly hold us over for some time and will help so much with the have to have items that nickel and dime us to death. The clothing didnt go unused everyone was able to find something that fit and that they liked. All of the baby items have certaintly been put to use and with Laiken only 5 months old, so many things are being used and there are still so many things that we can use in the future. The bouncer has been a life saver (we recently heard several recalls had been made on them, but were relieved to find out that this one wasn’t)she is a real trip in it and really enjoys it. The baby bath, the high chair, clothing, bottles, feeders, teething rings, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, I could go on and on and not cover all of the many things sent to all of us. Opening those boxes was alot like Christmas for us and we were all truely overwhelmed with emotion. The kids all understood were everything came from and noticed somethings that they liked but knew of someone they had met who was in a similar position and knew that would enjoy it and asked if it would be ok to forward the gifts on to them, of course we assumed no one would mind. I have to admit the Target gift cards were my savior, it was nice to just go shopping for a few Christmas items for the kids which we probably should have put towards other things but felt that it was probably everyones intention for them to be used in that way. I would like to apolagize for not getting this out sooner, but during the holidays had a edlerly family member who suffered a stroke and isnt doing real well and we are desparetly tring to prevent forclosure on our home. We are truely overwhelmed with the last few months and feel a little better everyday, but go to bed everynight wondering what could happen next. Our hopes are high and with people out there like the family at RFI we know that each and everyone of you should know how much you are truely appreciated and will always be in our be in our hearts,thoughts and prayers and hope to keep in touch in the future. Again thank you all so much for everything you did, you all did something you didnt have to do and that is what makes it truely special to us.
God Bless you all.
Sincerely,
The Carty family and the Gang!
PS. We would love to forward some shots of the family if you have an email address that you wouldnt mind us forwarded some to we would be honored to forward them if you would like. If so forward the email to JLynnCarty@aol.com
well we made it through Christmas and the new year. here is hoping 2006 will be a better year. there are so many people who are just trying desperately to get some type of normal back to their lives. so here is my list of new years resolutions.
1. remember before i get down,
that there are always others who would love to have at least what i have as they have less.
2. take the time to extend the hand of help and friendship to everyone i meet as others who do not even know me have done for me.
3. take the lesson of katrina and turn it into something rewarding.
4. remember to check on your neighbors, katrina pulled us out of our busy lives and put us out talking to neighbors, dont let life’s rush take that away from us.
5. appreciate family and friend and realize that life’s possesions can be gone in an instant, but if you have your family there is nothing more precious.
6. try to keep the hand of giving in my life and help others. as we have been helped by so many people since the hurricane.
7. remember to take the time to thank God for your blessing both big and small
8. take the time to prayer for all the friends and others that face lifes valley that they may find the strength and suppport that we katrina survivals are finding we all the prayers that are daily being prayed for us.
9. be happy with lives little blessings and never take them for granted again.
while there are so many more, the main thing in this new year is to never again allow the fact that life keeps me busy be an excuse to not take the time to talk with God and say thank you for what i have and to ask his blessing on everyone who is currantly going through lifes trial.
so to all the katrina and rita survivors may this new year be a blessing to you. remember that God loves you and he will get us all through this. and we have a whole nation praying for us and WE WILL SURVIVE.
may God bless and keep you all
barbara
bgvis115@yahoo.com
I’m a New Orleans resident who has been displaced by “Hurricane Katrina”. I lost everything in the hurricane, but thank God I didn’t lose my life. Some stories you
all have heard are true, but not all of them. There are many good people that come
from New Orleans as well as Doctors,Lawyers and Judges who also lost everything they
owned. Me and the 2 kids I have with me are still in need. I never thought that I
would ever experience such a tragedy. I was wittness to Hurricane Katrina and the
destruction that happened in New Orleans.
I didn’t evacute for the Hurricane, I didn’t think that it would really come.
We were trapped by the rising waters. For days we were without food and water because
the ice box floated out the door.No one to call for help. There were helicopters that few over us every 5 minutes, but no
one would help. As night fell upon New Orleans emotions took over. You could hear the
cries of people at least a block away. You could smell the smoke of fires people were
setting, wishing someone would come and help. I tried to keep the kids calm, as they
cried because they were hungry I could only comfort them.
At this point in life everything helps. No matter how big or small, new
or used we can use it. Don’t throw it away just give it away. We are a family in need
Any thing would really be appreciated.
Always
Roxanne
rhsdorsey@aol.com
I would like for anyone from Hurraine Katrina to know our hearts goes out to all and we felt so very badly for all u are going through as we here in Pgh went through it ourselves Sept 17 2oo4 Sharpsburg Enta Milvale we too lost evrything and some of us are still trying to get back on our feet one couple lost his van while cleaning up his own home then try top go back to work being told sorry ur fired or a deaf person with a grandson screamimg for help waited waited finally help came by boat or a family that fled their house during the flood no home no nothing then finding a place but sleep on floors for months till they could afford get stuff little by little there are many stories here also but we are forgotten its a shame nobody is hearing us while we suffer through this so many helped hurraine katrina donations rock concerts adveertisement etc etc but still we are forgotten but just to say god bless u all and have faith u all will make it sooner or later many thanks
Donna Funaro
All Of Us Care employee
well i live in petal mississippi and as if hurricane katrina wasnt enough things got worse. my son was hit head on in his person vehichle and broke his femur in seven places and the ankle on his right leg. he is a long distance truck driver but was in his personal vehichle and has no insurance. the doctor said it will be 4-6 months at least before he can go back to work and at least 3 months before they can get him inot therapy.so him and his two children ages 3 and 12 are with me. this happen 3 wekks agao . then this last saturday my granddaughter adge 2 was rushed to the hospital with an apendicitus which ruptured before they can get her into surgery. the doctors told us yesterday that she may be in hospital for 2-3 weeks due to the bacterie that got in her and they have to give antibiotics by drip. so her mom stays with her all day and i take my other grandson to daycare , clean house then when i get off at 2:30 i got to the hospital to releave my daughter and i stay all night. then at 5 in the morning after settling baby down from them drawing blood i go home wash a few clothes, seweep and do things my son is unable to do then take my grandson to daycare and be at work at 7:00. i need you to put my son terry and my granddaughter brianna on your prayer list please. then if anyone could help with some grocerys or a gift card to get hospital things and things that my son needs i would appreciate it. you can email me at bgvis115@yahoo.com. also put me in your prayer as i am 54 and feel like i have to be the anchor for everyone and so i need your prayer that god gives me the strength to hold up till i get the baby out of the hospital and get my son back to work. i also have a 12 yr old daughter of my own. any type of help would be appreciate, my mailing address is
barbara visser
15 trailwood circle
petal, ms 39465
never near a phone long enought to get call.
thanks barbara
Hi everyone, I live in Dublin Ireland and have just come across this site as i was researching chickenpox which my 3yr old daughter has got, I started to read and this has just stopped me in my tracks, it makes me soo sad to realise that all of these people are still suffering because of hurricane katrina and its pretty much forgotten about over here, I know its along way but if there is anything i can do I will certainly try, I dont have much but I will certainly try get some toys, diapers and things like that to anyone who needs them, I will also try get some friends involved to help out also, Please know my prayers come over the ocean to you all and I will include you all in my prayers everynight.
God Bless
to whom it may concern my name is katrina jones iam a single mom of nine lovely kids who have been taken from me by my mom and dhr this hurricane hit me very hard my babies range from 15 thru 1 our situation is like this we had the section eight house i had a job at fed-ex my babies house and a car and in one instant we lost it all this hurricane took everything i own i have not been able to get no help from the govt. they sit and tell me what i need to do but we need help me and my kids lost every thing due to this storm don’t get me wrong we got some fema assistance but when all the hotels,houses are taken and their is nothing else to do you got to do what you got to do we were from hotel to hotel house to house and next thing i know dhr is taken my kids telling me what i need to do they tell me to get a house and i do they say it is not big enough i got what i could afford they say i need furniture i try it is hard it is like iam starting over and i can’t do it iam in this house about to get put out cause my rent is due iam sleeping on the floor i have been to organization asking for vouchers to buy furniture,cloths ’shoes appliance,food,beds,linen i have tried to get help with my utilties you name it we need it if i could get somone to understand god only knows how bad this hurts my kids asking me mommy can we come home you must don’t love us know more that makes me hurt from the bottom of my soul i work donot get me wrong but me being single i can not cauth up we lost to much and with know help you donot know where to turn now they say i need to get my gas on that is another $600 hundred dollars i got to find but i know god is putting me threw this test to see if i fail but i will not give up but it is devasting without my babies i have nothing to live for i think of killing myself often but i sit and see my kids face in my dream and that keeps me going my mom has them she want let me see them god knows i need them i miss them my life is empty now christmas is coming up i donot know to provide for them i donot have the money i do what i can for them when i can but i can not get ahead we need financial help to get on track a bigger house and to be on section eight that is the only way i can get my babies but when you can’t get help it is hard but i keep trying my kids got took cause i lost everything to hurricane katrina and now when we need help the most the goverment turn on us if their is any organization out their that can help us here in mobile we sure thank you from the bottom of our heart if you have any questions please email me at katrinaprichard@aol.com or call 251/432-0005 or 251/214-7996 thank you ms. katrina jones and my kids
Hi I’m Angela From St. Bernard Louisiana. There is four of us we lost our home due to Katrina. But we was renting so we cant go back home. i’m so lost no friends, just no one to really understand i guess. You see, I lost my mom and brother due to katrina, they drowned. Mothers day passed, can you beleive i tried to call her. But she wouldnt answer. I know that might sound crazy, but see she had a cell phone and I was hoping to hear her voice one more time. But her phone was cut off. I miss my mom sooooooooo bad and my little brother. I do have my son with me, and my husband and daughter left us two months ago for there jobs. Im waiting here in florida till my son finishes school then we are going by them. But, they are around people that treats me and my son with no respect. But my husband doesnt seem to understand that I dont want to live there. If I cant be in st bernard parish, I rather stay in florida. But, I dont have a job, and Im too mental at times with all that happened. I am so confused. I wish I had a friend to talk to. That use to be my mom. I cant talk to the rest os my family about ,my real mom because they wouldnt understand. Because I’m not suppose to love her in there eyes or something. Its like i have to be 2 different people. One to my step family and dad, and one to my husband and others. And since I have been in florida i can be 1 (ME). But now this weekend, I’ll be at a loss, cause i have to go there, with no choices to have no say. I must be a nonexistant. I’m at a loss, my words will die, just like me. I just needed a friend.
Hello, my name is Sheena and my family and I were relocated to a city called Kingwood Tx outside of Houston Tx. We have been here for 2 mths now and are still in need. I am in need of clothes for my children which are all boys 11mths, 3yrs and 5yrs old. I also am in need of diapers for the baby. If there is someone that has a heart for single parents please read this and try to do your best to help us or assist us in any kind of way possible. I lost the little transportation that I had in the storm and in desperate need of a car if anyone has one they are not using and willing to donate or work with me with mthly payments on it while I am locating a job that would be greatly appreciated. Household goods or gift cards are needed as well. I am also in need of finances for childcare also while I attend work, I have located all of the agencies aval. for assistance and they all are out of funds. I am a single parent and trying to better my circumstances so if anyone wants to help please email me back with any type of assistance if possible. thank you — yellasummer@yahoo.com
Hi,
My name is Stephanie and I live in slidell, La. I am from the New Orleans east originally and moved, with my family, to Slidell when i was 13. Louisiana is such a huge part of who I am that i have always know it but when this hurricane hit it made me appreciate it. Aug.29th was probablly, the worst and best day of my life. My family and friends were gone out of town and I had no way to let them know that the house didnt make it but I did. The wedding I had planned for two years, which was to take place in New Orleans 2 weeks after the hurricane was no more and the job I LIVED at for 6 years was washed away. My Aug. 28th life was over and the first day of the rest of my life began. I am amazed how when faced with such tragedy, everyone pulls together and helps each other the best way they know how. Its kind of funny how most people measure themselves on how hard they work, where they live, and what they have. Well, when its all stripped from you and you can honestly look and the pile of shit that was once “your life” and you get a smile on your face b/c you know you and your lovedones have made it that, that is a day that is bitter sweet. I just wanted to say to my fellow Louisianaians, dont ever give up or let anyone you know give in. Were going to make it through this and hopefully grow from this horrible, horrible experiance. God Bless.
Stephanie from Slidell
My name is lainy and I work at a gymnastics school in the north hills. I would like to help. can someone please call me so I can tell you what I have in mind. this 412-871-5701, thanks, lainy.
My family evacuated Pass Christian, Ms. I have been in Georgia since Aug 28, 2005 at or around 11:30 pm. I can not believe it has been over 1 year since I got to live in my home. I dont know about yall, but we are paying rent (ga) and a house mortgage (pass christian, ms). And the stress has been getting to us lately. My husband works full time plus another job. I work full time. And we still cannot make it. I dont want to give up. We are so close, but so far away from getting our lifes back together. I have 4 kids, and they dont understand why we can not make it. My youngest is a special ed child, and I can not get Pass Christian Elementary School, Ms to release her files (this has been going on since we had to enroll the kids up here). I drove down this summer to see my home (what was left). We managed to have 4 small containers of items (we got our pictures of kids) But to go down and drive by my home and my town and see that nothing has changed since Katrina, that is hard to bare. My town survivor, Camille, but Katrina I dont know. Please pray for us.