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On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast of the United States. Over one million people evacuated from the New Orleans area. It is said Baton Rouge doubled in size. And then came the flooding of New Orleans due to the breeches in the levy system.
The Louisiana State University Sociology Department surveyed Baton Rouge and found 50% of Baton Rouge homes became shelters. Those are in addition to the faith community opening their worship spaces for shelters. Unlike other disasters, the shelters (both homes and houses of worship) served as shelters for months. The outpouring of the Baton Rouge faith community and those across the world was enormous. Thank you.
Yet, living in post-Katrina Louisiana is still full of woe and stress. Some ask if our area is back to normal. A simple reply is, “Come and see.” Those who come from throughout our country to volunteer in the Gulf Coast area still describe the area “as a war zone” or a “third world country”. It is difficult to describe the massive amount of damage.
A pall still rests over many families as they sort out difficult decisions for the future. Some are burdened by payments on destroyed houses and flooded cars. The search for reasonable housing is ongoing. Many families desiring to return ask: is it safe to return? Will the levies hold? Are there sufficient hospitals, doctors, and social services?
Ways to help:
Want to help? Here are a variety of ways to help with the long-term
recovery..
- Pray: First, thanks for your prayers. God continues to sustain us during difficult days.
- Living Kits: Lutheran Church of Our Saviour made 1500 cleaning kits for FEMA trailers and those moving back to their homes. These kits consisted of items such as: a bucket, broom, dust pan, sponge, all-purpose cleaner, dish detergent, and laundry detergent. Assisting people as they move from temporary housing (FEMA trailers, hotels, apartments, etc) to intermediate homes is an ongoing commitment. Financial gifts can be given directly to the congregation: 3555 Jones Creek Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70816
- Support your Local Evacuees: Some may desire to stay in your community, but others might yearn to rebuild the Gulf Coast area, but may need assistance to go home.
- Advocate: Some of the victims of the hurricane were the poorest of the poor. Continue to be the voice for the voiceless.
- Volunteer: There are ways to volunteer. Check out the following Web sites for ways to serve: http://www.elca.org/disaster http://www.futurewithhope.org
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