Finding housing for Katrina homeless

[newcook]

I was just wondering how so many people will find housing until they rebuild. When we had the ice storm over here there were entire communities with no power for 6 weeks during winter months (when heating is necessary even for flowing water). The government made a request to everyone who had a guest room to take in a family until they could get settled in their homes again.

Many many people took in families of strangers and in most cases it was reported that it was a very rewarding experience. I can say for myself that it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life, having a 5 member family move into my small 1 bedroom apartment for 3 weeks. They had already been living without power ,or running water for 3 weeks, bundled up in their winter coats and blankets, huddled together for warmth. Needless to say, they were extremely grateful for a hot shower, clean clothes, and kitchen to cook in. I have nothing but fond memories of those days.

I was wondering if anything like that has been suggested.

[jmarie]

That is an awesome thought. I was thinking about my church. We have an enormous building. I think it would be nice to get a small school of children up here, so that they could continue with their lives and schooling and their parents could devote their energy solely to getting back on their feet. This way, the children could be children.

I think I will approach him about this. Thanks for this post.

[mrswaz]

I was thinking the same thing today. Even though I live so far from the disaster, I was watching the TV and wishing there was a way I could get one of those families up here to stay with us for a few weeks.

If anyone hears of anything like this being organized- please share the information, I'm sure there aremany people around the country who would be willing to help.

[scout1222]

Someone from another online forum posted a link to New Orleans Craigslist. I believe there are people offering up rooms for those who have nowhere to go.

I'd say that probably beats getting bussed out to the Astrodome.

[scout1222]

Here's the link:


http://neworleans.craigslist.org/

In the shared and temporary sections there are people offering up places. In the housing wanted section (duh) people are posting that they need help.

[Robyn1007]

Wow, Scout thanks for posting that link. Its amazing to see people offering up so much for these victims.

On another note, many of you know I used to work for a furniture rental company. I talked to a former colleague this morning to check on how our people from NO are doing and we haven't heard anything. Can you believe that she had a temporary housing company call her and be upset that we can't deliver furniture to New Orleans, Biloxi or Gulf Port yet?1?!?!? As far as they know the building is a complete loss and they don't know where the employees are. What I want to know is where they think we are going to deliver the furniture to!

Robyn