How about we Organize a Physical Effort to help?

[Spangle]

Speaking as a past Hurricane Surviver. I know alot of people here want to help. Donations are great. But I know alot of you guys want to really help, but don't know how.

One of the things that I seen that helped alot were Blue Top Groups. People who gathered together from their town or churched and traveled into the area to help. They would pick an area and go door to door. Helping with what they could.

They would bring blue tarps to put on roofs. There are a lot of elderly, disabled, etc. people who can not tarp their roofs. While we might think the neighbors would do it, that isn't always so. Everyone is stretched to the limited. There is just so much work to do. And they must go back to work right away if possible.

There are trees down all over the place. Everyone has to clean up their yard. That includes fallen trees, shingles from who knows where.. Lord, it's alot of stuff. Back breaking for a young person. Impossible for someone who is unable to do it. And if they don't own a chain saw or don't know how to use one, then cutting down the broken trees isn't going to happen. Luckily for us, a co-worker owned one. WE got it for one day after work. Cutting ours and as many neighbors as possible. And doing so in the night, which really isn't a smart thing to do. But someone was going to be using it the next day, and another the next.

FEMA and the Government isn't going to do this type of help. It's up to the homeowner or renter to do it. It's a step closer to getting their life back.

We form political events all the time and travel all across the Nation. This is something we can do. It doesn't have to be on one certain day or forget it. It can be done again and again. In large and small groups. Either organized in our own areas or coming from all over and meeting there.

Trust me, they will ask who we are, etc. And they will remember who helped them.

For those who can't go, money will be needed for tarps and other supplies. Those need to be bought outside the damage area.

This is so wide spread and so many groups will be trying to help. But I doubt there is a data base of towns, were groups can list the areas they are going into. And would show areas/towns that are being missed. That kind of information will allow others to know were they are needed. Not just our group, but the church groups and others. I've seen the IT skills of this group. I know there are a few that could handle such a job.

Surely everyone understands that the real effort has always came from the people. FEMA and the Government doesn't do it. Setting back and thinking they will take care of it... well, it's just not going to happen. And as you might guess, these people can not afford it.

Do you guys think this is an effort that we can get behind and work for?

[iconoclastic cat]

1. I'm up.

Seriously.

[AnnInLa]

2. thanks....fantastic idea

I'm in LA, 2.5 hours away from N.O. and can help with whatever.

[Kagemusha]

3. The national guard troops will stop you.

They're stopping the Red Cross. What are you going to do, try to bust through NG lines and in the worst case, get shot at?

I am not kidding here...

[Spangle]

7. I"m not talking about NOLA

NOLA is being evacuated. I bet most of the homes will be leveled.

I'm talking about the surounding areas and in the other states. I'm also talking about the small towns.

There are alot of towns out there and alot of people. They will be spending the next year digging out. Until they do, they can not get on with their lives. It's setting there and they are worried about how it's going to get done.

We can orginize some groups to go here. But we can also orginzie some of our local friends and encourage them to go.

I'm hearing that people are all ready doing this in some areas. A friend we were trying to locate who is 80 years old. Her phone was just restored and some nice people came by and tarped her roof for her. She wouldn't have had the money to pay anyone and she couldn't do it her self.

The longer a roof is exposed, the more damage is being done. Mold will grow. People who don't have breathing problems can start having major trouble in their own homes.

Those tarps don't last forever. I know, I had to change ours several times over the year while waiting on shingles.

[tulsakatz]

4. would they even let people in?

I mean, they're in the process of moving all of those people out.

Actually if you want my opinion.........and I realize no one asked for it but I think if we do anything, maybe we could help moving these people out first! I know every single person that's stuck there just wants to be out of there. The cleaning and rebuilding can wait.......what's important is to get these people to a safe, clean place.

[nofurylike]

5. vets and activists from Camp Casey are in LA and need help. yes, do!!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4595057

please folks, if you feel up to helping, they have already set up to help and can help set up more.

thank you!


peace!

[Spangle]

8. Great Idea

They are doing an effort that is like what the Red Cross does. Camp Casey is in an area where the Red Cross isn't at yet. Maybe they never would make it.

Those that are going there Might want to take some tarps and help out. I've got to add for those who want to do this, bring roofing nails. You can't use regular nails. The tarps will rip. Roofing nails come with a plastic disk on them that will hold down the tarp. So boxes of those will be needed as well.

The red cross and other groups pass out some tarps, but they don't come with the nails. ;) If there isn't a store open, then people will have a hard time keeping them tarps on. I've seen boards across tarps and all sorts of things. Taking alot of time to cover the roof. Those simple nails, GAWD! they are a live saver!

[AmBlue]

6. We did a hurricane relief project

yesterday at my son's pre-K. In less than 8 hrs we got at least a ton of supplies. Water, canned goods, clothing, blankets, toiletries, dog food, bug spray, diapers, formula, backpacks, strollers, bleach, buckets, paper towels, etc. One of the neighbors of a school family lost her childhood home in Mississippi. The load of relief supplies left for Mississippi this afternoon. Man, it felt good to be a part of that. People just sprung into action.

A real leader in this land would rally the great people of this country to respond in meaningful ways. Instead, we are left wringing our hands and wondering what we can do. Just be creative and DO IT!!

[Spangle]

9. That's what we need to do

Spring into action. Physicaly. With food, clothes, water, etc. Red Cross don't accept Items like that. Because they found out it's easier to transport boxed goods. And to store such items. They are first responders and food, water, etc. is what is needed first.


They really don't pass out clothes, etc. They send them to the Salvation Army type store and they get a free ticket to pick up what they need.

But we can do those things.

[Spangle]

10. Bump

This was posted last night.