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Communities Respond in the Disaster Area

The Communities Respond website presents a compilation of events, activities, and information that were organized by communities throughout the country to express their grief, empathy, and concern regarding Hurricane Katrina and its consequences. This information was sent to the Association for the Study and Development of Community (ASDC) from different sources across the country and therefore we cannot guarantee its accuracy. The information is organized according to the major settings in which one might organize a response or offer any assistance.

If you would like to tell us about what your community or organization is doing, please contact the project.

VIEW INFORMATION ABOUT RESPONSES FROM THESE COMMUNITIES:

• Community Organizations and Non-Profits
• Children
• Schools
• Government
• Faith Institutions
• Media and Public Education
• Foundations/Funders
• Mental Health and Health Care Providers
• Other

STORIES OF HOW COMMUNITIES HAVE RESPONDED IN THE DISASTER AREA

HOW CAN I HELP COMMUNITIES RESPOND IN THE DISASTER AREA?

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND NON-PROFITS

More than 100 organizational leaders are organizing the Rebuilding Louisiana Coalition as a non-partisan, non-political collaborative to promote Louisianans in the reconstruction of the Gulf Coast area devastated by Hurricane Katrina. This is a collaboration of like-minded organizations and individuals dedicated to rebuilding Louisiana and the Gulf Coast with the talents of its own people and repopulating these areas with its native peoples as soon as possible. The goal of the coalition is to insure that local, non-elected voices are heard in the rebuilding of Gulf Coast. All displaced residents and interested citizens are invited to join the discussion through an email list-serve by contacting Ms. Brylski at cbrylski@aol.com or calling (504) 897-6152. For more information on the Rebuilding Louisiana Coalition, contact R. Henderson or C. Brylski at (504) 616-4563 or (504) 460-1468 or email cbrylski@aol.com or nolarussell@bellsouth.net

The ACORN Community Forum on Rebuilding New Orleans occurred on November 7th and 8th, 2005 at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The conference agenda and webcast archives may be found on ACORN’s web site. This web page also has links for additional Katrina relief, including information about the ACORN Katrina Survivors Association as well as Katrina organizing.
(http://www.acorn.org).

“Objectives of the People’s Hurricane Relief Fund and Oversight Coalition are to build and maintain a coordinated network of community leaders, organizers and community based organizations with the capacity and organizational infrastructure that can help to meet the needs of people most impacted by Hurricane Katrina and government neglect.” Since Hurricane Katrina the People’s Hurricane Relief Fund has held two strategic planning sessions. An Interim Coordinating Committee has been formed as well as 12 work groups and 2 caucuses.
(http://cluonline.live.radicaldesigns.org)

People Improving Communities through Organizing (PICO) Louisiana Interfaith Together “leaders traveled to Washington, DC to keep the pressure on federal officials to meet commitments made to rebuild New Orleans. PICO clergy held a press conference in the United States Capitol, met with officials from FEMA and White House, Republican and Democratic members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation and briefed 23 United States Senators on the need for a federal aid to strengthen the levees protecting New Orleans and to finance housing reconstruction for families that have lost their homes.”
(http://www.piconetwork.org/aboutpico.html)

On October 7, 2005 the Institute for Community-Based Research at Delta State University and the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Southeastern Louisiana University, in partnership with the Mississippi Association of Cooperatives and Oxfam America hosted a strategy meeting of community stakeholders, nongovernmental organizations and researchers interested in sharing information and other information to coordinate a response to redevelopment in the gulf coast region. One product of the meeting is a research and action agenda.
(http://www.deltastate.edu/pages/537.asp)

The Community Media Workshop, a web-based resource drawing from the expertise of Columbia College students and faculty, hosts a comprehensive list of community-based organizations active in the disaster region.
(http://www.newstips.org/interior.php?section=Newstips&main_id=529)

National and local non-profit and community organizations can improve the effectiveness of national-level aid efforts through collaboration with grass-roots organizers, mobilize community organizations to support the needs of the hurricane victims, and encourage public dialogue to increase community awareness and knowledge about the impact of the Katrina.

As a result of the hurricane, infrastructure in the gulf region sustained major damage and many families lost their homes. It is important to ensure that all people have access to safe and dignified housing. Non-profit and community organizations can assist evacuees and survivors by providing for their immediate housing needs and assisting with reconstruction and resettlement.

Examples and Resources:

COMM-ORG and the Association for the Study and Development of Community are jointly sponsoring a website effort to identify community-based relief efforts in the Gulf region. This website is a resource to locate community-based relief efforts, and provides contact information for community-based efforts that would like to be included on the existing list provided by this internet resource. (http://comm-org.wisc.edu/katrina/)

The Sparkplug Foundation is gathering and distributing information about Grassroots/Low-income/People of Color-led Hurricane Katrina Relief from organizations and community organizers around the country. (http://katrina.mayfirst.org/)

Common Ground, a community-run organization offering temporary assistance and mutual aid to the citizens of New Orleans and the surrounding areas, has volunteer teams on the ground including doctors, lawyers, aid workers, community organizers, and other individuals. Their website provides more information about their efforts and volunteer opportunities with Common Ground. (http://www.commongroundrelief.org/)

National Organizers Alliance provides donation information about local organizations that are on the ground (http://noacentral.org/page.php?id=75)

The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), a community organization of low- and moderate-income families working together for social justice and stronger community members, made thousands of calls and organized rallies at their Congressional offices in 20 cities to demand that residents of hurricane-struck areas receive immediate assistance. ACORN is also developing a set of proposals for a federal policy response that reflects the needs and issues of our communities. (http://www.acorn.org/)

ACORN has housing staff stationed outside Houston's Convention Center to help evacuees with their housing needs, including helping evacuees who are homeowners to contact their mortgage providers to arrange for forbearance of mortgage payments. (http://www.acorn.org/)

The Katrina Information Network provides information about community relief efforts, expert viewpoints, news from the gulf coast, and ways to take action to provide “Real Relief Now, A Just Recovery, and Nothing Less”.
(http://www.KatrinaAction.org)

The Association of Black Foundation Executives has compiled a list of local organizations providing direct relief to hurricane Katrina victims.
(http://www.abfe.org/publish/KatrinaOrganizations_List.htm).

The Alliance for Nonprofit Management has developed a list of internet links to grassroots community relief efforts, and capacity building efforts in the gulf coast region.
(http://www.allianceonline.org/katrina.page)

The Hungry March Band, a 25-person marching band located in New York City, sponsored a website that lists local New Orleans organizations and networks with their websites and descriptions. These organizations and networks are providing direct assistance to youth, musicians and other groups in the New Orleans area. (http://hungrymarchband.com/katerina.html)

The Community Media Workshop provides Internet links to Southern grassroots networks and organizations responses to Hurricane Katrina. (http://www.newstips.org/interior.php?section=Newstips&main_id=529)

CHILDREN

We must take care of our children as they are our future. The storm has displaced thousands of children and impacts children across the nation both emotionally and physically.

Examples and Resources:

The National Center for Children Exposed to Violence (NCCEV) developed a guide for parents, caregivers, and aid workers cope to provide “ways to help children address their concerns and worries arising from displacement, injury, and loss associated with natural disasters". (http://www.nctsnet.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/
edu_materials/Providers_Guide%20_Sept_2005.pdf)

The booklet, 'Helping Children Prepare for and Cope With Natural Disasters,' can be obtained by sending a written request to Annette LaGreca, PhD, Box 249229, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124.

The disaster-intervention web site, 'Disaster Stuff for Kids' contains reading material on disasters for children, FEMA for kids, games and links to other relevant web sites. (http://www.jmu.edu/psychologydept/4kids.htm)

SCHOOLS AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Schools provide an ideal opportunity for a community to help the younger generation. Many resources have been distributed to help cope with the tragedy. Schools and higher education institutions can help prevent further victims and promote a sense of community and security especially needed during this time of resettlement. One way is through educating young people about disaster preparedness, relief and recovery efforts.

In its' wake, Hurricane Katrina has left hundreds of thousands of displaced students. These students are streaming into other states seeking schooling. It is important to meet both the immediate needs of individual students as well as plan for long-term challenges that the educational system will face in the future.

Examples and Resources:

The UCLA School Mental Health Project prepared a resource guide to "Planning and Action for the Mental Health Needs of Students and School Staff" offering advice on special assistance to students and teachers, and trauma victims in need of psychological counseling. (http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu/pdfdocs/planningneeds.pdf)

The Center for Mental Health in Schools has created a guide for planning and action for the mental health needs of students and school staff in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. (http://users.ez2.net/AZS/Center%20for%20MH%20in%20Schools1.pdf)

The American Council on Education (ACE) has developed a website to serve as "an information hub for all campus relief efforts," for campuses needing assistance and institutions offering assistance. (http://www.campusrelief.org)

The American Association of Community Colleges has created a fund to support colleges on the gulf coast. (http://www.aacc.nche.edu/Content/
NavigationMenu/NewsandEvents/Hurricane_Relief/Hurricane_Relief.htm)

The Institute for Community-Based Research at Delta State University and the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Southeastern Louisiana University, in partnership with the Mississippi Association of Cooperatives and Oxfam America are hosting a “strategy meeting of community stakeholders, nongovernmental organizations and researchers interested in informing redevelopment following Hurricane Katrina” in order to share information and other resources and develop a research and action agenda.

GOVERNMENT

State and local government should provide the necessary support to evacuees and survivors in their region and should distribute educational resources to their communities.

The government plays a huge role as they begin discussing new legislature, acts, and policies in response to disasters that occur on American soil and beyond.

Examples and Resources:

The State of Virginia has coordinated a response to the hurricane with immediate and long-term objectives. The state has been providing staff for immediate relief in conjunction with Emergency Management Assistance Compact and has set up an Evacuee Reception Center/Disaster Recovery Center at Fort Pickett. (http://www.vaemergency.com/newsroom/katrina.cfm)

The federal government has created National Emergency Grants for states impacted by the hurricane. “These funds can be used to employ workers on projects that provide food, clothing, shelter and other humanitarian assistance for disaster victims.” (http://www.dol.gov/opa/hurricane-recovery.htm)

FAITH INSTITUTIONS

Faith and spiritual leaders play a critical role providing emotional and social support in every community.

Examples and Resources:

Catholic Charities is providing immediate and long-term assistance to victims of the hurricane. Local Catholic Community Services of Baton Rouge have trained volunteers on the ground in parishes that will be providing emergency assistance to those in need, and have begun victim assistance efforts. (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=30089)

The Episcopal Church has responded to provide immediate relief.
“Brad Drell, a lay deputy to General Convention from the Diocese of Western Louisiana in the northern part of the state, said that his parish -- St. James in Alexandria -- is a second tier Red Cross Disaster Shelter, which will remain open in light of the hurricane.” (http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_64476_ENG_HTM.htm)

MEDIA AND PUBLIC EDUCATION

The media has played a powerful role in the aftermath of the hurricane, directing people to the appropriate evacuation facilities, re-connecting people with their loved ones, and providing information about next steps and available resources. Media campaigns will reach the largest audience in the least amount of time. The local media should educate people in the local region about hurricane safety information and response and relief efforts. It is critical to have a multi-faceted media campaign that includes radio, TV, and print media.

Examples and Resources:

The Center on Disease Control has organized a number of public service announcements to educate people on preparing for hurricane and staying safe during a hurricane. (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/psa.asp)

Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), a community organization of low- and moderate-income families working together for social justice and stronger communities, is reaching out to displaced New Orleans ACORN members, through text messages, public service announcements, and organizing teams at shelters, and connecting them to ACORN families who have opened their homes to hurricane survivors. (http://www.acorn.org/)

FOUNDATIONS/FUNDERS

Establish an emergency fund to help hurricane victims with their immediate needs or long-term rebuilding and resettlement efforts.

Examples and Resources:

Bush - Clinton Katrina Fund to provide relief and rebuilding resources to help the victims of this disaster. (http://www.bushclintonkatrinafund.org)

Alabama Governor's Emergency Relief Fund provides funds for both immediate response and recovery efforts. (http://www.servealabama.gov/)

Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation to provide immediate assistance to those impacted by the hurricane. (http://www.louisianahelp.org/)

More information about donating funds and volunteer opportunities can be found in You Can Help.

MENTAL HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

As a result of the traumatic events associated with Hurricane Katrina, many adults, youth, and children will be in need of physical and psychological aid. As a result of the traumatic events associated with Hurricane Katrina, many adults, youth, and children will be in need of physical and psychological aid. Displaced youth enrolled in schools may need additional care. Coordination between mental health and health providers and schools is especially important to ensure that immediate and sustained care for our school aged youth and children.

Examples and Resources:

The American Psychological Association is providing clinical information and services to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. (http://www.apa.org/)

Community health centers are responding to the large numbers of patients in great need by setting up makeshift clinics inside shelters, or by bringing survivors and evacuees into established health centers. “According to Amy Simmons, director of communications at the National Association of Community Health Centers, "Health centers have a unique role — we're both responders and victims. We lost seven health centers in the storm.” (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/513018)

OTHER

Send a letter or Email

Send letters and emails to Congress and the press to express support for relief and recovery efforts for the evacuees and survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Examples and Resources:

Letters to the editor about Katrina can be found in the following news sources:

• Los Angeles Times (http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/letters/)
• New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/opinion/index.html)
• Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/opinions/?nav=globetop)

STORIES OF HOW COMMUNITIES HAVE RESPONDED TO THIS DISASTER

HOW CAN I HELP COMMUNITIES RESPOND TO THIS DISASTER?