Nation Unites for Hurricane Relief Effort

Kevin L. Mayer, co-news editor

Imagine all possessions lost, being trapped with thousands of others without electricity, food or water for days.

That was the situation in New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Reporters became imbedded as if they were in a war zone. Civilians protected themselves during the chaos with anything from knives to guns. From a child holding a sign, to a man leading a chant with the same phrase, “HELP US!” Anyone could tell the situation was dire.

Whether it was the city that reportedly closed down bus service or the state refusing to order in the National Guard, some argue there is plenty of blame to go around. The local police fled their posts, the governor allegedly argued against the nationalization of the disaster, and critics say the federal response should have been quicker. Michael Brown resigned as director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency amid the controversy. President Bush named David Paulison, current head of the preparedness division of FEMA, as the interim director.

But that is not important now. Americans are still dying. That is the news in the hearts of Americans. Americans are opening their hearts, pouring love on the victims of the horrific storm.

Families are, at this time, still being moved from their homes. This is the largest displacement of Americans since the Civil War. All across America, people are coming together to bring relief to these displaced Americans. More than 25 states have taken in hundreds of thousands of evacuees. The state of Texas has taken in almost a quarter million people from the disaster-stricken area. However, the numbers continue to decrease as families are reunited.

State officials estimate nearly 97 official shelters have been set up in Texas. These shelters are providing temporary housing to 97,000 evacuees. Texas is currently waiting on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for authorization to allow evacuees currently in hotels to receive relief funds. More than 105,000 evacuees fled to hotels before and after the storm. Most of these people are said to be running out of money and the capabilities to continue to have a place to stay.

Texas schools have taken in more than 28,000 grade school children. Texas Tech University has taken in Tulane University’s baseball and women’s basketball teams, allowing them to enroll and compete in their sport.

The governor’s office has released information about a Texas-based foundation to aid in this disaster.  The OneStar Foundation is set up to handle cash donations and other helpful items. They have also requested volunteers. The foundation was activated by the governor’s office to provide immediate relief for the victims.

Americans joined together to help in the 9-11 and Tsunami relief, although donations for this disaster have supposedly reached record numbers. The American Red Cross has reported receiving more than $485 million in gifts and donations. The corporate and financial investors of America have donated more than $1 billion to the relief effort.

The United States Congress has passed two disaster aid packages totaling $62.3 billion, and Congress is considering more. Americans have donated an overwhelming amount of money and items for the hurricane evacuees. Donations are still being counted, so numbers are difficult to finalize. Non-profit organizations have reported receiving more donations than given for the 9-11 relief effort. Although that is great news, all relief coordinators continue to say more help is needed.