2 Years Post Hurricanes Katrina/Rita: Call to Action

[Shalom08]

Shalom~

Soror AKA2D91 & Soror RD, my heart is overjoyed to hear that you are safe! My prayers are with you also as I touch and agree with Darling1 according to Psalm 91. He has given HIS angels charge over you!

I have a neice who attends Xavier and we just got word that she made it to ATL this afternoon and will be staying with my cousin (who is a college student as well). She too lost everything but in her own words, "although I am a refugee, I understand I have a lot to be thankful for".

Soror AKA_Monet, I praise the LORD for you blowing the trumpet...I have not only answered the financial call, but I have answered the physical call as well. I contacted my local Red Cross and signed up to become a volunteer. I have been placed on the Volunteer's "Training" list and will be notified by Red Cross as to my training sessions and expected date to leave California to help in the relief efforts. Brotha-man and son-of-brotha-man
nodded their heads when I told them what I felt led in my Spirit to do. Now I hang around and wait...but until then, I am getting my neighbors involved by putting together a quick Labor Day Weekend Block Get Together so that we can collectively give as neighbors that care about our neighbors across the states.

Keep the prayer vigil going GC family!

Shalom~

[RedefinedDiva]

Good news: I FOUND MY AUNT and 19yo & 2yo COUSINS!!! Well, I haven't actually "found" them, but they have made contact and they are alive.

Bad news: They are in that massive crowd at the Convention Center and my cousin stated that the baby hasn't had anything to eat except potato chips and that was on SUNDAY!!

My mom and I jumped on the road early this morning to ride to Houston. On the way, we found out that they had made contact and stated that they were still at the Convention Center, so we turned around. The saddest thing is that I know that thousands of families are willing to drive back to New Orleans to get their loved ones, but we aren't allowed back in. We just have to sit and wait and listen to all these horrible stories on the news when we KNOW that we can go and get them. They are waiting for buses that aren't coming. I know that people haven't slept in days for fear of being robbed, raped, or killed. I can't stand to watch TV anymore....

Dad, aunts, uncles, cousins, and others are still missing. As we call other family members to check if they have heard from anyone, we learn of someone new that stuck around. It never ends. I even learned today that our chapter president stayed in N.O. What is going on?

The President.... *sigh* Can New Orleans get 1/8 of the concern that was paid to Terri Shiavo? Iraq? John Roberts? People are DYING in the streets. Let the looters have everything they want in that city. Just get the people who want to live up out of there!

[Tickled Pink 2]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
Fats Domino also missing: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050901/...na_fats_domino

They found him:

One of rock 'n' roll's chief architects has been rescued from the rubble of New Orleans.

Fats Domino, who had been unaccounted for in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, was plucked from the flooded city by a rescue boat.

His daughter, Karen Domino White, who lives in New Jersey, identified her father in a picture taken Monday night by a New Orleans Times-Picayune photographer. The singer is seen being helped from a boat by an emergency crew.


There was no word on where he was taken. There was also no word on the whereabouts of family members that had been with him before the storm hit.

More:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/eo/20050902/en_music_eo/17283

[unknown2u]

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come to you asking for your special protection on RedefinedDiva's family. Lord, we know that you have the power to protect and work miracles, so work a miracle on this family and keep them safe until rescue comes.

In addition Lord I pray for all of the unsaved and lost souls in New Orleans. I pray that some way some how they will come to know you as their Lord and personal Savior, so if by chance they do NOT make it then we can rest knowing that they are safely rockin in the bossom of Jesus.

I also pray for my Uncle Chuck, who we have not heard from. I think he may be still alive in his house so let the rescuers find him. Please!

We ask all these things in your name sake. AMEN!!!

To Everyone affected by this Hurricane: Don't worry things are going to get better... I just know they will!!!

[Wonderful1908]

Originally posted by RedefinedDiva
Good news: I FOUND MY AUNT and 19yo & 2yo COUSINS!!! Well, I haven't actually "found" them, but they have made contact and they are alive.

Bad news: They are in that massive crowd at the Convention Center and my cousin stated that the baby hasn't had anything to eat except potato chips and that was on SUNDAY!!

My mom and I jumped on the road early this morning to ride to Houston. On the way, we found out that they had made contact and stated that they were still at the Convention Center, so we turned around. The saddest thing is that I know that thousands of families are willing to drive back to New Orleans to get their loved ones, but we aren't allowed back in. We just have to sit and wait and listen to all these horrible stories on the news when we KNOW that we can go and get them. They are waiting for buses that aren't coming. I know that people haven't slept in days for fear of being robbed, raped, or killed. I can't stand to watch TV anymore....

Dad, aunts, uncles, cousins, and others are still missing. As we call other family members to check if they have heard from anyone, we learn of someone new that stuck around. It never ends. I even learned today that our chapter president stayed in N.O. What is going on?

The President.... *sigh* Can New Orleans get 1/8 of the concern that was paid to Terri Shiavo? Iraq? John Roberts? People are DYING in the streets. Let the looters have everything they want in that city. Just get the people who want to live up out of there!

Soror,

I am glad to hear of some good news for you. I will continue to hold you in my prayers. I hope that our federal government does something soon and now. Part of me wants to beleieve if this would have happended in Conneticut that matters would of been handled a little sooner. I will continue to pray for you and your family's safety.

[delph998]

Originally posted by unknown2u
Dear Heavenly Father,

I come to you asking for your special protection on RedefinedDiva's family. Lord, we know that you have the power to protect and work miracles, so work a miracle on this family and keep them safe until rescue comes.

In addition Lord I pray for all of the unsaved and lost souls in New Orleans. I pray that some way some how they will come to know you as their Lord and personal Savior, so if by chance they do NOT make it then we can rest knowing that they are safely rockin in the bossom of Jesus.

I also pray for my Uncle Chuck, who we have not heard from. I think he may be still alive in his house so let the rescuers find him. Please!

We ask all these things in your name sake. AMEN!!!

To Everyone affected by this Hurricane: Don't worry things are going to get better... I just know they will!!!

AMEN!

I am praying for your families RefinedDiva. Lord, this has to be difficult right now, but this will pass.

2D-I'm so glad to know that you're safe.

My prayers are with you all AND all of the victims suffering through this debacle.

[AKA2D '91]

Family members connecting, that's great! Let's pray for the other missing loved ones out there!

There are still MANY, MANY more people still trapped. Doctors are abandoning the hospitals, students are supposedly still "trapped" at Xavier University.

It's madness!

The looters got on "our"side of the river and burned the mall.

This is a mess! Where are the local council people?
I'm about to put this man on blast...Congressman XYZ hasn't done ONE thing! He has been MIA. TODAY was his FIRST "appearance". He has spoken to CNN and I think Fox News via phone. He has not been seen in New Orleans OR Baton Rouge for ANY press conference (since Saturday). Earlier today, he tried to take ownership of the concert efforts that are being organized. I think the one with Master P. He says he's been in contact with Bob Johnson...yada yada! Those are HIS constituents and he hasn't been there! Yes, you are under Federal Probe, but YOU are STILL the Congressman! Your counterparts have been visible, vocal, and vigilant (some going out there rescuing the people) where have YOU been? Your daughter is a state rep, where is she? I know. I know...with you and the rest of your family in DC/MD/VA

Mayor
Chief of Police:
JP Sheriff:

Congress approved the aid package. Good!

Can these people get SOMETHING? Yes, I am a refugee, but I have most of my clothes, health, car, and my mother's house. Therefore, I am better than blessed! There are so many others who are not as fortunate. THEY NEED HELP! Help the medical professionals STILL trapped WITH PATIENTS!

Leave the 'suits' out of it! Stop talking and come down here and HELP!

I've been saying this all day. Now that I've typed it out, I feel better. Please excuse my random spurt/vent/whatever you want to call it!

[CrimsonTide4]

I am watching CNN and the Latina anchorwoman just got very confrontational with the FEMA director. I applaud her because her questions are valid and mirror many of our sentiments.

I was told by 2 sources that even if your calls cannot get through, text messages can. So if your friends and loved ones have cell phones, please send them a text.


You all continue to be in my prayers.

[kiml122]

I am so glad that missing family members are surfacing.

I work for a very large utility, and we wee told just yesterday that the company will be making a donation of $500, 000, and then will match up to $250 of what the employees donate...so we are trying to make sure that we reach a million dollars. Also we have dispatch crews to get down there to try and get the power restored......I will also be making a personal donation a part from what my company will match.

[ladygreek]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
I am watching CNN and the Latina anchorwoman just got very confrontational with the FEMA director. I applaud her because her questions are valid and mirror many of our sentiments.

I was told by 2 sources that even if your calls cannot get through, text messages can. So if your friends and loved ones have cell phones, please send them a text.


You all continue to be in my prayers.

I like her--she doesn't play. Did you hear the interview with the Mayor? Ol' boy is pi**ed and rightfully so. He and the male interviewer were crying at the end.

[btb87]

Just received this message from my dean. I don't know who may be in my area (Central Florida) but if there are any displaced students in the area, I hope this helps some.
************************************************
Beginning today, the University of Central Florida will allow college students displaced by Hurricane Katrina to register for classes on a space-available basis.

Students who were enrolled this fall at universities that have been closed because of the hurricane may apply to UCF by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9.

Students can call 407-823-6188 for enrollment information; a 1-800 number will be posted at www.ucf.edu later this week. Because UCF started classes Aug. 22, admissions staff will work one-on-one with displaced students to expedite admission, enrollment, and financial assistance processes.

Application fees will be waived, and students will pay in-state tuition rates. UCF will provide guidance and tutoring assistance, as well as referrals for housing and other necessities.

Students will be offered admission on a case-by-case basis and will be required to sign a form verifying that they were registered elsewhere and have been displaced. Students who are unable to provide transcripts and other official materials immediately will be allowed to do so at a later date.

Our hearts go out to the students and families who have lost so much because of this devastating storm. By allowing students to resume their academic careers with as little interruption as possible, we hope to help them overcome this tragedy and get on with their lives. I urge you to welcome them into our community and make their transition as smooth possible.

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by ladygreek
I like her--she doesn't play. Did you hear the interview with the Mayor? Ol' boy is pi**ed and rightfully so. He and the male interviewer were crying at the end.

I heard his phone interview but had to leave. I was very emotional this morning after hearing those 2 interviews but got in the car and found out a local way to help thanks to the men of Phi Beta Sigma.


Tuskegee is also opening its doors to college students. I posted it in Greek Life last night.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TUSKEGEE

News Release: September 1, 2005
Tuskegee University is Accepting Students Displaced by Hurricane Katrina


TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY, AL – (September 1, 2005) – Tuskegee University announced today its plan to be of assistance to students and families by enrolling currently registered students from colleges and universities that are closed as a result of the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina.


Interested students should contact the Office of the Registrar (334-727-8505) not later than Wednesday, September 7, 2005.


"The efforts of Hurricane Katrina upon the populations of the Gulf states and beyond have been horrendous and its damage to human lives and property all but incalculable," said Tuskegee University's President, Dr. Benjamin F. Payton. "Although Tuskegee University's financial resources are limited, its capacity to accept and to educate students to the highest standards possible is outstanding. We will do everything in our power to help. With the assistance of our friends and supporters, we will even enlarge our capacity to help. But we must not kid ourselves. This crisis is as large as it is horrific. All Americans need to find ways to come to the aid of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. We must insist upon their being given the highest level of support possible by federal and state governments, as well as by non-governmental organizations and individuals."



Tuskegee University 's efforts will center on sister institutions such as Dillard University and Xavier University of New Orleans, and Bishop State College in Mobile, Alabama, but will be open to any students from accredited post-secondary institutions in the Gulf states, which have been closed by virtue of the hurricane.



The University is prepared to accept these students immediately. It will then be the obligation of all provisionally accepted students and their families to cooperate fully with the University in effecting the transfer of all documentation to finalize their acceptance plus any previously awarded federal financial aid, private loans and other resources required to meet their financial obligations to the University.



For more information, contact Denise L. Berkhalter, Director of Public & Media Affairs in the Tuskegee University Office of Marketing and Communications, at media@tuskegee.edu, (334) 724-4553 (direct), 552-1292 (cell) or 724-4586 (fax).

[kiml122]

Kudos, Kudos, Kudos to the UCF and Tuskegee

I was just talking to one of my ls's and I was telling her about the good news about UCF and Tuskegee, and she told me that she heard on KYW that a few of our local schools will be doing that as well. She heard Temple, U of PA and Rowan which is located right over the bridge in Jersey, and they are going to give the students reduced tuition...so kudos to those schools as well.

Ok, I looked at KYW's site and not only Temple, Uof PA and Rowan, but Univ of Delaware, Delaware St, Drexel and Arcadia are offering all this. They also will allow faculty and staff up to three weeks of paid time off
to work as volunteers with various organizations involved in hurricane recovery efforts.

Rowan is also offering in-state tuition/housing rates.

Del. State Univ. Offers Free Tuition for Students Affected by Hurricane

Delaware State University is offering free tuition for the fall semester
to students enrolled in colleges in the region affected by Hurricane
Katrina.
The students must be enrolled in schools in Florida, Alabama,
Mississippi, and Louisiana and be residents of those states or Delaware,
Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, or the District
of Columbia.

DSU President Allen Sessoms says the university wants to make sure
students don't have to put their educations on hold.

[soft&beautiful]

I am so pissed at the level of aid that OUR government is providing to the people of the Gulf Coast. My family lives in and around Picayune, MS. No news coverage has been there. If anyone knows of any condition there please help. I have not heard from my sister, aunts, uncles, or cousins there. The report I recieved earlier was false.....I am so worried right now....

[NOWorNEVER]

Originally posted by Tickled Pink 2
I have a novel thought - let's leave Iraq alone for now and help our own citizens!

Amen to that! The gov't is so expedient in shipping out young men and women to Iraq to fight an unwarranted war (my boyfriend included) but they should take the same care and proactiveness in helping the victims of this tragedy. There is no reason why food and health supplies should be running short in a country as abundant and obese at we are. What the hell is taking so long to provide evacuees with BASIC needs?? If the idiots in office would do their job effectively, we would be prepared for destructiveness of this magnitude, whether it be terrorism, natural disasters, or otherwise.

Every time I see the president on televison, my blood pressure rises. The look of sheer idiocy burns me up, especially with him looking down from his helicopter observing the aftermath of the hurricane. He looks like he's totally confused and doesn't know what to do.