Hurricane Aid Report

September 28, 2005 - 8:47pm

I know the hurricane is already becoming a fading memory for many, but the business of caring for displaced people continues with no end in sight. Since so many of you have sent money to help with this effort, I want to provide you with a report of how things are going.

For news about the Gomez family, check out Michael Main's blog. The adventures of this wonderful family's recovery will likely provide him with blog fodder for some time to come.

My friend Steve Davis was moved from his first shelter to one set aside for people from South Texas. Most of these people are being shipped back home, but the expense of taking care of them was tremendous. The hardest cases were hundreds of mentally challenged patients from various hospitals near the coast.


Steve's New Shelter Location in San Antonio


Steve at the Blossom Shelter


Inside the Blossom Shelter - click for larger picture

Steve called me yesterday to tell me he will be moving to yet another shelter. There is a lot of shifting of personnel as people leave shelters to go home or to other places.

RLP Hurricane Fund Report:

Money given by Real Live Preacher readers and friends - $3713

Money spent so far - $1400
    $400 to Steve Davis for medical supplies and needs at his first shelter.
     $200 to the Gomez family when I picked them up from the Kelley shelter.
     $100 to Amy Main for further immediate needs of the Gomez family.
     $300 to another displaced family living in a motel near us.
     $400 to Amy Main to help with expenses in getting the Gomez family
            registered in school and back on their feet.

Money left - $2313

Steve has already informed me that there are a number of critical needs at his new shelter. I took him to lunch last week, and he told me that a number of volunteers are becoming exhausted. Steve has been working 12-hour days since this all began. The toll on various agencies, etc. is going to get worse. Steve wanted me to tell you that being able to get money quickly when some need arises without having to fill out forms and go through all the red tape has been a HUGE blessing.

I plan to get another $500 to Steve in the next few days.

Thanks for your generosity. You are making a HUGE difference! If anyone still wishes to send money, use my Paypal button and specify for hurricane relief in the comments box. I'm being frugal with your funds, but the work will continue for quite some time.

rlp

rlp's blog
Personal Update | Hurricane Katrina
Thanks for the update, RLP.
Submitted by Anonymous User on September 28, 2005 - 11:26pm.

Thanks for the update, RLP. I knew you'd do good with the money :-)

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yes thanks RLP - also for
Submitted by see through faith on September 29, 2005 - 5:24am.

yes thanks RLP - also for taking time to include photos - be blessed :)

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Haven't forgotten! I'll get
Submitted by The Token Catholic on September 29, 2005 - 12:05am.

Haven't forgotten! I'll get an envelope out by the end of the week. (Start of the semester here, and I got hit with the flying intestinal flu that's been going around.)

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Amy (Evangelina) here. I
Submitted by Anonymous User on October 1, 2005 - 12:01pm.

Amy (Evangelina) here. I want to send a personal note of thanks to all of you who have contributed so generously. I had forgotten what it took to feed and clothe a family of five! New shoes (John' was wearing size 6 shoes -- he wears a size 8!); new underwear (they were handwashing the same undergarments every day); food for at least one hot meal a day (thankfully, I LOVE to cook and a shout-out to Lee who cleans up after me!); toiletries, snacks, computer paper (Lee is attending classes at UTSA); gas (I've filled my tank 3 times in 3 weeks). Well, you get the picture.

Please know that we are being very careful and frugal with the money you have blessed us with. I think $30 of it helped purchase new band instruments (see Chuck's column for that story. John' and Ana practice 2 hours a day -- minimum. And Ana isn't even in a band yet!

You can read up-to-date information on Michael's blog or mine (warning - he updates more often and writes much better!)

Blessings to all for your support in prayer and in funds. It looks like this is going to be a long-term situation, so please keep praying! You are such good people.

Peace,
Amy Main

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