Community Forums

hohokam · 09-09-2017, 08:57 AM

We were kind of planning to winter in TX or AZ long before Harvey or Irma came along. Now I am wondering how we might be able to help folks dealing with the aftermath of the storms. I have social work training (MSW) and my wife worked many years as a veterinary technician. Even our dog has training as an emotional therapy dog. So even though we are old farts, and on fixed (low) incomes, I think we have something to offer. Problem is that I have no idea where to start, other than the Red Cross. The last thing we want to do is blunder into a disaster zone and exacerbate the problem.

The good news is our home is mobile so we can go most anywhere. The bad news is we need a place to put it.

Anybody else considering doing the same? Would love to get a discussion going with ideas, tips, caveats, experiences, etc. It would be especially helpful to hear from folks in the impacted areas.

smlranger · 09-09-2017, 09:06 AM

You may want to contact Samaritan's Purse in NC to see if they might have some ideas. I know they are recruiting volunteers to help in various places.

The Red Cross uses volunteers in various capacities. I do know they require some training which they provide.

missourijan · 09-09-2017, 11:19 AM

Yes, contact the Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, the Houston SPCA. They need relief for those volunteers that have been in TX for several weeks

1bigmess · 09-09-2017, 02:04 PM

Also maybe UMCOR. This relief group has impressed me recently, and I'm almost anti-religious.

About Us - UMCOR

hohokam · 09-09-2017, 03:23 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. Have contacted the SPCA and NECHAMA, who once helped us after a flood. UMCOR is now on my list.

Isaac-1 · 09-09-2017, 04:48 PM

I would suggest checking with the local organizations not the big national ones. Here is a starting point for some contacts for the Louisiana / Texas state line area Harvey 2017 | Calcasieu Parish Public Library

hohokam · 09-09-2017, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

I would suggest checking with the local organizations not the big national ones. Here is a starting point for some contacts for the Louisiana / Texas state line area Harvey 2017 | Calcasieu Parish Public Library

That's what I was looking you

hohokam · 09-09-2017, 05:10 PM

For

Suzybro · 09-09-2017, 07:04 PM

I went through Hurricane Harvey. We were very lucky, but there is so much damage and people in need. It is surreal. There have been so VERY many reports, on the Red Cross, being unorganized, unprepared and ill managed. It is really disturbing. I would encourage you to check with Samaritans Purse, Team Rubicon, Volunteer Orginazation Active in Disaster, Remote Area Medical and www.volunteerhou.org. Also, local animal shelters are in great need of help. They are not helped through ASPCA or US Humane Society. Opportunities to volunteer are endless. Your efforts would most likely be felt by the local communities, much faster, through local charities, churches, etc. The National organization just don't seem to have it together. Their overhead is ridiculous, and way too little actually goes to those in need. Calcasieu Parish is a wonderful place. I was born and raised there. Still have many family and friends there. They also suffered damage from Harvey and there is need there. It is not to the degree of that in Southeast Texas. The problem that you may run into, is space to park. Start looking now!

jbrv · 09-10-2017, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hohokam

We were kind of planning to winter in TX or AZ long before Harvey or Irma came along. Now I am wondering how we might be able to help folks dealing with the aftermath of the storms. I have social work training (MSW) and my wife worked many years as a veterinary technician. Even our dog has training as an emotional therapy dog. So even though we are old farts, and on fixed (low) incomes, I think we have something to offer. Problem is that I have no idea where to start, other than the Red Cross. The last thing we want to do is blunder into a disaster zone and exacerbate the problem.

The good news is our home is mobile so we can go most anywhere. The bad news is we need a place to put it.

Anybody else considering doing the same? Would love to get a discussion going with ideas, tips, caveats, experiences, etc. It would be especially helpful to hear from folks in the impacted areas.

Making A Difference | RV Disaster Corps

computerguy · 09-13-2017, 08:22 PM

Not sure if you were considering Irma in Florida.
Here is the link if you were:
Irma Volunteers in FL
You can indicate dates available and special skills you have.
FL needs help too.