In a coordinated effort with my church and the convoy of hope, I will be heading down to the city of Gautier Missippi (a few miles East of Biloxi) this Saturday (Sept. 24th), with a team to help and support the victims of hurricane Katrina.
We will be heading down with several RV’s, assorted trucks, and a semi. The semi driver has donated his time and truck to the effort. Thanks!
We will be bringing supplies such as food, water, rakes, chainsaws, cleaning supplies, masks, and anything else we can load up.
Convoy of hope will not be staying much longer in the affected area(s) as they need to move on to the next urgently needed emergency (most likely the hurricane Rita areas). They pretty much get supplies to an area, set up logistics and support chains, and move on.
The initial team I am with will be there for only 1 week. In the next few weeks, we will continue to send teams down. The RV’s and trucks will remain down there in a stationed area for these teams. They will be our living area.
Aside from the donated items we bring down, we need to provide our own supplies. Food, water etc. It’s been reported that 80% of the electricity has been restored to the area. We are going prepared for the worst. Planning on not having access to showers or groceries.
It’s been reported by people who have gone before us, that with the buildup of mold and sewage water, that clothing worn down there will most likely need to be destroyed.
Yes, the trip does cost some. We’ve done some estimates of most RV’s getting about 8mpg fuel economy, and about a 24hour drive from WI. Of course, it’s a weeks vacation time for myself, and then there is also the supplies.
What will we be doing? That is still TBD. The needs are changing and evolving every day. We are prepared to do anything from cutting trees & limbs, assisting in the warehousing operations, driving pickup trucks with supplies in to remote areas, or just be there for a shoulder to lean on. Many of the relief workers who have been there for weeks, are terribly burnt out and could just use a break.
I would like to personally thank those of you who have made donations to this cause. I have received both cash and supplies (medical items). Because of these donations, I am able to get there and pay aportion of the fuel. Rest assured, it’s *NOT* getting tied up in bureaucratic paperwork or processes! It will have a direct, physical, tangible impact.
A co-worker of mine donated the use of his digital camera, card reader, and laptop for me to use on the trip. If by chance I get near a WiFi connection, I will post blog entries and photos from the road. Otherwise I will write entries by date, and post them when I return.
Hopefully, Hurricane Rita does not slow down or impede our help efforts!
Katrina, help, blog