The reality is that we all will be greatly impacted by Katrina in the gas prices alone. Others of us will be impacted in other ways.

We need to do what we can to help the folks in the Gulf. I just watched video on FNC of desperate people looting a grocery store in New Orleans. I have a feeling it’s going to continue to get worse before it starts to get better.

How we can help:

1. American Red Cross
2. Salvation Army USA
3. Operation Blessing
4. Feed the Children
5. Samaritan’s Purse

From the Salvation Army website I see that Wal-Mart is donating $1M to them for Katrina disaster relief.

I love Feed the Children because they do so much to make sure that poor American children get fed. They step it up in moments like this and were instrumental in getting food to Indonesia after December’s tsunami.

I’m sure there are other ways we can help, but I thought I’d provide a few easy links. Mostly what they need is cash - money to buy what they know that they need; money to pay their staff; money to pay for the travel of the folks who need to get down to the region; money to give to the victims to help them get through.

We need to help. We can help.

LATER: Paul of Wizbang posts the grim details as outlined by New Orleans’ mayor.

And don’t forget the coastal areas of Mississippi, Alabama, and the panhandle of Florida.

It’s not good.

MORE: Via Eric, comes the Slidell Hurricane Damage Blog. It’s a good resource for information in the New Orleans area since Slidell is a little town just outside NO. Actually, Slidell took the brunt of Katrina and is in terrible shape today. If you have information from the area and want to let people know, this may be the place to go. If you’re seeking information, ditto.

Please Note: I am not in the Gulf region and therefore, I cannot help anyone directly. I merely present the link as a resource. Please don’t leave questions in the comments - go to this blog instead. Thanks.

Aug 31: From Paul at Wizbang, someone who has been displaced by Katrina, some suggestions for how to help in a tangible way beyond a financial donation.

LINK CLEARINGHOUSE FOR SURVIVORS:

For info on how to get help from FEMA.

For info on how to file for flood insurance claims. My understanding is that you have to have signed up for this prior to the flood event. You will not benefit from this after the fact.

There is a way to suspend your phone service with Bell South for a reduced fee and your phone number will be reserved.

Katrina Wiki - offers of housing and other assistance by people from all over the country can be found here.

Aug 31, 8:45pm: Following up Paul’s post linked above, Kevin at Wizbang has set up HurricAid.com - “a group authored blog where we’ll address rasing money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and (more importantly) address where those affected can turn for help, and how to go about getting help once you know where to turn.” There’s already a bunch of excellent and informative posts.

Sept 1, 7:00am: Chuck Simmins lists the ways that Americans are aiding their fellow Americans in the Gulf region. He covers private giving, government assistance, and other forms of aid.

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1. We have a lot of refugees here in the Metro Houston area.  Our local Christian radio station (KSBJ-89.3FM) asked listeners yesterday morning for suggestions for what we can do to help these people.  A lady called in and suggested that we collect gift cards for gas, food, phone, etc.  So the radio station went to one of the local malls to do just that.  I think they are going to be at a local mall each day this week.  Metropolitan Houston is one of the most giving areas in the nation.  In this case I think we can say “...but for the grace of GOD” It so easily could have been our area hit by Katrina.

   A lot of local people that are hosting family and friends from the striken area are in desparate need, too.  These gift cards will help them, too.

   Posted by  on  08/30/05  at  02:51 PM

2. Good post, Jen!  This really is grim. 

   We were just in New Orleans this summer (and scheduled to go again in Nov for a conference) and I remember well the swamp tour guide’s commentary on how difficult it is to get out of New Orleans before a hurricane.  With only 5 exits from the city, it can take a person 24 hours to get out of the city with advanced warning.  It is likely that many tried, but were not able, to get out before the storm hit.

   These people really do need our help and prayers.

   Posted by  on  08/30/05  at  03:21 PM

3. Sandi, that is very cool and a great idea. Gift cards to Wal-mart may be the smartest - looks like they’re one company determined to get their stores open for folks.

   Gwynne, I fear for the people in the bayous and smaller parishes who may not have heeded the warnings.

   Posted by  on  08/30/05  at  04:15 PM

4. Heeded or heard.  I fear for them also.  If it’s anything like tornado sirens, the warnings don’t get to every nook and cranny, especially in the bayous.

   Posted by  on  08/30/05  at  04:29 PM

5. Yep.

   I’m thinking a death toll near 1000 may be reached. Horrible.

   Posted by  on  08/30/05  at  04:32 PM

6. The entire families of Beck’s parents live in the Slidell area. Thankfully, nearly all of them had the good sense to go elsewhere before the storm hit, most of them staying with Beck’s parents in Houston.

   This really is an incredible devastation. There is death and grief and loss and—according to some of the links I’m reading via Drudge—human depravity let loose (looting, mugging, suicide).
   It’s beyond words, this thing.

   Posted by Jared  on  08/30/05  at  10:10 PM

7. I would like to request prayer for Metropolitan Houston.  We are a giving city, but this is HUGE.  I know the Lord will provide.

   I pray that the Spirit falls and revival breaks out.  Our church leaders are gathering together today to further plan a strategy to help these people.  WOW—a coming together in unity.  God will be there!

   Please PRAY!!!

   Posted by  on  09/01/05  at  09:42 AM

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