Stepping up
Through the anxiety of Hurricane Gustav and uncertainty of Hurricane Ike, I have witnessed people step up in tough circumstances. Fingers crossed that the levees would hold, evacuees almost dutifully made their way to vacant hotels or friends’ homes in nearby states. Grateful for the minimal damage of the first storm, neighbors have joined together to clean up fallen branches. Critics say that Hurricane Katrina tore people apart and more clearly defined discriminatory practices and structures. However, I have noticed something about Katrina that bound people together. Some call it resilience, while others may say it’s tradition. I believe it’s hope.
Gulf Coast residents are strong, no doubt. Their durable spirits are inspirational in the face of adversity, and that is one of the major reasons volunteers continue to give of their time and skills in areas torn apart three years ago. Residents’ optimism, though–almost with a youthful innocence–is what strikes me the most. They step up as a community because they believe that their town, their parish even, could one day return to a level of normalcy that formerly felt like home. The backyard cookouts could take the place where piles of rotted out furniture currently lay, and their neighborhoods would be full of playing children instead of moldy FEMA trailers.
With your help, these hopes can soon be turned into reality. If you want a clearer picture of what the volunteers do for the Gulf Coast, purchase a copy of Volunteers of Hope: Overcoming Katrina. You’ll be helping residents rebuild by donating your money to groups itching to step up and get things done. If you feel called to be part of one of those groups, drop us an e-mail or visit the “How to Help” tab, and you can learn more about a few of the great rebuilding organizations of which you can be a part. We’re raising the funds to raise the walls of homes. Step up to raise the residents’ spirits once again.
With hope,
Gretchen
Posted on September 10th, 2008 by Gretchen Wieland
Filed under: From Gretchen
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