Update from Plenty in New Orleans
01/19/2007 10:02
Good
Morning,
I am sitting in an RV outside of 715 Le Beau in old Arabi outside the 9th ward in what used to be New Orleans. We have an extension cord running from the neighbors 3 doors down; but have no gas, heat, nor hot water. I've already boiled water to brush my teeth and make java and am getting a slow start to the day. I have been in NOLA for 6 days now and give tremendous respect to the volunteers that have given up their personal lives to help their fellow man. Many have been here for a year or more and the wear and tear of hope - or lack there of, is visible in their eyes, on their skin, and has begun to penetrate their beliefs. Where is the help? It has been 16 months since Katrina leveled ! the Big Easy and still elderly sit in gutted decay without the necessities so many of us take for granted - food, water, shelter.
I've come down here with Plenty International, (www.plenty.org) whose motto rings true - 'In all fairness there is enough for everyone.' We are turning 715 Le Beau into a community house to offer hot showers, food, housing, and a place to gather after a long days work. A home base. This is work itself. Already I am physically exhausted. The south, east, and north side of the house have exterior walls, but the west is lacking. This house was in standing flood water of 5 ft for 2 days. The flooring, pipes, ceilings, walls, appliances, etc.. need to be replaced. We've focused on the bathroom and should have a place to shower by Monday. We are dealing with mold, asbestos, toxic water, and lead paint. Violence and ! crime are widespread. We jump at the smallest noise at night and investigate whether or not someone is trying to break in and take what very little we have.
But it's not all bad. Humanity is still alive. There is no government, there is no corporate contractors that have the money and man power to make quick progress; but there are individuals from all walks who care. Nonprofits and church groups make up the majority of volunteers and labor, and we work for each other for trade. We work all day and then attend Camp Liberty, Camp Hope, Common Grounds, or an EC to get fed at night. I went to the French Quarter and was surprised. The residents there received more then enough compensation for the storm and have been able to buy NEW things with insurance and Red Cross money. But what about 83 year old life resident Mr. Robinson who hasn't had a roof on half his house since Katrina gobbled it up? ! ; He lives outside of the Quarter and is not needed to generate state tourism revenue.
Neighborhoods after neighborhoods are empty, dark and hollow. This is far from over.
Help is needed. Bands, perhaps swing through and energize the volunteers. Venues, perhaps hold a Katrina relief night and donate the door. Individuals, perhaps take a portion of your tax return and donate to Plenty so we can put a roof on Mr. Robinson's house. The smallest gift can go the farthest. I can help direct in which ever way you feel inspired. We're all in this together.
I've included you in this email either because you've expressed interest or I want you to be interested. I will be sending updates weekly. If you'd rather not be included, let me know and I will gladly remove your name.
I hope this finds you well, safe and warm.
Much love,
Sarah Firth
I am sitting in an RV outside of 715 Le Beau in old Arabi outside the 9th ward in what used to be New Orleans. We have an extension cord running from the neighbors 3 doors down; but have no gas, heat, nor hot water. I've already boiled water to brush my teeth and make java and am getting a slow start to the day. I have been in NOLA for 6 days now and give tremendous respect to the volunteers that have given up their personal lives to help their fellow man. Many have been here for a year or more and the wear and tear of hope - or lack there of, is visible in their eyes, on their skin, and has begun to penetrate their beliefs. Where is the help? It has been 16 months since Katrina leveled ! the Big Easy and still elderly sit in gutted decay without the necessities so many of us take for granted - food, water, shelter.
I've come down here with Plenty International, (www.plenty.org) whose motto rings true - 'In all fairness there is enough for everyone.' We are turning 715 Le Beau into a community house to offer hot showers, food, housing, and a place to gather after a long days work. A home base. This is work itself. Already I am physically exhausted. The south, east, and north side of the house have exterior walls, but the west is lacking. This house was in standing flood water of 5 ft for 2 days. The flooring, pipes, ceilings, walls, appliances, etc.. need to be replaced. We've focused on the bathroom and should have a place to shower by Monday. We are dealing with mold, asbestos, toxic water, and lead paint. Violence and ! crime are widespread. We jump at the smallest noise at night and investigate whether or not someone is trying to break in and take what very little we have.
But it's not all bad. Humanity is still alive. There is no government, there is no corporate contractors that have the money and man power to make quick progress; but there are individuals from all walks who care. Nonprofits and church groups make up the majority of volunteers and labor, and we work for each other for trade. We work all day and then attend Camp Liberty, Camp Hope, Common Grounds, or an EC to get fed at night. I went to the French Quarter and was surprised. The residents there received more then enough compensation for the storm and have been able to buy NEW things with insurance and Red Cross money. But what about 83 year old life resident Mr. Robinson who hasn't had a roof on half his house since Katrina gobbled it up? ! ; He lives outside of the Quarter and is not needed to generate state tourism revenue.
Neighborhoods after neighborhoods are empty, dark and hollow. This is far from over.
Help is needed. Bands, perhaps swing through and energize the volunteers. Venues, perhaps hold a Katrina relief night and donate the door. Individuals, perhaps take a portion of your tax return and donate to Plenty so we can put a roof on Mr. Robinson's house. The smallest gift can go the farthest. I can help direct in which ever way you feel inspired. We're all in this together.
I've included you in this email either because you've expressed interest or I want you to be interested. I will be sending updates weekly. If you'd rather not be included, let me know and I will gladly remove your name.
I hope this finds you well, safe and warm.
Much love,
Sarah Firth