Katrina Updates 9-7 and 9-8-05

There has been an outpouring of supplies and other assistance that has been received or offered to help with the Katrina victims. One of the supporters wrote me this email that sums it up… “Tonight I came down with a load of clothes, personal items and coloring books and was so thankful I had to WAIT in LINE...lol...what a blessing to have to WAIT to donate:)”.

Many volunteers are working with staff to organize these items so they can be best used for the relief effort. The Mission’s two thrift stores have also been designated as furniture support locations to help furnish families’ new living arrangements. Both stores are also supplying clothing to those that need help.

One of our first families that arrived at the Mission was relocated with the help of a mother and her daughter, their church and a group of concerned Louisvillians. We said our good byes and pray for their continued progress getting though the crisis that hit them so hard. As they left they promised to take Nina and me out to dinner the next time we visit New Orleans. What a blessing it is to have the opportunity to serve those in need if even for a short time. These people are very grateful for all that our community is doing.

Before we left tonight our first single man and single woman arrived, along with another couple. The woman drove up in a rented car from Houston were she had been in the Astrodome. She reported that she was a chemist and was the only one in her family that made it out alive, being air lifted from her home a few days earlier. The pain and shock is heartbreaking to see. We pray God’s blessings on those that have lost their homes and often family and friends.

Katrina Update 9-8-05
Another busy day as others arrive by car and bus checking into the Red Cross and then the Mission. Today we began to make significant progress working with clients as three Wayside case managers begin to process the new residents. A fourth social worker arrived from Northern KY to spend 4-5 days in Louisville working at Wayside with the children, making sure their needs were being addressed. Her church is planning to also assist residents in their area. Rev. William Nelson, Pastor of Greater St. Mark’s Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor John Crittenden of Forest Baptist Church visited our residents and offered prayer and support. Each of these churches is planning to help with our efforts by volunteering and supporting the Mission financially. Pastor Crittenden invited our residents to a picnic that his church is having this Saturday. All of the residents present signed up for this opportunity. We received a check today for $65 that stated “for McDonald’s for the children”. A new family from Biloxi arrived a few minutes ago and began crying when they got off the elevator and saw that some of their neighbors were already staying with us. They hugged each other before going to their room to get some much needed rest.

Today we compiled a list of services we are offering to our new residents (see below).

Wayside Christian Mission (502)584-3711 or 345-6100
Displaced Citizen’s Housing and Supportive Services
432 East Jefferson Street (Do Not go to our Emergency Shelter on East Market Street)

Housing
Long and Short Term Housing (1day-6 months)
Hotel Room Floor Plan
Private bath, shower and toilet
3 Buffet Meals prepared and served daily
All Rooms handicap accessible
Cable TV in all rooms
Designated smoking area on floor
Most Pets Allowed or arrangements available
Common Areas on each floor include
Big Screen Cable TV
Washer and Dryer
Computer with High Speed Access
WiFi internet access
Children’s Activity Center
Children’s Services
Jefferson County Public School Registration on Site
School Transportation – Directly to and from facility
Private School Placement – no tuition fees
Wayside Child Development Center
Free preschool/child care (limited entry)
After school program available
Children’s Activity Center
Video Games
Cable TV
Board Games
Supportive Services
Case manager on site
Assessment, counseling and referral
Job Placement Assistance
House and Apartment Placement Assistance
Transportation Assistance Available
Hygiene Supplies Available and on site
Clothing Available and on site
Bicycles for transportation available on site
Auxiliary Services in Walking Distance
Bus Line
Medical Hospitals
Medical Clinics
Supermarket and Pharmacy (next door)
Catholic Church (next door), Protestant Churches (walking distance)
Waterfront Park (walking distance)
Downtown services and entertainment (walking distance)
Art Gallery District – adjacent

Please also notice that we have been developing volunteer jobs specifically for our Katrina housing efforts. Please let us know if you are interested in any of the opportunities listed.