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New Home For Disabled Evacuees
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The wind and water of Hurricane Katrina carved a void in the lives of disabled evacuees from a group home in Louisiana. But as Reed Galin reports, a church camp in Texas has transformed into their new home ... and become a place of comfort and support. |
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SCRIPT:
Brittney McGee / Group Home Resident: “It was very scary. And I
didn’t want to leave home, but I had to.”
They got out with their lives, but little else.
George Camp / Group Home Resident: “It’s pretty sad, homes and high water, the damage done to it.”
These disabled adults and children once lived comfortably in a New Orleans group home. When Hurricane Katrina hit, they fled to Texas looking for a safe place to stay.
Brittney McGee / Group Home Resident: “Being here in Texas, it’s really great because these people are really nice. But I do miss home.”
In an independent effort, Lakeview United Methodist Conference Center transformed space near Palestine, Texas. Ordinarily, the facility would be used for summer camp and retreats – but, now it’s home to 100 evacuees.
Von Dawson / Administrator, Lakeview United Methodist Conference Center: “The contributions from area churches and individuals has just been overwhelming.”
Jo Green is a psychologist – one of many volunteers who wanted to help.
Jo Green / Psychologist: “I can write a check, and I can go to the grocery store and buy bottled water, but I also can give my time, and these people had an enormous disruption and needed help.
Volunteers have donated food and clothing, and even came to give haircuts.
Voris Vigee / Group Home Administrator: “This is a great place to heal from the horrific experience we have been through.”
Psychologists are concerned about post-traumatic stress in the coming months. But the volunteers have pledged that these folks won’t go through it alone, either.
Jo Green: “All will be well. It may not be right now, but it will be alright.”
TAG:
It could take several months for the residents to find permanent housing, but volunteers say that getting them back into a routine has made it much easier to withstand the many changes.
For more information contact: Lakeview United
Methodist Conference Center at:
(903) 731-8100, or online at:
http://www.lakeviewmcc.org/relief.htm.