Katrina, Rita long gone, but victims remain
By Dr. Kurt Senske, President and Chief Executive Officer

When you travel outside the states of Texas and Louisiana, you don't hear much anymore about the ongoing impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The rest of the country has moved on and, to them, the disasters are over and done with. People are more preoccupied with who is getting booted from American Idol than the tragedy that continues to unfold along the Gulf Coast.

For those living in the affected areas, and those who are the neighbors, employers, caseworkers and educators for survivors of the hurricanes, we know that the truth is much different. The evacuees are reliving the disasters every day.

Life for many of those in the hurricane-devastated region will never be the same. They have lost homes, jobs, family, friends and communities. Reports about post-traumatic stress syndrome are beginning to emerge. Mental health experts say we will see more incidents of depression and suicide in the coming months. The situation is exacerbated as financial assistance and good will run out, forcing evacuees out of hotels and apartments. That combined with ongoing battles with insurance companies and FEMA will strain some individuals past theirs breaking points.

It is tempting to try to close the book and say the problem has ceased to be ours. Tempting, but wrong.

When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast and the broken levees flooded New Orleans, Americans responded generously. They gave freely of food, goods and services. Many evacuation shelters were overwhelmed with well-meaning volunteers who wanted to do something, anything, to help their fellow countrymen and countrywomen.

Now that the numbness and shock have worn off, now in what is certain to seem to be the darkest hours for survivors, one is hard-pressed to find volunteers willing to lend a helping hand.

Some communities have turned on the evacuees, blaming them for societal ills that existed long before the hurricane survivors sought refuge in their cities. Certainly social services, educational systems and law enforcement are strained by the sudden influx of hundreds or thousands of people; but none of the communities affected were Utopia before Aug. 29.

Instead of blaming, instead of turning our backs on those who are truly victims of these disasters, we should seize the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those in crisis.

Every world religion exhorts its followers to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and care for the needy and numerous faith groups are heeding the call but need your help. Lutheran Social Services is one of many faith-based and community organizations that continues to reach out to serve those still reeling from the twin disasters of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Under a Katrina Aid Today grant, we will be providing case management services to 6,800 families in Houston, New Orleans and Baton Rouge. In addition to the small contingent of paid caseworkers, we need the help of hundreds of volunteers who can help individuals and families set a new course for their lives.

As the local agent for Lutheran Disaster Response in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, we also are recruiting thousands of volunteers from all over the country to go to those areas and help residents by "mucking out" houses, helping with minor repairs and assisting those who are packing up their few belongings left so they can rebuild their lives as well as their homes.

I encourage you to contact a local faith-based or community group and find out what they are doing to assist hurricane survivors. See how your time, talents and resources can best be used to help fellow Americans.

Help turn tragedy into triumph!

Click here to learn how you can volunteer.

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