The Reality of 1 MIllion Refugees--Part 3

Excerpts from two e-mails from my "other" church (the one in which I am currently ordained)(emphasis added):

I attended a faith leaders meeting at 2nd Baptist this morning. It seems there are little to no funds available (fed, state, county, city) to feed the 25K people being housed at the Astrodome after Wed. 9/6. The churches of Houston are being called on to step up and help. Working in three shifts, 250 volunteers will be needed for each shift to feed the people. The cost for a meal is $1.75, or $130,000 for the day. It is hoped that churches, groups of churches, will sponsor one day for the cost and volunteers. Help may be needed for the next two to three months at a cost of 4.5 million a month. Each volunteer must go through a two hour training session, provided by 2nd Baptist/United Way. More information can be found at second.org (2nd Baptist). I think it is a realistic goal that the Houston churches can come up with enough volunteers for one shift, and perhaps with the help of the conference we can fund one shift ($40,000). United Way is handling the banking concerns. These are the poorest of the poor who need are in need of help with food. I talked with K----- at Church World Service in Austin, he seemed to think that this is the best way we can help with the immediate problem. Let me know what you think.

And this:

To All United Church of Christ Partners,
I am making an official request regarding the tragic and horrible conditions of people (our brothers, sisters, and their children) who have been forced to leave New Orleans and the surrounding areas due to the neglected conditions that exist in the Greater New Orleans Community. Most people are relocating to the Houston Area and I have experienced "hands on" relationships with families (large families) who have lost EVERYTHING and have been relocated to Houston with only the clothes on their backs ... the personal items that they could carry ... the other possession that were not destroyed.
The news accounts only demonstrate in a minimal way how entire families have had all of their "earthly & material" possessions destroyed. Intentional help ... not temporary help (food, water, clothes, etc.) is needed. Families and people, who have been under tremendous stress and anxiety Sunday thru Friday (lack of food, shelter, clothing, medical care, etc.) need the help for "resettlement or relocation" to the Houston Area. Due to their lost of homes and possession and the conditions that exist in New Orleans which prevents people from returning for approximately three to six months, families are unable to return to New Orleans and need long term assistance in the following:

Short Term or Long Term Housing [three (3) to six (6) months]
FEIMA, RED CROSS, UNITED WAY PROCESSING
OFTEN TAKES TWO (2) WEEKS PLUS AND FURTHER
CAUSES STRESS AND ANXIETY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE
TO NAVIGATE THE BUREAUCRATIC PROCESS
Food, Clothing and Health Care
Education for School Age Children
Social Services
Spiritual and Pastoral Care (Counseling)

This is what we are facing. This is what we would be facing, regardless of current circumstances. But the complete incompetence of government to respond to this crisis, has simply made things worse. And the long-term picture, is even bleaker.

This is going to pick up our country and shake it by the ankles. This, not 9/11, is going to "change everything."