Status in Houston

[Lucy]

Hi all,

Just felt I should tell everyone here that we've had almost no arrests or crime here related to welcoming 250,000 new homeless persons into our state. Everyone is very appreciative, and someone said that when they were in the Astrodome that they didn't hear one complaint with 40,000 getting processed into the system -- triage, as so many are ill by now, pat search as many had weapons, probably to protect themselves.

One man reported walking through rows and rows of cots at the beginning and seeing all the filthy feet with cuts from glass in them.
The man had been working some 30 hours non-stop, and broke down and cried in the middle of the interview.

So many positive things to report, but I'm also out of energy as had to take Mom to the ER and keep her on the telemetry until til today. Will tell you that there were about 50 of these visitors in the emergency room waiting room, and they were sooo quiet that it was eery, even the little children. You can tell they are traumatized. While in the holding area, we heard one man state that he was staying with a friend who lived in the area. You hear one word quite frequently from these people. That word is a quiet "everything." That's what they reply that they lost.

We have a pretty well organized system in place now, and people are getting reconnected with loved ones right and left. Nice to see all the smiles, people laughing and joking around, and children playing like children normally do.

Also, while we were there, a lady came in via ambulance who'd fallen ill while standing in line at the Health and Human Services building. She look pretty bad and she wasn't all that old either, I don't think. Think for the most part, all these people had been part of the walking wounded in N.O.

Anyway, we've pretty much declared the state to be full, so hanging out the no vacancy sign for now as more states are getting info from here about what has been helpful here, and have had the time to get their operation staffed and stocked for receiving all their new residents.

The latest communications are being used to post all the lists of people trying to make contact with relatives in one place, and by now, all the lists have probably been combined which should make finding people really quick if they are here and processed in.

Oh yeah, don't think I was available to post this, but when it became apparent that the Astrodome and Reliant Convention Center were not going to comfortably accommodate all those coming in, the major made the decision to open up (commandere, actually) the Brown Convention Center downtown between Minutet Maid park and Toyota Center. Tthey had to cancel BIG conventions, but heard the mayor say if the people planning to have their conventions there wanted to they could sue him, but it was the right thing to do.

Sooo sleepy I can't keep my eyes open or I'd tell you more stories that you probably won't get on the old three network news. If I remember later in the week and feel more rested, will let you know.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Yours Luce

[Jean]

Luce,

So good to hear your report. It kind of irritates me that the press is dwelling on the looting and shootings. I know that the majority of the survivors are good people.

I'm still stunned by what happened, and am glued to CNN when I'm not at work. I may take in some birds temporarily, seems like the best thing that I can do.

Love, Jean

[starfire]

It is so good to hear from you Luce. I almost posted yesterday wondering if all was OK with you and I see it really isn't and I guess that's to be expected.

Thank you for the update on the people rescued by Houston/Texas. I got chills reading it. I feel so terribly blessed that I am not in that situation and my heart aches for all those who are. Please keep the reports coming if you have the time. Your Mom comes first, though, as you know.



Jean, That is a wonderful idea about taking in birds. That could be so very helpful for bird owners who can't take care of their pets for a while.



Love, Shirley

[TXBrenda]

Good to hear from you,

Amarillo is supposed to receive 500 -750 hurricane victims. They will house them in the Civic Center to begin with. The schools are ready for any children that might show up.

My daughter is in the Canyon school system. A few individuals have already made it up here to stay with family. Glad we will be helping in this small way.

TexasBrenda

[Sally]

Thank you for the report, Luce. It is so good to hear personally from someone down there. I think what the state of Texas and all the other states around Louisiana are doing is wonderful and it makes me proud to be an American.

I live way out here in Oregon and I feel kind of disconnected. If you hear of anyone that would like to relocate here, I have a big house and could take a family until they get on their feet. This is a national tragedy and I am so glad to see so many people pulling together.

Yes, Luce, keep us updated if you have the time. We may be far away, but we care!!

Lots of love to everybody everywhere,

Sally