Today took forever......I started at 7:00am in downtown Houston. I had to go to the Houston HUD office and pick up a portable (and very cool) printer. We can't use the FEMA printers. Why you might ask? (even if you don't I'm going to tell you anyway) FEMA is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS doesn't play well with others. There may be spies behind every bush waiting to print. Anyway. Got the printer and got to Bayou Vista. Set it up. And I have now told you the most exicting part of my day. Our more experienced FEMA workers call it the low tide mark. It's the time (usually 1 or 2 days) between when people have registered for help and the decision is made. in the nest few days, applicants will be told that they get help, or don't. either way, it's going to be crazy. I was told that my DRC has 6,500 applicants. Get ready for the surge. (Sorry for the bad choice of words).
I need food. Good night.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Blah, Blah, Blah
I just got back to my room and it's almost 8:00. The faces change and the work goes on. the title does not describe my feelings, but just that so much happens, it's hard to put it all down. I would have thought that we would be thinning out with the number of applicants, but the opposite is true. As word spreads, more show up. Today, I was able to refer a number of people to the PHAs (Public Housing Agency) to get the final process for housing done. It's great to see the hopelessness disappear, and the realization that a place to call "home" is becoming a reality.
We had a late lunch, so I'm going to finish up my paperwork and watch the 3 inning World Series game on TV.
We had a late lunch, so I'm going to finish up my paperwork and watch the 3 inning World Series game on TV.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Secrets
I just got "home" and boy were my research skills put to the test today. We had a guy who lost his mobile home. Literally. He and his "significant other" are living in a tent, and the FEMAs are trying hard, as am I, to find them real housing. Pray we succeed. Can't say more.
The hotel program ended today for most of the applicants, so tomorrow is going to be interesting. We're up to the task.
Gotta give blessings and props to the ladies with us from the "early voting" here in Texas. They have taken it upon themselves to make sure that we have good food for lunch every day. It's something different, and definitely Texas home cookin'.
Bed is calling. I'm answering.
The hotel program ended today for most of the applicants, so tomorrow is going to be interesting. We're up to the task.
Gotta give blessings and props to the ladies with us from the "early voting" here in Texas. They have taken it upon themselves to make sure that we have good food for lunch every day. It's something different, and definitely Texas home cookin'.
Bed is calling. I'm answering.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Crazy Monday
Really busy and crazy day. There was a line waiting all day long. Most of the applicants start with this..."You probably can't help me but". It's great to be able to change their mind and their opinion of the process. FEMA is working hard with HUD to get people into housing that fits their want AND needs. This was the first day we started to see the process work and we are finally able to send people to the Housing Agencies for placement.
The DRC team is great. In ours we have FEMA, HUD, SBA, and the IRS on the federal side. And the State of Texas Employment Services, and the very important Texas Division of Insurance (TDI). These people sit next to me and it's their job to make sure the insurance companies don't mess with people. I can't believe the number of insurance companies that won't pay what they are supposed to (tongue planted firmly in cheek). For example, if a person has flood insurance, they say the damage is from wind. If they have wind damage, the flood did it. Every owner that comes in is having some sort of problem with the companies. TDI calls for the owners and nearly every time, they get it done for the owners. Talk about job satisfaction. The TDI people are great people too. I'm making a bunch of friends.
Although most of my job is sitting and talking/listening, I am exhausted at the end of the day. I've been going to bed at 8:30/9:00. It's approaching 8:00 and my dinner is finally ready. I might even watch a little TV (but will probably fall asleep).
Yesterday, I was able to talk to nearly all of the family. I miss them a lot, but thank God for the ability to stay in touch with them and do this kind of work.
Be blessed...I am.
The DRC team is great. In ours we have FEMA, HUD, SBA, and the IRS on the federal side. And the State of Texas Employment Services, and the very important Texas Division of Insurance (TDI). These people sit next to me and it's their job to make sure the insurance companies don't mess with people. I can't believe the number of insurance companies that won't pay what they are supposed to (tongue planted firmly in cheek). For example, if a person has flood insurance, they say the damage is from wind. If they have wind damage, the flood did it. Every owner that comes in is having some sort of problem with the companies. TDI calls for the owners and nearly every time, they get it done for the owners. Talk about job satisfaction. The TDI people are great people too. I'm making a bunch of friends.
Although most of my job is sitting and talking/listening, I am exhausted at the end of the day. I've been going to bed at 8:30/9:00. It's approaching 8:00 and my dinner is finally ready. I might even watch a little TV (but will probably fall asleep).
Yesterday, I was able to talk to nearly all of the family. I miss them a lot, but thank God for the ability to stay in touch with them and do this kind of work.
Be blessed...I am.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Weekend
Sorry I didn't post on Saturday. I was bushed and went to bed early. I was able to call some family, then got a funky busy signal... Saturday was not as busy as expected, so we were able to get out in the area and I took some pics. this is from the neighborhood and is 5 weeks after the storm. As you can see, there are still boats on the median.
Went to the Church this morning and it was great! A lot like cornerstone, but with Texas slant. I've been invited to a small group, and want to go, but we'll see if my schedule allows. after Church, I went to the Johnson Space Center. I was able to watch an airshow from there. The Thunderbirds were there. Very cool.
I need to do laundry, so bye now.
Went to the Church this morning and it was great! A lot like cornerstone, but with Texas slant. I've been invited to a small group, and want to go, but we'll see if my schedule allows. after Church, I went to the Johnson Space Center. I was able to watch an airshow from there. The Thunderbirds were there. Very cool.
I need to do laundry, so bye now.
Friday, October 24, 2008
A constant stream and a miracle.
Today we had a constant stream of people, but it wasn't too busy. The local mayor came in and agreed to get the word out to his city that we are here. We share the room with early voters. Many of them are surprised to see us and end up staying to talk. In the late morning, the local highway workers and police put up large signs all over Bayou Vista about the DRC. By 5:00, we were very busy. We are open tomorrow for a full shift and I believe it's going to be crazy. I was surprised to learn that on Wed and Thurs alone, 501 people came through our DRC. I guess being busy makes the hard work not seem that hard. Tomorrow, the first day open on a weekend, we expect all the 9 to 5rs to show up.
The most memorable of today's "talks" was with a young man of 21 named "D". D has Downs Syndrome and was informed that he must move on the 1st. He was with his sister, who told me "all he wants is a bed and his TV" (he loves the cartoon channel). This talk killed me, because we are still in the intake phase and don't have the resources in place yet to direct someone to housing. D looked at me as I spoke and a tear dripped out of his eye. That was it. There was no way I could let him leave with just information and being told to wait for a letter from FEMA. His sister would not allow him to just be placed in a home far away from his home. Houston is 50 or so miles away. I didn't even know where to start. They left me and as they spoke with the other agencies in the DRC, I prayed and He answered. Using the net, I found a local disability housing agency and called them. I told the very compassionate worker D's story and she said since Ike, they have been full, with no hope for any openings. I asked here to check again and prayed hard. She came back on the line nearly giddy and said that they HAD AN OPENING FOR A HOME RIGHT HERE in BAYOU VISTA! By now, all of the other DRC workers knew Ds plight and when the saw me hang up and give the "touchdown sign", stopped what they were doing. I walked (floated) over the D and his sister and gave them the news. The whole place was cheering, both workers and clients. It was unreal. Our DRC leader told us that "this is what it's all about!"
I need sleep. Keep praying.
The most memorable of today's "talks" was with a young man of 21 named "D". D has Downs Syndrome and was informed that he must move on the 1st. He was with his sister, who told me "all he wants is a bed and his TV" (he loves the cartoon channel). This talk killed me, because we are still in the intake phase and don't have the resources in place yet to direct someone to housing. D looked at me as I spoke and a tear dripped out of his eye. That was it. There was no way I could let him leave with just information and being told to wait for a letter from FEMA. His sister would not allow him to just be placed in a home far away from his home. Houston is 50 or so miles away. I didn't even know where to start. They left me and as they spoke with the other agencies in the DRC, I prayed and He answered. Using the net, I found a local disability housing agency and called them. I told the very compassionate worker D's story and she said since Ike, they have been full, with no hope for any openings. I asked here to check again and prayed hard. She came back on the line nearly giddy and said that they HAD AN OPENING FOR A HOME RIGHT HERE in BAYOU VISTA! By now, all of the other DRC workers knew Ds plight and when the saw me hang up and give the "touchdown sign", stopped what they were doing. I walked (floated) over the D and his sister and gave them the news. The whole place was cheering, both workers and clients. It was unreal. Our DRC leader told us that "this is what it's all about!"
I need sleep. Keep praying.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Very moving day
The people we saw today had stories that moved me to tears (but after they left). I can't imagine losing everything and having to be at the "mercy" of others. The great thing is that we are giving them hope. Hope that will allow them to start again, or anew. Money is fleeting though. everyone gets money help. I feel that that biggest thing we are giving is a listening ear, and compassion. I tell them that I have nothing to compare with what they are going through, and they actually smile about that. You don't live in "Hurricane alley" was one response. In addition to all the bad, most of the people we see still have a sense of humor about it all and will not feel sorry for themselves. They just want to move on.
We also had a bit of excitement, as one of the refineries had a pretty big fire (but from the locals told us, it happens all the time). Gas here is $2.39 for Super!
On a positive note. We found out today the DRC's will be closed on Sunday's. I volunteered to work, if needed, but look forward to being able to go to church. One of the other DRC workers from the state of Texas invited me to his church and I told him I would be glad to go.
I'm pooped. The hours are long, the work drains you, but it's great to make a difference in someone's life. Tomorrow is new, the people are expecting, and thankfully, we will be there to answer the call.
Out!
We also had a bit of excitement, as one of the refineries had a pretty big fire (but from the locals told us, it happens all the time). Gas here is $2.39 for Super!
On a positive note. We found out today the DRC's will be closed on Sunday's. I volunteered to work, if needed, but look forward to being able to go to church. One of the other DRC workers from the state of Texas invited me to his church and I told him I would be glad to go.
I'm pooped. The hours are long, the work drains you, but it's great to make a difference in someone's life. Tomorrow is new, the people are expecting, and thankfully, we will be there to answer the call.
Out!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Arrival and first day on duty
I traveled on Tuesday to Houston and the flight was uneventful (thank God). However, I got a birds eye view (really) of the scope of the disaster on our decent into Houston. we came in from the south and there were hundreds of blue tarps covering damaged roofs.
After a short 3 hour "training" at HUD, I drove to my duty station or Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). As I approached Bayou Vista, the damage was more and more evident. There are few signs still standing (both store and street/highway), so bless God for the free GPS I got from my rental company. As I got off the exit, I had to re-route around a boat in the road. I mean a 25 foot boat! The clean up is going slow and the people are tired, frustrated, looking for help (gov't assistance) and a shoulder to cry on. I worked there until 7:00 tonight and the persons I talked to were so grateful. I can only hope and pray that the words I spoke and the information I gave will help them. I'm going to bed now, as the day starts again at 7:30 tomorrow.
PS: I drove through my first Texas thunderstorm on the way "home" and had to drive through (no kidding) a foot of water for the last 1/2 mile. The guy in the room next to me said that was a little one. Things are bigger in Texas!
After a short 3 hour "training" at HUD, I drove to my duty station or Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). As I approached Bayou Vista, the damage was more and more evident. There are few signs still standing (both store and street/highway), so bless God for the free GPS I got from my rental company. As I got off the exit, I had to re-route around a boat in the road. I mean a 25 foot boat! The clean up is going slow and the people are tired, frustrated, looking for help (gov't assistance) and a shoulder to cry on. I worked there until 7:00 tonight and the persons I talked to were so grateful. I can only hope and pray that the words I spoke and the information I gave will help them. I'm going to bed now, as the day starts again at 7:30 tomorrow.
PS: I drove through my first Texas thunderstorm on the way "home" and had to drive through (no kidding) a foot of water for the last 1/2 mile. The guy in the room next to me said that was a little one. Things are bigger in Texas!
Monday, October 20, 2008
The night before...
These last two posts were for practice. We just put the kids down for the night. Everyone is feeling better. It's going to be a long 5 1/2 weeks.
The day before.
I am at home trying to think of what I will need to pack. We have a bunch of kids sick with a stomach bug, and I have it too.
Tune in to this site for updates of what I experience between now and November 25.
Tune in to this site for updates of what I experience between now and November 25.
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