Two Years Ago Today
Today is the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. In my mind, the country, and the charities that serve it, will never be the same. I've written and talked about that hurricane and its aftermath as much as anyone in America, and I won't bore you with a lengthy self-serving diatribe today. My thoughts are basically the same as when I wrote this piece a year ago.
In essence, I think most charities performed admirably in the days after Katrina. And while I think some money was wasted, I don't think it was as much as many would have you believe. Most of what disappeared was given to a) scammers out to capitalize on people's ignorance and generosity, or b) the new groups that never should have tried to start a charity in the midst of a disaster of this size and scope. But in the end, if you have seen New Orleans and the carnage there, you know that even the $6 billion raised by American charities--the most ever raised for a single area or event--is nowhere near enough to have a serious impact on rebuilding and reconstruction.
As for individual charities, I think the Red Cross was, on the whole, criticized unfairly. They did a good, not great, job under unbelievable circumstances, but were pilloried in the media by those looking for a scapegoat. On the other hand, the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund was vague and elusive with their donors, and even had their high-profile religious advisors resign because they weren't positive the churches they were giving to even "existed" and yet the mainstream media ran from this story. And two years later, I'm still not sure exactly what Habitat did with the $127 million they raised, as they've only ear-marked 1/4 of it for New Orleans, and in a best case scenario, hope to build a little over 100 houses in that city. (I'll be on Anderson Cooper's CNN show tonight to talk more about this.)
My heart breaks for the city. I suspect it will never be the same. And I imagine this is also true of the charities in this nation. Donors will demand, eventually, that we be more transparent and accountable, and learn from the mistakes of Katrina. On this second anniversary of the horror that flooded a great American city, let us honor those that lost their lives by promising to do better next time.
In essence, I think most charities performed admirably in the days after Katrina. And while I think some money was wasted, I don't think it was as much as many would have you believe. Most of what disappeared was given to a) scammers out to capitalize on people's ignorance and generosity, or b) the new groups that never should have tried to start a charity in the midst of a disaster of this size and scope. But in the end, if you have seen New Orleans and the carnage there, you know that even the $6 billion raised by American charities--the most ever raised for a single area or event--is nowhere near enough to have a serious impact on rebuilding and reconstruction.
As for individual charities, I think the Red Cross was, on the whole, criticized unfairly. They did a good, not great, job under unbelievable circumstances, but were pilloried in the media by those looking for a scapegoat. On the other hand, the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund was vague and elusive with their donors, and even had their high-profile religious advisors resign because they weren't positive the churches they were giving to even "existed" and yet the mainstream media ran from this story. And two years later, I'm still not sure exactly what Habitat did with the $127 million they raised, as they've only ear-marked 1/4 of it for New Orleans, and in a best case scenario, hope to build a little over 100 houses in that city. (I'll be on Anderson Cooper's CNN show tonight to talk more about this.)
My heart breaks for the city. I suspect it will never be the same. And I imagine this is also true of the charities in this nation. Donors will demand, eventually, that we be more transparent and accountable, and learn from the mistakes of Katrina. On this second anniversary of the horror that flooded a great American city, let us honor those that lost their lives by promising to do better next time.
Labels: American Red Cross, Anderson Cooper, Bill Clinton, Bush, Habitat, Hurrciane Katrina, New Orleans
posted by Trent Stamp at 9:03 AM
6 Comments:
I can't believe how fast time flys it seems like yesterday.
Katrina, is still in my mind the biggest let down of our countries history - and I don't think enough is being done to restore the area.. and I hope to God they actually fixed the walls this time.
I servived Katrina, She will forever be in my mind. I have watched as the government has promised to do things and yes some progress is being made on the coast. But, not like they would want you to believe. All talk is foreve on N.O. Lets go to Mississippi and Alabama> MS Was HIT HARD OK YES they are up and running to a point but drive down 90 and out the side road where people lived there is alot of work that needs to be done. Alot of debrie that needs to be remove They can't do it on their own! Funds miss used Yes people defrauded Yes thats a disgrace, If you wonder No I received nothing from FEMA had to take out a loan to pay off the car that was totaled and still paying on it. the New O. Well, will never be the same, the protection it needs is never going to be where it needs to be. It they were going to build the levy to with stand a 5 then they would have begun doing it. Not putting it back at a stage 3. Wake up people....
Two years ago today, my beloved city, New orleans still has a long way to go. Since Katrina, I have developed cancer and have a 10-year-old daughter with a mild mental status. I have my own hoome in which I cannot afford to rebuild because the ROad Home Program is only offering me $14,000 due to myexcessive income. What the hell does income have to do with rebuilding a person's life? I have worked for the Federal Government for 31 years and still going strong and NEVER had to ask for any handouts because I always was independent and worked hard all my life. Now when help is needed, those that worked, had insurance, own thier homes cannot get a damn thing because of income! Why can we send billions of dollars to Iraq and cannot help Katirna victims right here in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the richest country in the world! We still need help and donot know where the money is going! Mr. Bush and the whole world, please donot forget about us because the nightmare of Katrina is still alive and well and we definitely still need help! Don't let uptown, the French Quarters locations fool you, take a drive around the city, the Ninth Ward, New Orleans East, Chalmette, etc. Take a hard look at the city and the people that are still suffering trying to rebuild lives!
They have not fixed the walls to withstand anything above a class 3. (I wouldn't even trust that) Insurance will be impossible, and maybe it's time to relocate!! The city is sinking, the Mississippi Delta is a mess.
I don't want to see tax dollars poured into an area, (even though once a great area) When chances are very high it is going to get flooded again! Then what?? Rebuild again????
Wish I had seen New Orleans Before Katrina, but my son got to go there in 1997 and he had a great time.
Good luck,
Julie
My husband, son and I have been to the gulf several times to help on various Habitat builds. The biggest issue they are having is lack of manpower. True, they have the money to build homes, but are having a difficult time finding people (volunteers or even hired contractors) to do the actual work. They are building homes as quickly as they can, but until more people volunteer their time, Habitat will have to continue their slow and steady pace.
Trent, instead of criticizing Habitat, I would ask you to encourage people to volunteer their time to build these homes. Right now, Habitat could use volunteers to build homes in the gulf region more than they could use funds.
How dare you criticize Habitat and the thousands of volunteers who have spent their own money and taken their own time to assist the families in New Orleans and other communities. Your facts are wrong, and your comments are distasteful to many who are working hard, providing hope and making a difference....already to thousands of families in new Orleans area alone!.
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