In New Orleans and the coastal flood plains of Mississippi, many people are complaining that the American Red Cross was missing in their worst hours of need and are worried that its billowing relief fund may bypass them entirely.
The organization did not open shelters in flood-prone areas and was therefore unable to provide food and other necessities to people closest to the coast ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.
"The Red Cross has been my biggest disappointment," said Tim Kellar, the administrator of Hancock County, Miss. "I held it in such high esteem until we were in the time of need. It was nonexistent."
Even some volunteers are disgusted. "I will never, ever wear the Red Cross vest again," said Betty Brunner, who started volunteering in 1969 when Hurricane Camille destroyed her house but quit last week over the organization's response in Hancock County.
Two days after Hurricane Katrina struck, the Red Cross had only one shelter in the county, and it was far from some of the most populated coastal towns. It had no shelter in New Orleans.
If you want alternatives to the Red Cross, I would like to recommend Episcopal Relief and Development as well as the American Friends Service Committee. Both are committed to long term response to disasters - not just immediate relief.
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ReplyDeleteHabitat for Humanity is another organization that seems to be committed to the long term rebuilding efforts. You might want to check them out at http://www.habitat.org/
ReplyDeleteCarolyn L.
We must also ask ourselves, "is the red cross MORE effective than...". Let's not forget what the red cross has done in places like Guantanamo Bay, or any other prison for that matter.
ReplyDeleteAnd I suspect, the red cross might have been inhibited by the government. countless stories are coming out on how the gov't would not let rescuers in. This is one among many: http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=3881189&nav=5ka4
Should the red cross examine its practices? Certainly, like we all should when reacting to an event; but we should not put the burden of rescue, which clearly is on the gov't, on the red cross when it may have been impeded by gov't agencies.
Three nurses I know personally wanted to help in any of the gulf states. They chose to go through "proper channels" which included filling out a 10 page application. They did this when it was early and it was all over the news that the area was begging for nurses. All three had extensive critical care experience, and one had been on medical mission trips to remote Africa. None of three were ever contacted. Another example, in my opinion, of the government effectively blocking those who wanted to help.
ReplyDeleteThat's simply outrageous, Anonymous. But, sadly, not surprising. This administration has a lot to answer for.
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