Comments on: Katrina – Disaster Relief – The Media and the Web 2.0

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:03:27 +0000

With regard to Mike’s comments (#1) to hope we’re better prepared for the next disaster … I thought that’s’ what we’d be doing, as a country, since 9/11? Isn’t that what making Homeland Security a cabinet-level department and consolidating agencies like FEMA under it was all about? God forbid the terrorists hit us in two places at once, because we’ve demonstrated we’re generally incapable of being prepared for widespread disaster in just one metro area, much less two or more.

By: Beau

Beau — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:03:27 +0000

You’d think that FEMA would have a web site where all of the NGO’s/govt could enter information about the people who they’re housing. This would also allow their friends and relatives to look them up and find them. If they didn’t find them, the system would allow them to enter their names, along with an email address. If the people were input into the system in the future, the system would email the friends or relatives who input the missing persons name. FEMA should have this setup and routinely publish the URL so that people know where to go in case of future disasters. Just seems like common sense. Volunteers should not have to setup systems…

By: Sandy

Sandy — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:03:27 +0000

If you’re still looking for a place to donate your clothes try the SoupMobile http://www.soupmobile.org. I work a concession stand at the Mavericks’ home games to raise money for this non-profit.

They are feeding and clothing some of the Katrina refugees as well as the homeless. I’m sure they’d be pleased with a cash donation as well .

By: Ron Des Laurier

Ron Des Laurier — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:03:27 +0000

WE disagree on some things as posted before but you are right on here .
Ron

By: Mary Wehmeier

Mary Wehmeier — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:03:27 +0000

Mark:
It’s been a long time since we’ve had a reason to talk, but this one brought be out of the woodwork. I totally agree with you on the personal in kind donations. Like you, I know these people need things now. Suits and business clothes for job interviews and may be a trip to church. Even baby clothes, blankets and school supplies would help these families. We’ve even talked to several medical suppliers to help with special needs kids and elders and they are willing to help– but the Feds and RC make it nearly impossible. While we’ve given donations, this idea of ONLY wanting cash really rubs me the wrong way. Like you I like to do most of my charity work in a low key personal manner, without the spotlight or potential of a media event.

On the other end, the Red Cross has had it’s head up the perverbial tailpipe for years when we (a group of old CompuServer Wizops)and other groups of have suggested to them a centralized dbase for events just like Katrina. May be the time has come for “we the people” to take the bull by the horns and do it ourselves. And when it’s sucessful they will come calling.

We’ll chat soon– Mary Lu

By: T.P.

T.P. — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:03:27 +0000

Mark,

Every newscast and every spokesperson for the Red Cross and other relief organizations began with the NEED FOR CASH. That should have been your first move. One of those big ole CUBAN CHECKS you are known for…After seeing the Tulane University Football team on local TV holed up at SMU with only a couple of t-shirts to their names, I organzied a clothing drive as well and now I imagine the team is sporting some of the 80′s and 90′s finest party gear we were all known for…LOL. You can find them at the Doubletree Campbell Center just a couple miles east of your pad if you’re still driving around with the clothes…

By: todd

todd — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:03:27 +0000

Mark,

Check out Habitat for Humanity. I’ve vounteered with them in the Dallas area for over a year now and I couldn’t imagine a better charity. Charities like the Red Cross are great for immediate response, but it’s going to be organizations like Habitat that will help in the long term by helping build affordable housing for those that need it.

check it out:

http://www.habitat.org

thanks,

Todd

By: Scott Griffith

Scott Griffith — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:03:27 +0000

There is a differnce between pointless criticisms and offering up ideas for improving things for the next time. You are doing the latter and we apparetiate that.

By: val barrutia

val barrutia — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:03:27 +0000

Let me know what I can do to help with your ideas Mark.
Respectfully,
Val Barrutia

By: Harold

Harold — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:03:27 +0000

I too spent yesterday driving around Dallas trying to find a place to donate gently used clothes. I was turned away from the Salvation Army and Texas Stadium. At Texas Stadium they said they just didn’t have space. I pointed across 183 to the vast yard that had hundreds of empty trailers in it and asked them if they’d called there for a donation. I asked them if they had called the yards along I 45 that have a vast expanse of shipping containers. I got stairs. I drove around Dallas looking for a church taking donations…none. I wound up at Goodwill. They will sell everything; which is good, but sad for those really now in need. We spend more time organizing our organizations than operating them.