Helping victims locally -- progress report

Here are clothing sizes for an extended family of 23 Katrina survivors who have ended up in Milwaukee. How long they will be here is unknown, but, like most people, they left their homes expecting to be gone only a short time and took very little with them. If you want to help with money, food, or other needs, donations can be made to: Nathan and Lettye Albert, 2029 N. 5th St., Milwaukee, WI 53212. Phone: 414/ 263-3643. They are the ones providing for the family. Percy Dorsey has offered to pick up and deliver items in Milwaukee, and his phone number is 414/221-9737.

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This from John Stocks, who has been working to help a family of 9 living in a single motel room in Jackson, Miss., and his brother's family in Slidell, La. This morning's report:

Yesterday was exhausting and I fell asleep before I could write down my experiences from the day.

It was a bittersweet day. We made progress on the little things in life that we often take for granted. Things like food, electricity, hot water, decent shelter, gasoline, telephone service, etc.

JACKSON, MS-The Ewell Families

Angels of mercy kicked into high gear today.

After a full day of aggressive advocacy and the generosity of the local utility company, we were able to secure a second hotel room right across the hall at the Comfort Inn. Thank the great spirit for small victories.

Arrangements were made for the Ewell families to purchase personal items and essentials at Target. These two events made all the difference in their spirits.

We identified an apartment for them to look at that has three bedrooms, two baths and is @ 1300 square feet.

Today, we expect the arrival of packages of clothing at the hotel. We have arranged to wire money we have collected so they can find more permanent housing in Jackson. We will contact Stacy and Jerald's employer to let them know they are alive. We will register the families with the Red Cross.

We still have not heard from Percy, Randall and his family, Sterling and his family, or Wanda. They all refused to evacuate the city. This weighs very heavily on the amilies. Pray for them.

Tomorrow morning I leave for Jackson and Slidell to assist the Ewells and my brother.

SLIDELL, LA

Slidell was ground zero for Hurricane Katrina. There is not much left of the community.

The furniture, carpet, sheetrock and insulation are torn out of the my brother's
house. Now comes the monumental task of drying out what's left and rebuilding.

We found a 'fifth wheel' for my brother and his family to live in while they rebuild their home. Still no electricity so I am purchasing a generator this morning. Gasoline was acquired.

For Adam and Becky the big issue is time.... to work on the house.

Adam has been informed that he is on a seven day work week beginning today for Charter Communications in order to assist employees and get their systems up and running.

School officials say that October 1 is the absolute earliest for schools to open in Slidell so they are shuttling their children to Becky's parents in Baton Rouge so Becky can work on the house.

I will go to give a helping hand.

Priorities for the day: Wire the money, service the van, buy the generator, pick up the trailer, purchase supplies, secure 501c3 to administer future donations, check in on all the families.

I cry when I think of all the support I have received from colleagues, dear friends and family. This is really hard stuff. You angels of mercy have made a big difference. I will never forget it.

May the Great Spirit bless you.

John Stocks

Earlier post with details on how to help.