Dozens of Central New Yorkers are helping with relief efforts in Louisiana after severe flooding in and around Baton Rouge. WAER News checked in on two different efforts from groups who’ve seen more than their share of disasters.
Disaster program manager for theAmerican Red Cross in Central New YorkSusan Pope says the volunteers in Louisiana are seeing a lot of hardship. First, it was Hurricane Katrina 11 years ago. Then there was flooding even before the most recent disaster.
"It's the second time in just a few months that this area has been hit by such great flooding," Pope said. "It's almost as though just as they get used to getting back to normal again something else hits. That repeated disaster experience is really draining."
Thirteen volunteers from Central New York have joined 2,600 others from across the nation to deliver hot meals, distribute cleaning and comfort supplies, and staff shelters. Pope expects they’ll be down there for weeks if not months. During that time, they’re likely to see waves of volunteers from other relief groups rotate in and out of the region, including from Operation Northern Comfort in Syracuse. CEO Norm Andrzejewski says the group has made 50 trips to Louisiana in the 10 years following Katrina. So they know what awaits them when they make the trip late next month.
" The first thing that we expect to see is people who need hope," Andrzejewski said. "One of the things that we are there to do is provide that to them. There will be probably 30 maybe more bodies going down there. Each one of them in engineered to help but also to listen and let them know that there is somebody that cares."
Anderjeski says taking time to listen is just as important as replacing sheetrock, painting, and making other repairs.
" We make it clear that 'ok, its important to physical work, there is no question about that and things to do'. However, people have stories that they want to tell and they have to do that."
But what about those who want to help but just can’t make the trip? Susan pope with the Red Cross says cash is best for many reasons.
"A lot of people ask us 'Can I donate clothing? Can I donate food?' The logistics side of that is enormous and we don't want to use up our money taking things from here down to Louisiana when it is much better for the economy that has been hit by the disaster, to spend money right there in the community and regenerate that community."
Pope says so far, the Red Cross has raised $13 million in relief, but their response alone will cost about $30 million.
The Red Cross accepts donations at redcross.org and 1-800-redcross. More information about Operation Northern Comfort and how to volunteer is at operationnc.org
