Please help...

Justin

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I have been posting regularly but a lot has been going on in my life.

Here's the skinny:

We all know about the huricane that hit the gulf. Specifically Gulfport, MS. I currently have 28 members of my family that had their homes completely obliterated by the storm. You know those shots they are showing of the casinos thrown across the street? The slabs where houses used to be was where they all lived. I have people from ages 2 to 80 here with us and as you might imagine, we don't know what to do.

I am trying to call in every favor that I can think of to make these folks lives a little easier. We are currently attempting to finish out our basement to add an additional 2 bedroms and 1 bath. We have contacted a number of local churches and have been getting donations from people at my work but I am afraid that supplies that we are going to be able to come up with will not last as long as they will probably going to be here. They are looking at 4+ months. They should be getting assistance from FEMA and that should help but, there is nothing left. Absolutely nothing. It's not like they can just go back to their lives. They don't exist anymore. I am trying to help them through this rough time but it is a little difficult trying to motivate almost 30 people, many of whom are too old to care, that life will go on and be better. I don't know, I am just kinda rambling here. I am just looking for some other ideas as to where we might be able to get supplies to care for all of these people. 30 people!!! If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know...

federica

Justin, have just come out of the Katrina thread, where everyone is discussing the recent hurricane in new orleans.... "it never rains but it pours" - !! :sadc:

I am devastated to hear of the problems you are personally facing.
I live in France, and can do little or nothing personally to lend a helping hand, but you are always in my thoughts. In fact, I was wondering where you'd got to.... Know that, even though it is not in the slightest bit practical, I have a lamp which I burn on my Buddha-altar, and I dedicate thoughts and wishes through it.... You are there, and I dedicate my thoughts, good wishes and 'prayers' to you and yours. It's a miniscule crumb of comfort, but I sincerely hope it can be of a tiny bit of moral support to you.....

There's no smiley for *Hug*..... so *HUG.*

YogaMama

Sorry I didn't see this post until now. Justin, I am sorry to hear what you are going through! Where do you live? I am not sure what to do to help you out...any suggestions??

Justin

I don't even know. We need things that 25+ people need to survive for 6+ months. Really, we need everything that we can get. There are churches donating furniture and labor to finish out the whole basement so they have a habitable place to sleep. I don't ewven really know where to begin with something like this... Any suggestions or perspective would be greatly appreciated...

DharmaKitten

I'm so sorry to hear about your family. Where are they staying? How are they holding up? I've been watching the news nonstop and can't believe the destruction. We've been so fortunate here in Gainesville. Last fall all we lost was half a dogwood tree (and it wasn't that nice to begin with). I don't even know what I can do, but if you can me more specific ideas maybe I can see about something. My husband was thinking of going to the area next week to volunteer (he already had vacation days set), but everyone is saying to stay away for now. If we can't do anything personally, maybe he knows some people that might be able to help. I don't know for sure, though.

Brian

Somebody on short-media suggested that walmart or other department store gift cards would be valuable since they are cheaply mailed and able to be used for any needs that might come up.

http://www.short-media.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36839

Adiana

Justin:

I will be chanting for you and your family tonight. I can relate because my brother and his boys are staying with me for now. My brother does not even know at this point if his house is still standing---he and the boys managed to get out of New Orleans just in time. They are just trying to adjust to everything at this point.

Adiana

DharmaKitten

My university, UF, is doing something rather cool. In addition to various drives for food, money, etc., UF is letting students from the affected areas attend UF for in-state tuition costs. That might not seem significant, but UF is one of the cheapest universities there is for in-state tuition. They are also trying to find housing for such students. I think other Florida universities might be doing the same.

Justin

For anyone interested in helping, the address is:

Hockenhull Family Relief
c/o/ Justin McNichol
204 Miller Court
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Thank you for all of your support.

Sabine

Wow, we both live in GA! I feel so bad...I'm too young to drive there, and too young to send money directly to you... :sadc: I'll certainly keep you in my thoughts. Good luck!!!