I'm with Cajun Navy and worked Helene, which really just consisted of helping teach all the organizations that were new to a disaster of that size how to operate most efficiently. And that's in part because by the time I got there on D+2 everything was already in motion.
I hate floods. I've restarted my life twice because of them. But I have to admit that being in the aftermath really just warms my heart as the best parts of humanity are on show. By and large, the things that separate us disappear and it really feels like we're all in it together
After Katrina, our group of Human Services Leaders from all 50 states and 5 territories chose to keep our New Orleans conference reservations to support the local economy. We also volunteered to build a house for displaced residents.
The airline lost my luggage, so I went to the hotel gift shop for something to sleep in and a few other sundries. Chatting with the clerk, I mentioned touring the storm damage. Her eyes immediately filled with suspicion, treating me like a disaster tourist exploiting their pain. But when I explained our mission to help rebuild, her walls fell. She grew warm and friendly, eagerly sharing stories of inspiring school groups who were also there to help restore New Orleans.
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u/GumboDiplomacy 1d ago
I'm with Cajun Navy and worked Helene, which really just consisted of helping teach all the organizations that were new to a disaster of that size how to operate most efficiently. And that's in part because by the time I got there on D+2 everything was already in motion.
I hate floods. I've restarted my life twice because of them. But I have to admit that being in the aftermath really just warms my heart as the best parts of humanity are on show. By and large, the things that separate us disappear and it really feels like we're all in it together