Where should an evacuee go? Is Oregon a good choice?
Sep 27th, 2005, 07:25 AM
#21
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I think it was Rick Warren of SaddleBack that said something about the Church's response to Katrina's (and now Rita's) victims as being one of its finest hours. Thanks for being a part of that.
As for the recommendation to move to the PNW, I'd echo the comments of others in pointing the young man to the Tacoma area, where I'd expect one can still find employment at wages that afford decent housing. In Portland, there seems to be a widening gap between wages and housing costs. I would guess the same is true of Seattle.
From what I've observed, this young man is blessed to have you as his counselor. Blessings to you!
As for the recommendation to move to the PNW, I'd echo the comments of others in pointing the young man to the Tacoma area, where I'd expect one can still find employment at wages that afford decent housing. In Portland, there seems to be a widening gap between wages and housing costs. I would guess the same is true of Seattle.
From what I've observed, this young man is blessed to have you as his counselor. Blessings to you!
Sep 27th, 2005, 07:57 AM
#22
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Don't know if he would consider Michigan, but I do know that 15 houses have already been given away in Cass County and that there are resources yet to be given to evacuees.
It's close enough to the big lake (Michigan) and many smaller lakes to be interesting to a 30 year old. It's green, mostly rural, but Chicago and Detroit are both only 2 to 3 hours away.
Cassopolis is the seat of the county and that town has a majority African-American population. The town itself has three large lakes within its boundaries and is beautiful. Diamond Lake is also very close- which is probably the highest end/ scale lake in SW Michigan. (Oprah was going to buy the island in the middle of Diamond Lake a few years ago, but backed out when she saw the security problems etc.)
Over the weekend several single men and some families that had received houses-
(It was a combo of Cass County government, churchs, and Habitat for Humanity) were interviewed on the news and all but one say they are staying in MI long term. The men already have jobs and the others had some good prospects.
The cost of living and community spirit for your young man are absolutely awesome in Michigan. If he can get transportation to MI and to Cass County, it really may be a great opportunity. They are not over-packed like many of the other evacuee input centers, and it also immensely/ culturally a match.
Our Tinley Park IL center is down to 70 and most say they are going to be staying in IL. But I actually think the Michigan opportunities are better, nicer and ideal for the long run. It's fishing and outdoor recreation heaven. Winters are snowy and there is skiing in the area.
Cass County is in extreme SW Michigan.
It's close enough to the big lake (Michigan) and many smaller lakes to be interesting to a 30 year old. It's green, mostly rural, but Chicago and Detroit are both only 2 to 3 hours away.
Cassopolis is the seat of the county and that town has a majority African-American population. The town itself has three large lakes within its boundaries and is beautiful. Diamond Lake is also very close- which is probably the highest end/ scale lake in SW Michigan. (Oprah was going to buy the island in the middle of Diamond Lake a few years ago, but backed out when she saw the security problems etc.)
Over the weekend several single men and some families that had received houses-
(It was a combo of Cass County government, churchs, and Habitat for Humanity) were interviewed on the news and all but one say they are staying in MI long term. The men already have jobs and the others had some good prospects.
The cost of living and community spirit for your young man are absolutely awesome in Michigan. If he can get transportation to MI and to Cass County, it really may be a great opportunity. They are not over-packed like many of the other evacuee input centers, and it also immensely/ culturally a match.
Our Tinley Park IL center is down to 70 and most say they are going to be staying in IL. But I actually think the Michigan opportunities are better, nicer and ideal for the long run. It's fishing and outdoor recreation heaven. Winters are snowy and there is skiing in the area.
Cass County is in extreme SW Michigan.
Sep 29th, 2005, 05:53 AM
#24
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Yesterday another house was given away by a private corporation in Summit, IL (close Chicago SW suburb) to a former Gulfport, LA resident. The women has three children living with her and she and her oldest young man already have jobs lined up. She was a homeowner in Gulfport for only 2 years. This person was SO HAPPY and her kids seemed even happier yesterday.
Opportunities abound in IL and MI and most are happy with their outcomes.
Opportunities abound in IL and MI and most are happy with their outcomes.
Sep 29th, 2005, 06:33 AM
#25
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Jim, our church is interested in settling a family in central pa but is having difficulty in being able to contact a worthy go-between in the Gulf area. We have committees all set up but... Any thoughts? Have tried via contact with chruch conference group in Miss but understandibly so they are swamped with simply keeping head above water to devote time to finding family for us. Dick
Oct 2nd, 2005, 08:13 PM
#26
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lgoustay, I have no idea at this point, other than the Red Cross. When Rita raised its ugly head everyone headed out of Houston, including FEMA and all the support units. We had people literally waiting in line for vouchers, etc., and they were told the facility was closed, moving to Arkansas, and no more services would be forthcoming.
When all of that happened, it was like the shelter network virtually closed. We took care of our own, then hunkered down. After the "storm" passed us, we turned our attention to helping East Texas churches and shelters who found themselves dealing with Rita.
Currently that is what we continue to do. We are shipping our supplies up there, especially water, food and baby supplies.
The place I would start in trying to link up with people and assist would be to use the Red Cross. That's how we did it. However, be prepared for a VERY long wait on the telephone. Perhaps by now the situation is better, but last week a half-hour or more wait was not uncommon.
Oh, and to close the chapter on my guy considering moving elsewhere: He decided he liked the way he was being treated here, and he's in an apartment in Houston.
Post again if I can help. Good luck.
Jim
When all of that happened, it was like the shelter network virtually closed. We took care of our own, then hunkered down. After the "storm" passed us, we turned our attention to helping East Texas churches and shelters who found themselves dealing with Rita.
Currently that is what we continue to do. We are shipping our supplies up there, especially water, food and baby supplies.
The place I would start in trying to link up with people and assist would be to use the Red Cross. That's how we did it. However, be prepared for a VERY long wait on the telephone. Perhaps by now the situation is better, but last week a half-hour or more wait was not uncommon.
Oh, and to close the chapter on my guy considering moving elsewhere: He decided he liked the way he was being treated here, and he's in an apartment in Houston.
Post again if I can help. Good luck.
Jim
Oct 3rd, 2005, 06:05 AM
#27
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Here we go again in Chicago. Scamming phoney evacuees. One who already received a house was ousted by her own neighborhood people who recognized her picture in the paper.
How low! And why did she not think that people would recognize her!
How low! And why did she not think that people would recognize her!
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