Volunteering at the Astrodome
Sep. 8th, 2005 09:42 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jrisingOn Friday I realized that I could free up the time to volunteer for a couple of weeks. And that was the whole idea behind my giving up teaching for independent coding, so I decided that it was a moral imperative to do so. For once, there's a real need, and I can help. So I got out of all my responsibilities, and I have two weeks to groove at the big party at the Astrodome.
I've been busy getting ready, but it all went well. Work responsibilities are satisfied, play responsibilities are in a reasonably happy state, and if I stay in touch, they'll all remain that way.
I started this entry on the plane down. I'm very excited. I want to blog for real while I'm here, but don't know if I'll have time. I wasn't even able to find a place to stay the first night.
So I came straight to the dome and did a night shift. I was told that I would never be able to get in, but it wasn't difficult and I got the nice little Volunteer band without going through any official registration process. I slept on a cot in the clothing sorting room and was jolted awake by the announcement system starting back up, less than four hours later, but I'm still pretty charged. I just need to call the Youth Hostel so I can get one good night's sleep and a shower.
The system dynamics here are understandably horrible, but better than they are reported to have been a week ago. A call goes out for lots-and-lots of volunteers, and 30 minutes later they have next to nothing to do. A few hours ago, the building I was serving food in had run out while the Astrodome-proper was closing full feeding stations for lack of demand. For approximately two minutes, we were told "Don't feed anyone but evacuees-- we don't have the food!", before they realized that we a good deal more food than we needed.
I'm in one of the main computer labs now, in the Astrodome. Very excited. I'll say more later.
I've been busy getting ready, but it all went well. Work responsibilities are satisfied, play responsibilities are in a reasonably happy state, and if I stay in touch, they'll all remain that way.
I started this entry on the plane down. I'm very excited. I want to blog for real while I'm here, but don't know if I'll have time. I wasn't even able to find a place to stay the first night.
So I came straight to the dome and did a night shift. I was told that I would never be able to get in, but it wasn't difficult and I got the nice little Volunteer band without going through any official registration process. I slept on a cot in the clothing sorting room and was jolted awake by the announcement system starting back up, less than four hours later, but I'm still pretty charged. I just need to call the Youth Hostel so I can get one good night's sleep and a shower.
The system dynamics here are understandably horrible, but better than they are reported to have been a week ago. A call goes out for lots-and-lots of volunteers, and 30 minutes later they have next to nothing to do. A few hours ago, the building I was serving food in had run out while the Astrodome-proper was closing full feeding stations for lack of demand. For approximately two minutes, we were told "Don't feed anyone but evacuees-- we don't have the food!", before they realized that we a good deal more food than we needed.
I'm in one of the main computer labs now, in the Astrodome. Very excited. I'll say more later.
referred to you by v.l.
Date: 2005-09-09 05:50 am (UTC)What I'm seeing is that many people are saying they WANT to stay in Houston. I don't understand it. I have places for elderly people, families, single people, etc. I have a long list of sponsors who just want to help someone get to their loved ones or to a host family.
Please please help me help these people. Visit my site and then shoot me an email. lisa_stanford@oci3.com
This entire process is uncivilized and completely wrong. We are not getting the whole truth, and there's a big conspiracy in covering up the reality of the situation. Please give us the real truth and help us get those people out of there who are ready to leave.
There is nothing wrong with independent volunteers helping to place FREE and INNOCENT people with homes of other volunteers who want to help them improve their lives.
Lisa Stanford
Independent Volunteer, OUTREACH!!!
OCI3.com
Can't wait to hear from you.
L in Atlanta.
Please call 404-840-7482 or 404-378-9699 or use my email. Thanks a lot.
Re: referred to you by v.l.
Date: 2005-09-10 04:20 am (UTC)