Current shelter needs and reflections on future preparation

Gustav is passing through the area and has shared much rain and wind with us. One casualty for us is the server (computer) at the church and our Internet access. I am updating this from home. Information about the coastal areas is slow coming, but there are ongoing needs here in the shelters. The shelters at the Sam's and the old outlet mall need diapers (adult and children), wipes, soap, shampoo, rash ointment, towels, wash cloths, and new socks and underwear for all ages. Games for children are also needed as well as people who are willing to come to the shelters and spend time with the children. 

Walking into the shelter at that old Sam's on Jewella, it is best to enter the side door on the far left. You will probably find Pastor Sione or Terry Strain there at the "medical tent." They can help you get oriented in the shelter and point you in the right direction to drop your donations or to spend time with the children. 

As we prepare for future evacuations, it would be good to prepare kits for personal use like airlines have for people who are stranded over night with out luggage. Also, if the Sam's building and the outlet mall are going to be used as shelters in the future, I suggest that church volunteers partner with city or state agencies to build sufficient shower and toilet facilities, commercial washer and dryers, a medical services area, a children's area, an area for separating those with excessive anger or disturbing behavior, as well as stocking basics such as games for children, diapers and personal supplies. We live near the Gulf Coast. The Gulf is a hurricane prone area. More hurricanes will come and with them evacuations. Costal residents responded well to the call for evacuation and because of this many lives were protected from potential loss. The evacuation worked. If people are going to be willing to evacuate in the future, we must have facilities that are well enough equipped so that staying in the path of a hurricane doesn't sound like a better option. If there are members of the congregation or others reading this blog who are willing to consider this construction opportunity, let's talk. RobWeber@aol.com