FEMA trailer park family assistance - needs and numbers

Here is the list of items that the Educational Services of Renaissance is requesting for donation. Mary, the Educational Services Consultant, forwarded me the information today.



"We are basically asking that groups or families provide the following for each family:

1. a set of clothes for each child
2. underwear and socks
3. a pair of shoes
4. hygiene products (like toothburshes and toothpaste)
5. food for the family
6. a special gift for each child
7. possibly, if budget allows, smaller gifts for each child
8. a Christmas stocking
9. a gift for their mommy

Thanks so much for helping me out with this."




Seven children from the early childhood to middle grade program have been located, and 4 more children are being selected from the teen program.

The smallest number to care for is one boy and his mother. The largest family group is one boy, his 5 siblings, two teen aunts, his grandmother and mother.



Thank you again for your possible help.

Important outreach for the families

Mary, the former education director from Renaissance Village, just called me to let me know about a couple important issues for the trailer park families.

They are in search of individuals and/or groups who can "adopt" 4 families this holiday season. They'd help provide basic needs like clothes and nice meals, as well as gifts for the family members. She is going to email the information to me so I can get the word out.

She also told me that the trailer park will be closing in May 2008. Her task right now through her job in New Orleans is to assist in finding a place for the families to live. I'm overwhelmed by the reality of the situation because some of these families and children that need help are the same ones that had to return to the trailer park after following their efforts to return to New Orleans. Lack of resources, affordable housing, jobs, and safety in some NOLA areas cause challenges and suffering that go beyond their means. Where will they go and what will they do? I would like to keep you aware of any opportunities to input ideas and get involved in the relocation process.

Thank you.