As I recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Ike here in Houston, I wanted to give you an idea of who I am and what you can expect from my little corner of the world.
I am a native Texan who lived through the Reagan/Bush years. Like most Americans, I enjoyed the prosperity of the Clinton years. I moved to San Francisco, and earned my stripes as a dyed in the wool liberal by marching in the streets to protest the begining of the Iraq war in 2002. I also rode down Market St. in the GLBT Pride Parade with members of the Green Party.
Like many Americans, I suffered job loss and economic hard times following 9/11 and the failed policies of BushCo. I moved briefly to Los Angeles and lived in West Hollywood, and later in downtown LA between the Staples Center and City Hall. Eventually, I made my way back to Texas for financial and family reasons.
After saying good-bye to a long and lucrative career in retail, I am now working with the city's largest non-profit and it has brought me closer to those who are using corporate dollars for a greater good. I have seen first hand the work of community organizers and am insulted by the likes of Sarah Palin and the Republicans who deride those who work tirelessly to improve the lives of others.
We the People of the United Way of Greater Houston
As I write this, the nation's 4th largest city is still without power at many of its major intersections, making rush hour more hellish than normal. Massive piles of debris have accumulated on city sidewalks, although the removal process has begun in many neighborhoods.
Before I begin any regular fact based rants raves, I'd like to offer some "calls to action" for those who would like to help in the recovery efforts; believe me, we need it!
There are three ways for individuals and corporations to make meaningful contributions.
First, the 2008-09 United Way of Greater Houston community campaign is the best way to help in the long term recovery of Greater Houston .
UWGH CEO and President Anna Babin (the woman who helped Houston Mayor Bill White co-ordinate the city's response to 2005's Hurricane Katrina evacuees) has this to say:
When our community needs us to come through, United Way of Greater Houston has the capacity, experience and networks to respond to our area's biggest challenges. Whether it's providing disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Ike or helping people with basic needs, United Way is the trusted partner and leader for our community, and the very fabric of Houston life. United Way is the best way to make the biggest difference in our community. Do something about it...please give generously.
Second, corporate citizens are encouraged to contribute to United Way of Greater Houston Hurricane Recovery Fund.
The United Way Hurricane Recovery Fund is designed to help with the long-term recovery needs of Houston’s most vulnerable populations such as the elderly, the working poor and others in circumstances where they simply can’t rebuild their lives without assistance after the devastation of Hurricane Ike.
The organization also announced over $2.3 million in initial gifts for recovery efforts from five area companies: ConocoPhillips, $1 million; Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, $500,000; ExxonMobil, $500,000; Bank of America, $250,000; and Amegy Bank of Texas, $100,000.
Monies raised by the United Way Hurricane Recovery Fund will be used for a variety of storm-related needs such as home repair; case management services to help those affected access available aid; and mental health services for those dealing with the trauma of displacement, loss and stress created in the wake of Hurricane Ike.
"Based on our experience from Tropical Storm Allison and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as initial feedback from our agency partners, we know that Houston’s most vulnerable populations are going to need a real helping hand to rebuild their lives once the immediate needs of food, water and temporary shelter have passed," said Anna Babin, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston.
Babin added that Hurricane Ike’s devastation has created a wide array of additional needs beyond those anticipated by the United Way’s annual campaign.
Third, Houston Mayor Bill White has established Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund to help fill unmet human needs for victims of Hurricane Ike in Houston, and Harris and Galveston Counties and other affected areas. The Fund is being administered by Albert Myers, senior vice president at Reliant Energy, with fundraising and distribution overseen by a special citizens advisory board. The Fund is now accepting donations and is assessing humanitarian needs. From the city's website
The Fund is now accepting donations and is assessing humanitarian needs. People are asked to mail donations to
Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund
c/o The Greater Houston Community Foundation
4550 Post Oak Place, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77027
www.ghcf.org
The Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund is modeled after the successful Katrina/Rita Fund, which was also managed for the region by Myres.
To contribute online please go to www.ghcf.org and then the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund DONATE NOW button.
Since Hurricane Ike didn't happen on the eve of the RNC, it has not gotten the same type of press that Hurricane Gustave received. However, the need is the same, if not greater. We can't always count on the government, but I'm confident we can count on our fellow Kossacks!