How many of the hurricane victims are going to be homeless?

[undeterred]

We're talking about thousands of people who have no jobs, no assets, and were at the bottom of the economy anyway. Will they be able to use the resources of a state where they are not a resident? Does anyone really believe that most of these people will be able to get back on their feet in a few months?

[samdogmom]

1. You know that's my big concern!

How do you get "welfare" or the current version of this "help" if you don't have a local address. Do you think the Astrodome is going to cut it? How do you enroll your children in school without an address? How do you apply for a job? etc... This is such a nightmare for the people involved. I can't begin to imagine the obstacles they face! I only hope they encounter a few sympathetic souls.

I know in my community you must show a driver's license or a piece of mail with a local mailing address to qualify for food pantry help. If you don't have this "proof" we can only give out "essentials". So how do you collect whatever is left of welfare, if residency is a requirement? Do you think FEMA is going to help these people?

[undeterred]

2. If they couldn't cut through the bureaucracy

to rescue people quickly, I am even less confident that they will be able to handle a situation that's less urgent. Texas is not going to want this drain on their resources... Louisiana is going to be a mess for a while. Yes, this is much bigger than 9/11 in terms of the lasting effects.