Katrina Leaves Homeless Aid Director Homeless

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http://www.news10.net/storyfull1.asp?id=12991

A New Orleans woman who found homes for the homeless now finds herself in that situation after Hurricane Katrina. She never thought "homeless" would describe her, Linda Lewis told American Red Cross hurricane volunteers from San Joaquin County today.

Lewis said being homeless also meant not being able to turn to family for help. "I couldn't even go to my family members because they're homeless, too," she said.

Lewis opted to drive across country to stay with her daughter in Stockton. When she went to the local Red Cross chapter for help, they, in turn, asked her for help. They wanted her to speak to three dozen volunteers taking an accelerated course to prepare them for helping victims of the hurricane.

Lewis told the volunteers that a sudden catastrophic event can catch anyone off guard. "Although homelessness can happen to anyone, it just wasn't expected," she admits.