Florida Needs Help- Many without food, water, medical help, etc.

[KaryninMiami]

For those who missed this, Larisa at Raw Story posted a report last night about what is really going on in Broward and Palm Beach County. Things are pretty bad and it is not being reported by MSM (no surprise considering who our Governor is). W was here today for a photo shoot but needless to say, no one mentioned how dire the situation is. If you are poor, old, infeimed or dependant on outside help for survival or need medical treatment and don't have cash, you are in deep trouble in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The mismanagement of the post hurricane aid is horrendous. Had this storm been even the slightest bit stronger or we'd had more rain, it would be another Katrina.

Here's the link to Larisa's report in RawStory.com:


http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Raw_reporter_in_hurricane_zone_says_1026.html


I spoke with Larisa (currently in DC), earlier today. She is very concerned about what could easily be thousands in Broward and Palm Beach Counties - especially seniors- needing food, water, medical supplies and other support who have no access to resources or to even call for help. I promised her that I'd follow up on DU spread the word to everyone I know about what is really going on in these areas. Help is needed NOW!

The Salvation Army in Broward County confirmed Larisa's story and said that things are very bad up there. Water and Food are limited and although the Salvation Army is feeding as many as the can, they do not have the staff, equipment or resources to even come close to taking care of all of those in need.

They are the only major group on the ground now by the way. All of the other agencies are either not there yet or are so understaffed that they are not visible. People are getting desperate.

Here's what is needed now:

1) Money! Please send checks to: Salvation Army
PO Box 230, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302. Put on the check "For Wilma Assistance" so that the money goes directly to those in need.
) FOOD (pre-packaged cans, shelf-stable (canned fish, meats, pre-packaged meals that can be eaten cold or heated with sternos, crackers, cookies, boxed juices, milk, canned vegetables, Velveeta Cheese- anything that does not need to be prepared and does not need refrigeration.)

3 WATER and ICE-- As much as possible.

For those of you that are in Florida and have gas and can get to Broward County, please bring these to their main office:

1445 W Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL
954-524-6995. Erin is the volunteer coordinator.

They also need volunteers to help distribute things and unload and sort boxes.


If anyone can get a group together to start canvassing the Senior Citizen's homes and communities, that would be great. Or if anyone lives near any of these places, please try to stop in there and see how people are doing and if they are needing any immediate support. There is great concern that with no power (for elevators, cooking, lights, etc.)and no phone service (or cell service), many could be desperate for outside contact and to reach their families. It's a huge job as there are so many of these places but this would be a great thing to do if anyone lives near there.

I was not able to reach the Palm Beach County Salvation Army (phones are down) but I'm sure they need help too.

We are trying to organize a caravan from Miami with cars filled with food and water to head up there on Saturday. If anyone wants to join us, please PM me.

Please help spread the word about this and alert the media!

[BOSSHOG]

1. Thank you for the Salvation Army Address

and good luck. We are slowly getting over Katrina and know the need. Your efforts are wonderful. I'll bite my tongue about your Governor and the great job he was gonna do.

[KaryninMiami]

2. Good old Jeb- humbled himself and took all the blame rather then FEMA

Guess he's trying to demonstrate that the Bush family can be humble enough to admit when they are wrong. But my question is-- who cares about the blame-- how could you let this happen again?

Thanks for your note. My prayers are with you all as you recover from Katrina. What a summer this has been...