The Katrina Home Drive Organization
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The Katrina Home Drive Organization (KHD) was the first grassroots movement that reached those hit by Hurricane Katrina. Our work started on August 31, 2005, and we're happy to say we've been able to house thousands of people since. **(Please see The New York Times article copied below).**
With the one year anniversary almost upon us, many remain homeless, many have fallen through the cracks, many remain in a FEMA-LAND limbo, and the lucky few who either received help from FEMA or were able to salvage their homes live in substandard conditions in damaged, mold infested homes. The stress combined with the frustration of trying to get adequate help has taken its toll.
One man in his 40s expressed his grief by telling me that if it weren’t for the fact that he was responsible for taking care of his elderly mother, he’d commit suicide. It's just that difficult to get help, it's really that difficult to start over. And this is just one story! Many share his feelings. Others have given up and have disappeared into the streets of cities new to them across this nation.
I feel it’s imperative to let the world know that the FIVE AND A HALF BILLION DOLLARS donated to help those affected by Katrina somehow didn’t make it to those in need. There’s so much despair – still.
KHD was able to find homes for thousands of people through sheer volunteerism and NO money. Imagine what we could do if we were had financial resources? Won't you please join me, join us in our mission to keep on helping. Please donate to KHDs housing mission. You'll be happy you did. I thank you in advance for your assistance.
Kirby Sommers Founder/President The Katrina Home Drive Organization PO Box 237073 New York, NY 10023 212.787.8726
To contact via email:
help@katrinahomedrive.org
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.katrinahomedrive.org
NY TIMES, Sunday October 16, 2005
FOR THE NEEDY A WEB OF MATCHMAKERS OFFERS HELP AND HOPE by Jodi Wilgoren
Kirby Sommers, a real estate broker in Manhattan started a group based on Yahoo that swelled so quickly she recently incorporated as a nonprofit, Katrina Home Drive, with 60 volunteers she calls "home angels" having found long-term places to live for some 800 people.
"When this thing happened, I thought to myself, "Well, gee, I know how to put someone who's looking for a place into the perfect spot, that's how I can help," Ms. Sommers said. "Let me be the conduit."
