As the day progresses it’s becoming apparent to me that the weblog is a tool to provide information to those that couldn’t join us but it a very limited tool. There is no substitute for seeing, feeling and connecting to this area, these people and each other. I’m not sure that I can effectively tell our story but I’ll continue to try.
In the rain and cold it has become apparent that our plans must change and ingenuity will become our best friend. As the truck of donated supplies was being unloaded we ran out of space for the items. Pat & Sue stepped up and asked for permission to organize Common Ground’s kitchen supply area. At first, the long-time volunteers were reticent – can you imagine a bunch of strangers coming in to your home and “organizing”? After some time, and promises that they wouldn’t dispose of anything without permission, they got started. It really was the boost that started the day – we were accomplishing something! The transformation was awesome, the ladies even labeled the shelves to make it easier to see what was in stock. The kitchen staff prepares three meals a day for the volunteer crew, which can range from 30 people to 100 people and they don’t turn anyone away. In the process of this transformation, Ted stepped up and created a built-in spice rack; a real pooling of efforts and initiative.
The Ripple Effect has begun
While the supply area transformation was underway, Common Ground volunteers identified surplus food that they couldn’t use in a timely manner – bread, peanut butter, canned goods. Mary, Sue, Pat & John offered to deliver the food to the homeless “under the bridge”. Because the city has eliminated a good portion of the low income housing many people have been displaced and have taken up residence “under the bridge” at Claiborne & Canal. In addition to this tragedy the shelter that usually provides warmth, nourishment and a roof had been ransacked – all of the food was stolen.
In large part due to John’s presence, the folks welcomed the donations. Mary asked them what else they needed – the list was very simple – cold medicine, charcoal briquettes and a tent. OF COURSE, Ted had brought a brand new tent with him to donate and the other items were just a Wal-Mart trip away. What these ladies were able to provide – meat, fresh fruit and the other requested items – not only affected those “under the bridge” but had a profound affect on each and every one of us. Not anywhere in our “plans” did it say help the homeless while we are in New Orleans – we are all learning how to let go of the “plan”. Mary commented that we could be here forever and not run out of people to help. UGH!
Meanwhile back at the site, the rain lightened up enough to attack one of the roofs, and attack they did. The roof was in greater disrepair than we had imagined – notice the theme? Wood needed to be replaced, paper needed to be removed and supplies were late. At the end of the day, we had an awesome “after” product. Three fourths of the roof was complete and done right!
The Perma-Seal House
What can I say? The transformation is magnificent. The roof was reinforced, the shell has been reinforced, and the porch has been supported and re-engineered. Tomorrow we will tackle the roof, Thoroseal it and it will be ready for plumbing and electrical work.
Stories abound here. Our volunteers keep stopping me to share their personal experiences, observations and encounters. Emotions are right at the surface: a moment of sunshine brings a boost of energy and hope, a hand extended to help get off of the roof, a hug, a smile, a story. We have only been here at Ground Zero for 24 hours and already we feel a sense of ownership. How quickly each of us is assimilating in this environment! We were drawn together to help those in need – construction, rebuilding, repairing – however I think that we are reaping more benefits than we are sowing. I can look in to the eyes of our volunteers, in this short period of time, and see how each of them has changed. Their individual skills, compassion and kindness have risen to the top and each person is shining in their own light! This trip is so much bigger than I could ever have imagined.
On one hand I feel like I could be here forever, my heart is full and I feel like I’m finally making a REAL difference; on the other I can’t wait to get back to share our story with other companies and to drum up support for our April trip.
