Well, for what it's worth, the people in my industry stepped up, so maybe this will help. I work in the career development field, and I have commitments from the presidents of the National Resume Writers Association, Career Masters Institute, Professional Association of Resume Writers, and the Professional Resume Writing and Research Association for our members to help with resume writing, career coaching, job search assistance, etc. Don't know exactly how we're going to do this, but last time they organized assistance for 9/11 and they were able to aid over 1,000 displaced individuals. Like Les said in his comments regarding the situation, we need to look at long-term solutions- getting kids registered in schools, helping adults find jobs and permanent housing, etc. One of my hopes, also, is that this, combined with the not-so-distant events of 2001, will make volunteerism "chic." The problem with situations such as these is that, once the hoopla subsides, many retreat back into their routines and don't offer a similar degree of assistance as they did during the crisis. I'm not saying volunteer and assist every week, but maybe this will spur a nationwide trend of volunteerism- and that this carry over to the homeless and unfortunate in our cities.
Local NYC news giving Houston a lot of props on being better than the Federal Govt. "While the Federal Govt sat there dumbfounded, the city of Houston stepped up and welcomed the hurricane survivors with open arms. It is no surprise that so many people in the various support centers have said that they plan on making Texas their new home." I'm proud of you guys. Good job.
I would actually like to thank everyone here at ClutchFans who are chipping in and helping out. In reading the posts, the majority of people seem to really care and are doing their part to assist those in need, and I'm honored to be involved in a group that would find this so important. People like us make up Houston, and I think that you guys should get a thank you, even if it only comes from me.
They said it on the local nyc nbc or abc or cbs affiliate this afternoon (I was changing channels a lot, sorry). They also spoke fairly well of Rick Perry and his reaction speed.
Houston is getting major publicity from this. Dr. Phil will be doing his show from the Astrodome next week.
One of the guys I play music with is a freelance audio engineer. He's working on the Dr. Phil show from the Astrodome all week. He said it is friggin' nuts down there.
There are a few problems in the area, actually. The police are considering a curfew at the reliant complex to keep people from loitering at the shopping centers after dark. Part of the curfew would be to actually lock the doors after a certain time and not let anyone in or out. There have been instances where people get really drunk at night and then come back to the dome and cause a ruckus.
Houston City Council today approved $10 MIL in relief aid. http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/3340384 Once again, way to go Houston!