Welcoming refugees, part 2
Refugees keep pouring out of evacuation areas to whatever shelters they can find.
Here's an article from Jackson, Miss.
Some 100 Red Cross shelters in the Jackson area are nearing their capacity. Officials wonder how long they can continue to take more people.
This exodus of people can't be contained in the Gulf region. North Carolina communities are going to have to step up and do their part -- not just by sending help down there, but by accepting people up here.
And once they get here, many might never go back.
I mean, to what?
Update, 5:45 p.m.:
The N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety tells me this afternoon that flights of medical evacuees will come in to Charlotte and Raleigh airports, probably about 100 people each. Don't know when.
Beyond that, initial inquiries have been made through the National Governors Association, but probably originating with FEMA, about the chance that North Carolina can accept as-yet-unknown numbers of other refugees. The state is willing to do whatever it can -- although keeping in mind that hurricane season isn't over and we have to keep an eye on our own coast.
Local authorities are being consulted.
"We have expectations that we will be asked with our resources to house some people in Greensboro." Mayor Keith Holliday told me minutes ago.
Local governments and private organizations "will open our hearts, minds and resources in any way possible," he added.
There are no specific requests at this point. But it sounds as if people who need a lot of help, and will need it for a long time,
definitely are coming. Let's get ready to welcome them.
Comments (2)
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There were a number of iquiries from churches in the WNC area and I am sure from G'boro also about taking a few families into private homes. According to an e-mail which was received by our church and by others,from the United Way office. The Red Cross and the US Public Health strongly discourage that type of aid because of the unknown diseases that these folks may be carrying and the very real possiblity that the illnesses that they may carry could very well cause an epidemics in area they are sheltered in. When contiained in shelters, it is easier to treat whatever may arise than if they were scattered in very small groups around the country. I know that it disappointed many of those who were extending a helping hand but it is one of the unfortunate side effects of such a tragedy.
Posted on September 2, 2005 5:12 PM
According to the governor's office, you can add Greensboro to the list of airport where storm victims will be coming.
Posted on September 3, 2005 1:54 PM