It has proven itself unequal to the task of massive disaster relief. We need a new kind of humanitarian response.
In 2004, I was just starting my first full-time job in a Washington newsroom when disaster struck. It was on the other side of the world: an extraordinarily powerful earthquake in Sumatra, Indonesia, that triggered a tsunami across the Indian Ocean. But thanks to CNN it felt like the anguish and terror were happening in the next cubicle. I still remember the fear on the fishermen’s faces and watching mothers cry as they searched for their children in the waves. Powerless, eager to help, I did the only thing I could think of: I went online and sent $20 to the American Red Cross.
Thirteen years later, we’re watching another disaster, this time much closer to home. Tropical Storm Harvey, supercharged by a freakishly warm Gulf of Mexico, has slammed into the Texas coast and is now running a days-long conveyor belt carrying trillions of gallons of water from the ocean to the sky to the bayous and streets of Houston. Highways have become rivers in America’s fourth-largest city. Apartment complexes are filling up like bathtubs. Dams are nearing failure. Thousands have had to be rescued from the still-rising flood waters in the overbuilt, improperly drained city. The scariest part is that, with the water still rising, no one can really know how bad the damage has been so far or what is to come. Once again, most of us outside the zone feel powerless but want to help. Once again, leaders and noble souls are telling us the best way to do so is to turn to the best known, most bi-partisanly-loved brand in humanitarian relief.
But I won’t be donating to the Red Cross this time. And after years of reporting on and inside some of the biggest disasters of the decade and change, I know what a costly mistake the focus on donating anywhere can be.
More here
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
The Red Cross Won’t Save Houston
ReplyDeleteNow remember this every time Walmart tries to get you to donate every time you buy something from them.
Maybe if we actually budgeted for emergencies that we KNOW will eventually happen, we could stop relying on relief organizations and volunteers.
ReplyDeleteEverybody is so generous when tragedy strikes, but nobody wants to set aside money in advance.
Texas even HAS a rainy day fund but they refuse to use it for disaster recovery.
Not true 11:25 TX is not refusing to use it. As a matter of fact the Governor was asked if he is going to have to call a special legislative sessions to appropriate funds. TX lawmakers only meet every 2 yrs for 120 days. He said NO because of the rainy day fund.
ReplyDeleteso if you donate $1.00 to the red cross after bloated admin fees only 10 cents goes to help. I stopped donating to them years ago.
ReplyDelete1125 gov'ts will never EVER budget for disaster when charitable help is but a phone call away. The kid from the Texans raised over $20 million in less than a week!
ReplyDeleteYou think gov'ts will use rainy day funds when there are bleeding hearts out there?
We have a fire department that could/should have one hellava civil suit on its doorstep. You think WIC/WOR/City of Salis/et al have rainy day chests for disasters like fire trucks running over their own due to negligence?
Not in this bizzaro world!
I saw something posted on FB this morning from Sarah Palin, but I have yet to read it. It stated someone brought 400 hamburgers to a shelter but someone from the Red Cross did something. I will read it and get back to you or maybe you already know.
ReplyDelete1:08
ReplyDeleteWe posted something last night at 8:30pm about the 400 hamburgers. I will check Sarah Palin's website to see if it is a different story.
September 5, 2017 at 1:29 PM
ReplyDeleteI found the story on this site after I had posted this. It looks like you already had it covered and I wasn't aware of that. I wasn't too active yesterday so I am catching up. Sorry for my distraction.
The safety of the people we serve is our first and utmost priority. Our volunteers and workers on the ground may not be perfect, but they are all working with the best of intentions and to the best of their ability.
ReplyDeletePlease know that if a volunteer or volunteers steps in to a situation, they are not trying to overshadow the generosity or compassion of spontaneous assistance being offered but doing so based on training and past experience with that goal–the evacuees safety–in mind not with an intention to “take charge” or in any way diminish those kind efforts.
With donations like food especially, we have policies and procedures in place solely to protect the health of those who may already be in a weakened or vulnerable health state. Since the Red Cross cannot ensure the safety of food prepared in a non-commercial setting, we do not typically accept home-cooked food as donations. Even properly prepared food, if not clearly monitored, can quickly go bad through no fault of those who prepared or are serving it–which could make a bad situation worse.
With all that in mind, we have spoken with the Deputy Director and volunteers on the scene. Again, while the volunteers may have appeared overzealous, they intervened out of a desire to protect impacted by Harvey, with their health and well-being in mind. Eventually, our volunteers assisted in handing out the burgers to people impacted by Harvey. These are extremely challenging and often life threatening situations–everybody is trying to meet all needs, while being cut off from the floods. We greatly appreciate not just our volunteers but ALL volunteers and the generous support of the public. We are constantly reviewing our policies and procedures, learning to adapt–because each disaster is different–and learning from experiences. It is our hope you’ll understand that we’re all trying to do the right thing. Thank you for your patience and understanding.