BenGoshi and I, who have both put up housing diaries (
his and
mine) for Katrina refugees, have been talking (on the phone, no less) about the next steps. We are both very grateful for the response so far - just look at the wonderful map Timroff posted on both threads and is updating with places where people have offered housing!
Next, however, assuming New Orleans is hit, there will be many people on the road Monday and Tuesday who will need ways to get in touch with housing resources. Some of them may have friends or family who read this blog. What we need is a network of people in all these areas who are willing to put their phone numbers and emails on this thread and to serve as local coordinators.
More below.
For example, I've gotten calls and emails from folks, mostly in the Atlanta area, who want to offer housing but are not all comfortable posting their phone numbers on the web. Plus, I have local networks that I can use to come up with more bed space. Plus, a couple of the folks who've contacted me have volunteered to help in other ways, which could include helping to coordinate all this. So I am willing to be a central Atlanta area contact point, at 404/378-5424. If you are willing to coordinate, or help coordinate, housing in your area, please post below with your city in the subject line.
BenGoshi suggested that we could also use info on other resources, like local phone numbers for the Red Cross or whoever else might be setting up shelters. This is something that one of y'all from far away might be able to help with, researching on the web or whatever.
Finally: please recommend. Thanks.