I want to adopt a family. I don't know how to do it.
I talked with one family outside a Red Cross shelter in Dallas on Wednesday, as I dropped off food that I'd just bought at the grocery store. That, of course, was before the Red Cross and other groups decided to publicize that they didn't want things, perfectly good things that many, many of us can offer, they only wanted money to do their own thing. I talked to two women, one of whom held a baby in her arms that wore size 4 diapers. They were there for lunch and help. They were lucky - they made it out of New Orleans, and were in a motel. But they figured they'd be in a shelter soon because their money would run out.
I want to help them, or then tens of thousands like them, who are lucky enough to still have their lives. I want to adopt a family. I'm soooo angry at our government that I don't even want to work within the system right now. I want to bypass it and help immediately. I can't get to New Orleans to save lives, but I can't sit idly by, either.
First -
Does an organization exist that would allow us to adopt a family? I've been searching and can't find one.
Second -
If it doesn't, can I start it? I'm in Dallas, and I want to find a family at the main shelter. I want to know what they need and want to make their life better right now, beyond the three hot meals they'll get at the shelter. Do they need clothes? Shoes? New underwear? Toys and games for the kids? Playing cards for themselves, or a favorite magazine or paperback book?
Third -
If this does exist, why can't I find it? If it doesn't exist, and I can figure out the logistics, should I do it? There are a dozen questions swimming around in my head on how to make it happen, but first, I want to know if there would be interest in adopting families beyond what I want to do. I can't afford to adopt all the families that need help.
I want to make this happen, and I want to figure out the logistics. I need your help. What do you think?