Katrina evacuees 'more accustomed to giving'

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Dec 20, 2005 | by WAYNE HEILMAN THE GAZETTE

Hurricane Katrina evacuees Val and Judy are nearly broke as they await their long-delayed aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The couple expects to receive more than $4,300, but all they've received are letters that the checks are on the way, Judy said. As a result, Val, 52, and Judy, 58, spend much of their time trying to get help paying for medication and other daily needs.

"We've been spending every day from dawn until dusk just trying to get stuff for our apartment and medicine," which they need for back and respiratory problems, Judy said. "We have zero funds now, and we both have to find jobs as soon as possible. We'll look for anything."

The couple came to Colorado Springs in October after a home they owned in Bay St. Louis, Miss., and another they rented in New Orleans' French Quarter were destroyed by the storm. The homes and their contents weren't covered by flood insurance, and the storm also destroyed the equipment from a painting business they operated in both cities.

They stayed in a hotel room for four nights before seeking help from a Salvation Army program for evacuees.

The group helped the couple get a used car, gift cards and coupons to buy basic needs and household goods. The Salvation Army also contacted FEMA to help get the couple's disaster relief checks, said Gail Sherman, who coordinates help in Colorado Springs for those displaced by the storm.

"This couple is more accustomed to giving than receiving help. They really didn't know to ask for help. They are good people," Sherman said.

The nonprofit organization is one of 13 supported through The Gazette/El Pomar Empty Stocking Fund. The group also operates the New Hope Center, a shelter for the homeless, and provides emergency rent and utility assistance as well as other services for low- income people.

For Val and Judy, that help was critical.

"The Salvation Army has been absolutely wonderful to us," Val said. "They are still helping us, and as much as they have helped us, I want to help them, so I signed up to ring bells."

If you would like to make a taxdeductible contribution to the Empty Stocking Fund, send a check payable to Gazette Charities- Empty Stocking Fund to P.O. Box 400, Colorado Springs, CO 80901. Donate online at www.gazette.com or www.coloradosprings.com. Credit card donations can be made by phone, 476-1673. Donations to the Empty Stocking Fund will be accepted until Jan. 20.