Katrina Volunteer Efforts Article for Com 301

Responding to Hurricane Katrina’s destruction, Romans have assisted more than 150 displaced families through the volunteer efforts of RomeKares.

The organization was formed in response to Hurricane Katrina in an effort to coordinate community resources. At least 15 of the families helped by RomeKares plan to live permanently in the area. Others are receiving temporary help, while they are trying to contact family members and decide where to relocate. RomeKares organizes volunteer efforts to assist hurricane victims in finding homes, jobs and education, and obtaining furniture, clothing and food.

Before Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, the old Kroger store on Hicks Drive was simply an empty building. It has transformed into a warehouse filled not only with donated goods, but also with volunteers who want to help in any way possible.

Betty Burkhalter is one of many Romans who decided to take action and volunteer at RomeKares. She said, “I’m going to come as long as there is something to do. There are just so many needs.” Burkhalter is retired and spent over 10 hours Monday and Tuesday sorting baby clothes and organizing shoes.

Others in the community have interrupted their normal careers to help organize relief efforts. Charisse Durham, event coordinator for the Rome Downtown Development Authority, spent last week volunteering as a coordinator of RomeKares. Monday, city officials allowed her to spend all of her regular work hours for the week at RomeKares while still on the city payroll.

 “I grew up in Rome,” Durham said, “and I have never been more proud to call this place home.”  

More volunteers like Durham and Burkhalter are needed. Volunteers can assist at the old Kroger location from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. RomeKares will remain open in the old Kroger location through September 21. At that point, RomeKares will pursue other means to assist victims. Information on services offered and future volunteer opportunities can be found at http://romekares.com.

Once the local needs are met, all remaining clothing will be donated to the Salvation Army, and everything else will be shipped to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. However, this will not be the end of RomeKares. Organizers have plans to permanently establish RomeKares as a network that can be called upon for future needs.