I received a message from Laura Miller last night reporting on the current status of evacuees. The biggest need? Cash.
“The donations are the big thing right now so we can write checks for rent and utilities immediately.” Here’s a challenge from D Magazine. Send or drop by your checks, made out to the Mayor’s Hurricane Relief Fund to us at 4311 Oak Lawn, Suite 100, Dallas 75219–and D Magazine will match you dollar-for-dollar.
Here’s what else is happening right now, according to Her Honor:
(1) “We are training host families tonite at Potters House and will train more Wednesday nite at 7.”
(2) “Tomorrow morning at 8:30 I will be at the 7-11 at Lemmon and Inwood to sell mardi gras beads – KVIL will broadcast from there from 6-10 am. Every 7-11 store in Dallas area has them now for $1 a strand.”
(3) “Kroger is giving every evacuee we are moving a $50 gift card for groceries (that’s $200 for a family of four).”
(4) “The Apartment Association of Greater Dallas gave us 500 apts this afternoon pre-cleared and ready to go that agreed on a fixed monthly rate (at DHA rates) with utilities included. The fund will write the checks.”
(5) “The Salvation Army agreed to partner today and open its Commerce Street warehouse to host families who need items to furnish the apartments.”
(6) “I am personally looking for alternative placements for three categories of folks who are not a good match for individual apts: previously homeless in New Orleans, drug addicts, and permanently disabled who need assisted living or nursing homes. Let me know if you have specific ideas on that.”
The woman is a whirlwind. And for my money she’s just what a city needs when the stuff hits the fan.
