Shelters for Ravaged South

So you want to do something. Here's a good one.  My nephew Jesse Robbins has sent out the call for volunteers to join a Task Force to build these shelters:

World Shelters is a reputable agency with 20+ years experience in emergency shelter construction.

Jesse is a can-do guy and is a Firefighter-1 and Emergency Medical Technician, and holds numerous Hazardous Materials and Technical Rescue certifications.   He is putting together a task force to assemble and deliver the World Shelters. 

My name is Jesse Robbins and I am looking for volunteers to join a Task Force to build shelters for those displaced by the Katrina hurricane. This is part of a coordinated response by multiple disaster relief agencies.

We will be setting up an on-site production facility for World Shelters (http://www.worldshelters.org).

Once this facility has been established and we have generated sufficient inventory we will dispatch crews to deploy the completed shelters.  The first agency request has been for 500 units, and there are expected to be thousands more.

I'm looking for between 15 and 30 volunteers for the initial deployment, which will last approximately 3 weeks.  You need to be able to lift 40 lbs, use basic hand tools, enjoy hard work, and work well as part of a team.

We will also need mobilization and de-mobilization assistance, as well as logistical support during the deployment.

If you are interested in joining the team or helping out please join the email list by sending a message to: WorldSheltersTaskForceOne-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

You may also email me directly: jesse@worldcontrol.com and I will add you to the Yahoo list.

Sincerely, Jesse Robbins
jesse@worldcontrol.com
(206) 937-0471

From the World Shelters site:

Between 2002 and 2005, World Shelters has worked with and provided  shelters to the program activities of:

International Medical Corps
* USAID
* Technisches Hilfswerk (the German Agency for Technical Relief)
* Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross)
* Jordanian Red Crescent
* Carebridge (Strong Angel II exercise)
* Bechtel Readiness Management

The  pre-assembled models arrive on site in two 15” x 60” bundles, weighing approximately   65lbs (29.5kg) each, depending on the model. Inside   the bundle is a waterproof, flame-retardant shelter canopy (optionally with doors and/or floors) Specially designed connectors for the PVC pole struts are pre-attached to the canopy in the required pattern.

Following a series of simple, graphic  diagrams, the recipients connect the PVC pole struts to the connectors. All struts  are the same length, with the exception of half-length  struts at the internal arches. Stakes or anchors  and guy-lines (provided in all models) secure  the lightweight structure to the ground and create side-to-side stability.

Assuming eight people per unit, shelter for 3,200 can be erected by eight people in one  day.

I have responsibilities at home, or I'd go.  Are you able to help?

 

Katrina hurricane flood aid Hurricane Katrina 

Comments

[Liz]

Jesse's birthday is Sept. 12...he has committed to fund the cost of this first wave 15 person ask force ( food, transportation) by himself.

So, if you'd like to give him a great birthday present, send him a check! The plan is that he and the team of volunteers he's assembling will leave Sept. 19 for Mississippi and they will enlist local survivors in building these shelters--they are eager for something constructive to do.

[GraceD]

IT'S HAPPENING! WE'RE CONNECTING!

These wonderful shelter folks and your nephew are headed down to Mississippi to help one of our contacts.

Awe.Some.

Liz, thank you. You'll be getting a cc on the emails that are circulating on the action.

xoxox

[Liz]

Here's Jesse's most recent email:

Hello, and thank you all for your efforts!

There appears to be some confusion about what I am doing and my relationship with World Shelters. Let me clarify:

I have put together a team to help World Shelters deploy their structures as part of a larger project coordinated by Oxfam America.

I am not a representative of the World Shelters organization or Oxfam America.

I will forward this request on to Bruce LeBel who is the World Shelters Executive Director.

Again, thanks for all your great work! Feel free to contact me with any questions at

206-755-3739 or this email address:

jesse@worldcontrol.com

Sincerely,
Jesse Robbins

[GraceD]

Bruce contacted us! Yay! Things are happening fast!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Grace, blog keeper for
Hurricane Katrina Direct Relief
http://gracedavis.typepad.com/katrinablog/
and pal to 'I Speak of Dreams'

[Liz]

Jesse's mom, my sister Suz, sent an email today:

When we talked today Jess said he had met the goal he set a week ago and ships out Thursday with a team he assembled and will lead to build 500 temporary shelters in the Gulf area of Mississippi.

He's taken a leave from his job as a security specialist at [honkin' big internet retailer] in Seattle without pay to volunteer and will be there until early October.

If you'd like to send some good wishes his way, I bet he'd get a kick out of it.

Sign me a mighty proud mom!

And me a real proud aunt. Go Jesse!

[Jesse Robbins]

Back now... much to tell. But I highly encourage you to take a look at http://givingshelter.livejournal.com

[MS Pearl]

Hi
My Name is MS Pearl.I have housed the displaced and homless since sept 05. Kamp Katrina was an award winning film they made about us. We are still housing people.
Some in tents in the back yard.Our tents are in poos shape. Any information you have on building inexpenive shelters would help.
Search using link Tv kamp katrina.
There are two short clips about us
Thanks
MS Pearl
504 948 0166