For the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and to bring aid to oil spill victims, Convoy of Hope recently checked in on hard-hit communities in Louisiana by sending a team and 40,000 pounds of groceries.
“We partnered with several local churches in distributing groceries and hygiene products in St. Bernard Parish, which was devastated by Katrina,” says Ron Showers, outreach director. “Many of the residents are still reeling five years later and are now dealing with the repercussions of the poor economy and the oil spill earlier this year.”
For three consecutive nights — at three different churches in the parish — hundreds of honored guests received a meal, entertainment, encouragement, groceries and other supplies. According to Showers, the outreaches were scaled-down versions of Convoy of Hope’s typical community outreaches that serve thousands of people and engage thousands of volunteers.
“After Katrina and Rita we helped more than 6 million people in 74 communities throughout the Gulf,” recalls Jeff Nene, senior director — communications and technology. “In doing so, we distributed 35 million pounds of drinking water, food and supplies, and helped restore or rebuild 3,000 homes.”
Sharon, a 57-year-old unemployed woman, says Katrina, the recession and the oil spill have wreaked havoc in the parish and that the provisions distributed during the three days of outreach will make a difference for many families. “This helps out a lot,” she says. “Right now, I’m grateful for anything I can get.”
