Texan Hospitality
New Orleans, U.S.A. - September 11, 2005
The scene in this convention center is unlike anything we have ever seen. The friendly state of Texas 
A small glimpse of the sea of beds at the GRB.has outdone itself by hosting over 230,000 evacuees since the disaster. Texas has empowered organizations such as Center Point Energy and 2nd Baptist Church to organize and manage the George R. Brown (GRB) Convention Center where the "guests" are being held.
Each guest is entitled to free medical care ranging from physical therapy, OBGYN, vision, dental to mental health and housing and financial counseling to name a few. There is also a 24-hour Walgreens, gym with basketball court, various television theaters and play areas for the children. Guests are treated to three meals each day (and they're good), totaling over 50,000 meals so far. Over 1 million bottles of water have been donated. There are beds as far as the eye can see (the attached picture is probably only a tenth of the total area).
Although the GRB might appear more like a hotel, the reality is that this is the home of more than 5,000 people who did not choose to be here. The thousands of cots scattered on the floor are the only "personal" areas these guests have. However, there is still some glimmer of hope, as the number of cots each day diminish as guests are finding loved ones and other homes welcoming them across the nation.
Phil Renaud said...it's great work you guys are doing. keep it up!