GLOBAL PROJECTS Hope, Help, and Healing VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4
NOVEMBER 2006
SPECIAL EDITION
—Katrina Documentary— People are no longer standing on the bridge, some are standing still and others are standing on the promises of God. The dome is now filled with cheers of victory, but the minds of many who were lodged there are still filled with memories of horror. What is the condition of the people one year later? Who is monitoring the mental, emotional, spiritual health of those who have been displaced as well as those that made an effort to help them. GPH3 realizes that given the nature of the work done by counselors, clergy, civil servants, and psychosocial support providers helping the Katrina victims and survivors, these first responders are indeed also highly vulnerable to primary and secondary trauma. Many of these individuals who themselves survived the Katrina storm double as victims/ survivors and at the same time still shouldered the responsibility of providing care to others. On top of that, these individuals are very few in this region compared to the people that need the services they provide. This too exposes this population to additional stress and burnout. If this scenario goes on without revitalizing the helpers’ lives, the quality of their services will be jeopardized. This would result in disastrous consequences not only to them but the people of New Orleans and surrounding areas
There is a bridge of recovery that people still need to cross. A place to call home they still need to find. Many like the sister above are still paying for a parked life they no longer live. They need HOPE.
At Global Projects we care about those who are being under served locally and globally. Our work team for the Katrina Documentary Project consisted of Videographer, Andre’ Dickinson, Local Liaison, Lt. Lolita Layne, Executive Director of GPH3, Pamela Hudson and Founder, Dr. Sabrina Black. The four day journey included tours of the Ninth Ward, visits and interviews at schools, hospitals, churches, with residents, city hall and homeland security.
Pam Hudson, Executive Director knells to give commentary on the plight of the city and the remains left behind by families who are now displaced. May God restore more than what was lost as they find help-healing
Andre’ Dickinson in front of the camera up close to the devastation and amazed by the stories that will be captured on film.
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GLOBAL PROJECTS
A Heart for Louisiana —An Interview with Homeland Security— Can we handle the truth? About FEMA, our Faith and the Future of those who lived in the 9th Ward. What happened? Here is a synopsis from the impact of Katrina.
Pamela J. Hudson, Executive Director for Global Projects interviewing Col. Ebbert, the director of Homeland Security as Lt. Lolita Layne looks on. Andre capturing on film the critical dialogue on the discourse of the city and plans to rebuild. Dr. Sabrina Black, Col. Ebbert and Director Pam Hudson share a moment following the interview. The spirit of the man and the office was welcoming and warm. Global Projects so appreciates the time and information gathered. We pray for New Orleans recovery.
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the costliest hurricane, as well as one of the five deadliest, in the history of the United States. The federal flood protection system in New Orleans failed at more than fifty places. Nearly every levee in metro New Orleans was breached as Hurricane Katrina passed just east of the city limits. Ev ent ually 80% of the city became flooded and also large tracts of neighboring parishes.
The floodwaters lingered for weeks. At least 1,836 people lost their lives in the actual hurricane and in the subsequent floods, making it the deadliest U.S. hurricane since the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane. The storm is estimated to have been responsible for $81.2 billion dollars in damage, making it the costliest tropical cyclone in U.S. history.
Federal disaster declarations covered 90,000 square miles (233,000 km²) of the United States, an area almost as large as the United Kingdom. The hurricane left an estimated three million people without electricity. On September 3, 2005, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff described the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as "probably the worst catastrophe, or set of catastrophes," in the country's history, referring to the hurricane itself plus the flooding of New Orleans. The criticisms of the government's response to Hurricane Katrina primarily consisted of condemnations of mismanagement and lack of leadership in the relief One of the faces of New Orleans. efforts in response to the storm and its aftermath. More specifically, the criticism focused on Homeless, helpless and confused. the delayed response to the flooding of New Orleans, and the subsequent state of chaos in She lost everything, has no birth the Crescent City. (Data taken from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Katrina) certificate and doesn't know where her brother is to this date. So many Looking ahead, we are encouraged by Col Ebbert’s passion for New Orleans as stories of despair. So many more he is planning and preparing to rebuild, renew and hopefully restore the city back to fiscal health, stability and security. people to help!
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4
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Mardi Gras Marketplace Beginning to thrive!
Director Pam (above) meets the very gifted craftsman, Oscar at the French Quarter Market. He survived and his story is phenomenal. Many of his tools for his craft and finished goods were washed away. Yet, he has a new hope for a better day.
The French Quarters Saves Lives
Dr. Black dons a handmade mask letting us see the great craftsmanship. Yet, even behind the mask the eyes of the hurting are still distinct and the faces of the people still long for a new sense of normal again. The creativity of the artisans in the market place is breath-taking. They proudly display their work. The most awesome of the masks gives hope to a freer time. But behind many of these masks the hearts of the people struggle to balance the state of their lives. Cleverly this artist developed a unique niche, taking the scraps of the storm and turning it into art. She and 60 other artist were saved when they made it to the artist marketplace in the French Quarters.
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GLOBAL PROJECTS
Gutting, Building, BELIEVING, One House at a Time
The heart and tenacity of this homeowner is to bring back his home and neighborhood. He is willing to do what he can to come back to what he has called home for decades
Alice doesn't live here anymore! The destruction has left many homeowners questioning whether they should return. When they do return the work to rebuild is overwhelming.
Dead End Sign. The sign says it all loud and clear to many homeowners in the lower 9th Ward. Is there hope? Many of the houses had front yards that looked like a graveyard. Dr. Black reflects on the steps of one of the homes displaying the marks of a home without casualty. She is moved by the display of destruction and aches for the families impacted. A Good Samaritan below volunteers to help. Dr. Black and Monday a survivor that is rebuilding his own home by hand. Even Andre’ can’t believe the devastation that his camera lens is capturing. Videos on line at www.globalprojects.org
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4
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Trash, TRAILERS, and Lack of TRUST
No comfort can be found here. This family’s level of security has been breached. Can they ever feel safe in their neighborhood again? Karen's family lives in this FEMA trailer. She is discouraged by the pace of rebuilding. She profoundly stated; "before Katrina I was living, now in the FEMA trailer, I feel like I am living in poverty." With the markings on this house, we can see the date last checked and # of fatalities. The force of the water and wind brought the roof of this home into the front yard. The restoration process is not just from the top down, but inside and out. Tragedy breeds capitalization for some, hopelessness for others, and fear for many. Can this city live again? Removing the mold will be a great matter of city officials to safeguard the health of the residents. Life as we know it is as tumbled as the garage on the side of this house. It will never go back to what is was, but there can be a new beginning with a new hope.
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GLOBAL PROJECTS
Business, Commerce, Industry, Community Once vibrant thriving businesses in the 9th ward are now echoes of the industry they once were. Many owners have relocated to other cities in hopes of starting over; others have returned to New Orleans to hear the music play and to be a part of community revitalization. The photos: Left Column/ Right Pam speaking to owner of Italian Pie, Peter who although was not here during Katrina, but returned to his hometown in hopes of helping its economic recovery. Dr. Black and Pam outside St. Bernard Health Center following interview with staff on the condition of residents in this parish. The medical needs are great and many specialist are needed to aid the medical rebuilding of the city. Lone business in the 9th Ward suffered damage. Once a thriving store and busy Laundromat, their demise is evident. Katrina took out her fury on everything in her path. The health of the economy has to be rebuilt as well. Lt Lolita Layne our host in New Orleans shares some words after lunch on the pain of the people and her hope for the people. Dr. Black and Nurse at St Bernard Clinic discuss the business of getting the center up and meeting the needs of the people. Even though they do not have all they need, their motivation to do what they can does not stop. Their efforts continue. The school system is seeking students to come back and register. Is the school system ready to manage academics and the emotional need of their students? This need has to be addressed along with trauma and crisis intervention
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4
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The CHURCH The Body of CHRIST
As you look at these churches damaged by Katrina, the poem by Maya Angelou comes to mind, "And Still I Rise". The promise believers have is the promise that, "the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church." Amen! The processing of the massive destruction to personal property, businesses and churches shook us to our core. The stillness of the area, the lack movement, the daunting silence and the horrific scenes made you think this was a place besieged by war. This a chance for the church to rise from the ashes, the floods, the ruins. This is a chance for church and state to unite as we rebuild an integral part of the community.
They PRAYED for us and NOW we PRAY for them.
"I pray for you, you pray for me, we’re all a part of God’s Body" This song captures what the churches all over must do for the congregations in New Orleans. It will take the prayers of the believers to make the difference. We pray every ministry from this area that they will keep hope alive and remember the goodness of God even in the midst of this situation. We pray that many will be able to come back to the neighborhoods and aid in the healing process. We pray for the preaching and teaching of the Word of God, for the praise and worship of
GLOBAL PROJECTS
KATRINA DOCUMENTARY
17136 Wildemere Detroit, Michigan 48221 USA
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Phone: 313-205-7300 or 313-201-6286 Fax: 313-345-9531 Email: globalprojectsh3@aol.com
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The basic cost of phase one for the New Orleans Documentary Project is $4720. This includes travel, lodging, meals, ground transportation, equipment (camera batteries, cord, etc.), office supplies, editing, technical support, and duplication. Funds to cover this venture are still outstanding. Please give towards this work so that we can continue researching and providing resources for those who were impacted by Hurricane Katrina in the New Orleans area. Clips from the documentary can be viewed on our website: http://www.globalprojectshelp.com Donations can be made on line or mailed to our office. Thanks for helping us to help them. Your giving makes a difference.
WEB G L O BA L P RO J E C T S . O RG ON THE
Upcoming Calendar of Events New Website Updates www.globalprojects.org 4th Quarter 2006
1st Quarter 2007
2nd Quarter 2007
October 22, 2006
February 2007
February 2007
“Annual Benefit Banquet—Inviting the World to Say YES” Embassy Suites Hotel
“Annual Prayer Breakfast”
“Annual Prayer Breakfast”
March 2007
March 2007
Uganda Counseling Association Regional Conference
Uganda Counseling Association Regional Conference
November 26—December 5, 2006 “Passport to a New Life—Part 2 in Italy” “Life in the Word in London”
Strategic Planning for 2007 Include Global Projects in your organization, church and individual plans for next year in your giving and travel plans. Your monthly support can help ensure that lives are impacted around the world as we fulfill the Great Commission with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples. You can also plan to join us on the mission field as we confront HIV /Aids, human trafficking, hunger, and trauma; through counseling, preaching, teaching and leadership development. You can make a difference!