‘Adopt-a-family’ relief plan activated by local groups

Most of the 1,551 registered evacuees who reached San Diego in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina are still staying here in crowded hotel rooms with temporary vouchers from the Red Cross.

Others, brought to San Diego by Jewish businessman David Perez in privately hired planes — many from an evacuation center near Baton Rouge — are staying at the Holiday Inn downtown. A minority are in private or family homes and some have found their own housing.

Most have lost nearly everything they owned.

Where some see this as desperation, others see it as a missions opportunity.

Local churches and individuals are stepping to the plate, providing for a family’s needs. The key is a long-term commitment of at least a year.

If you or your church would like to assist an evacuee family, call 2-1-1 for information to begin the process of recovery.

Coordinating the church response in North County is Friends & Family Community Connection (FFCC), a non-profit organization that has been quietly helping others for the last 10 years. They helped behind the scenes in the Cedar Fire two years ago in East County, but in this effort they are in the forefront. For more information visit www.FFCC-SD.org or call (858) 204-9643.

FFCC is in the midst of screening both evacuees and potential hosts, finding a match that will work for both.

Also coordinating the local response is Anne Subia of Cityreaching San Diego. She can be reached at (619) 997-5332 or visit www.4SD.net.

Like to help but don’t know how? The answer for many churches and individuals is the Hurricane Katrina Adopt-a-Family relief plan.

“We’re looking for a one-year commitment,” said Phil Harris, director of Friends & Family Community Connection. “We learned that from the Cedar Fire two years ago. There was a huge outpouring of help in the beginning, but the help dropped off considerably after that. We need ‘finishers’ this time.”

Subia was also involved in the local relief effort for the Cedar Fire and noted that only 40 percent of the families have started rebuilding after two years.

“We’re more prepared now,” she noted, “but what I’d like to see is the church in San Diego really become ready for things like this. When the big one (earthquake) hits here, the church can be the place for people to go for help. That’s what the church should be.”

Harris said offers to help is coming in many forms – individuals, large churches and small churches that he is partnering with another church – but that the need is great.

“Our biggest need is housing,” he said. “Affordable housing, from granny flats to apartments and homes, that is our primary need. Transportation and jobs come second.”

People have offered their vacant house for free or reduced rent, while others have donated money for rent, utilities, food and transportation. There is a whole list of needs posted on the ministry’s web page.

Checks can also be sent to: Friends & Family Community Connection (FFCC), 12463 Rancho Bernardo Rd. (PMB#158), San Diego 92128. (Note “Katrina Adopt-a-Family” in the memo area.)

The web page also has instructions for preparing hygiene kits for hurricane evacuees, backpacks for various ages of youth, as well as a school supply donation. The bags can be delivered to the security gate at Green Oak Ranch, 1237 Green Oak Road, Vista.

Friends & Family Community Connection is also working with Green Oak Ranch to use some of the RV sites there for housing evacuees. There are currently 11 RV/trailers/houses ready for family matches, and possibly many more in process. People with a RV or trailer that they would be able to donate for a year are urged to contact Harris.

About two dozen faith communities (churches and groups) are ready to adopt a guest family. A sampling of the churches involved include Rancho Bernardo Baptist, Crossroads Community Church, Christian Reformed Church in Escondido, Calvary Chapel International, Chinese Bible Church, New Venture, Emmanuel Faith, Oak Hills, The Movement, North Coast Church, The Home Church, and Valley Center Community.

Donations of new clothing, household items, blankets, holiday decorations, etc. can be taken to the Family Thrift Store in Escondido, 713 North Escondido Blvd. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Phone: (760) 432-8653.

There is also a need for “weekend warriors” to go to New Orleans and help rebuild. A trip is being planned in mid October to help with the rebuilding (for approximately 1 week). FFCC is coordinating with the Louisiana State Police and other agencies to open the way for skilled carpenters and strong bodies to work with families as they rebuild.

Locally, there is also a need for volunteer professionals in many areas - from counseling to dentists and doctors.

The numbers to contact, again, are call 2-1-1, FFCC at (858) 204-9643, or Cityreaching San Diego at (619) 997-5332. The web addresses to visit are www.FFCC-SD.org or www.4SD.net.