Posted on 09/08/2005 10:06:54 PM PDT by SandRat
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Sept. 8, 2005) -- More than 100 Army Knowledge Online members from all over the country have offered their homes, support and care for families left homeless due to the destruction of Hurricane Katrina.
The “Need Shelter, Have Shelter” forum reads like a classified ad section with AKO members who are eager to help out victims of Katrina posting their contact information, the space they have available, the number of people they are willing to take in, and any other type of information they feel would persuade a soldier or displaced military family to come stay with them.
The forum was started by Staff Sgt. Joel E. Fix who says that he wanted to create a consolidated place where all Army personnel who were willing to offer their homes to those families in need could post.
“I didn’t expect for it to get as big as it has,” said Fix about the overwhelming response to his forum.
“I just wanted to help,” Fix said. “If I could help one individual, one Soldier, one family, then I feel like I’m doing my part.”
So far, 10 military families have been matched up with AKO members who have offered their homes. But Fix hopes that with time, that number will grow.
“We want to help out military families first. We want to take care of our own,” said Fix.
But helping doesn’t always come easy. One of the biggest obstacles Fix has been faced with is getting the word out.
Because Hurricane Katrina left many without phone or Internet access, Fix has to find other ways to match up people in need with host families who have posted on AKO.
“It’s an exhaustive liaison effort with federal, civilian, and cross-level personnel to get word out,” said Fix.
By contacting services like the Red Cross, United Way, National Guard and Army Reserve, Fix has been able to get lists of military families who now find themselves homeless by this devastating storm.
“It’s a process,” said Fix. “But what we are trying to do is find a long-term solution for these families in need.”
Though many people have praised him for his efforts, Fix says that he’s just doing his job.
“As a National Guard Soldier, this is what I’ve been trained to do. I’m compelled by the Army values,” Fix said.
“Send me a picture with a happy family,” Fix said, “that’ll be reward enough for me.”
How to help To access the "Need Shelter, Have Shelter" forum, you need to have an AKO account and log on.
Once inside AKO, click on the banner that says "Click here to visit the AKO Katrina Information Center."
When you enter the Katrina Info. Center, scroll down till you see a box titled Discussion Forums.
Under the name column look for the forum called "Need Shelter Have Shelter." Click on it, and the forum will open.
Ok all you Freepers with AKO accounts PING!!!!
PING
This is an excellent way for those in the military to help those stateside. Especially for those whose loved ones are in Iraq. What better way to show your humanity and patriotism.
Pass this along to your friends. If not in the military or affiliated to the military. I am aware of churches who are providing a way to help displaced families as well.
BTT
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