Monday, November 5, 2007
Homes still lie in rubble. Staircases lead to nowhere, as the houses around them are destroyed. Federal Emergency Management Agency trailers are still parked where houses used to be. These images are still vivid in Gretchen Wieland’s mind.
Wieland, Sterling, Ill., senior, and journalism and political science major, spent six days in June rebuilding houses in New Orleans — two years after Hurricane Katrina. Her experiences during those six summer days led her to form an organization called Project: Katrina Hope to raise awareness and money for rebuilding in New Orleans. Wieland wants to raise $2,500 for the cause, and she plans to return to New Orleans in December to begin filming a documentary about the volunteer work in the area. She plans to finish the film in March and June.
“I woke up one morning, and I was like, ‘I’m going to make a documentary,” she said.
Wieland said that while much of New Orleans was still devastated and the media coverage had been mostly negative, her documentary would focus on the positives of volunteers who are working to give victims hope. Wieland said that many of the volunteers there had little experience in rebuilding houses, but that they were still committed to helping.
“I really saw so many positives,” she said. “The residents are so grateful for the volunteers. I want to tell their stories.”
To help with the project, Wieland has assistance from students in Illinois and current and former University of Kansas students. Crissy Del Percio, a May graduate from Leawood, is co-supervisor of Project: Katrina Hope and helps with the planning and consulting work. She said the documentary was a way to show that people do care.
“If we get 10 people to say, ‘I want to help rebuild,’ or 100 people to donate money, we’ve made a difference,” she said.
Shannon Mortimer, May 2007 graduate from Hoffman Estates, Ill., is news coordinator for the project. She will conduct interviews and help with the film’s production in March. Mortimer said she had never volunteered or been to New Orleans before but was looking forward to learning more about the city and its people.
“From what I hear, every volunteer that goes there has amazing stories and experiences,” Mortimer said. “I think something like this will really change a person. There is nothing more special than being able to give back.”
Wieland said that in the coming weeks the organization would be selling T-shirts on its Web site and around campus. She said those interested in making a donation or helping with the project should go to http://projectkatrinahope.com.
—Edited by Chris Beattie
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Organization maintains rebuilding effort
Please note that while New Orleans residents need help, they are getting far more media attention (and help) than the even more devastated Mississippi gulf coast. Two years after Katrina, there is still enormous need for volunteers here. Since FEMA and the Insurance companies failed in their responsibilities, we are digging out on our own. Very Respectfully, Tom Spencer
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