A lot of celebrities have volunteered their time to visit with the displaced. I'm sure they appreciate having someone take time out of their lives to just say "I'm sorry you had to go through this."
A lot of people have donated money. The Spielberg donation is impressive since he's actually donated more than some corporations.
Personally, I'm planning to donate about 25% of my net income for this month. I think it's important to donate to groups like the Red Cross for immediate needs, but am trying to research options for the rebuilding efforts later. The Bush-Clinton Katrina fund is for rebuilding, but I'm kinda leery because the money will be used to assist in rebuilding as planned by the municipalities. I want to be sure that my dollars aren't spent on an office building. I'll probably go over to teh Habitat for Humanity site to see if they've got a Katrina fund.
I have til the end of the month to have my employer match my donations. I ran out to Target today to buy hygiene and baby products for the victims. Depending on where the relief efforts are, I might use some vacation time in November to volunteer.
I'm amazed by the people who invite strangers to live with them. There are so many considerations - how long should they stay? losing one's privacy, how much financial support should be offered, safety risks.... I am looking at it from a perspective of a single female living alone.
Have any of the celebrities invited families to live in one of their multiple homes. A family in NYC volunteered their weekend house in Westchester county to a family of up to 6. They figured it was standing empty most of the time. Also, a woman in Hobeken, NJ was moving out of her apartment and into a new home. She volunteered to allow a small family to move in and she would pay the rent for the remainder of the lease - I think she was planning to sublet after she moved. If I had a 2nd home, I would have done the same. People have advised that you should consult with an attorney because of liabilities has a landlord - I can see where the recipients should be required to sign a document about not causing damages and setting a time limit.
Everyone can do something....
