Relief Agencies Not Surprised by Kansas City's Response

by David Smale

The Salvation Army also has provided counseling, both to the victims and those helping the victims. “There is a grieving process,” Alexander said. “Some of the 6,000 people that the Salvation Army sent down there are trained in critical incident stress management. They have done a lot of counseling. How do you deal with someone who not only has seen their house destroyed but also their entire neighborhood? Some of the counselors need some counseling. You can’t see that much devastation without it impacting you. It’s very much a comprehensive response.”

The American Red Cross also has seen a comprehensive effort. Bartkoski lists 3.3 million overnight stays in 1,100 shelters. Like the Salvation Army, which has helped 1,200 relocated families in the Kansas City area, the Red Cross has helped 1,400 families who have moved to our area, either temporarily or permanently. There certainly could be some overlap, as both organizations are careful to make sure nobody slips through the cracks. And that doesn’t include the countless people who are housing family and/or friends without the assistance of relief agencies.

The Kansas Capital Area Red Cross has helped another 250 families that have relocated to the Topeka area. The area was prepared for 1,500 people to be housed in the Kansas Expo Centre, but that site was not needed, according to CEO Dana Wethington. “I’m amazed, but I’m not surprised by the outpouring of gifts,” she said. “I know the people here have that capability. They’ve shown it before. The level of support is what’s amazing.”

The Red Cross is focused on providing for the immediate needs and helping people find sources for meeting their long-term needs. “Red Cross services centers and shelters provide for immediate disaster needs, such as providing them with safe shelter and food,” said Bartkoski, who estimated that the Red Cross has given assistance to 1.2 million families as a result of this crisis.

“Some of the people who came to Kansas City only had what they were wearing and what they could carry with them. We helped them get clothing and then helped them to find other resources to help with their long-term needs. We had mental health volunteers who sat and talked with them. Sometimes they spent a long time letting them talk through their experience, letting them know that somebody cares.”

Angel Flight Central considers itself a “linking organization” as well. Angel Flight has 1,500 volunteers, including 1,000 pilots who donate their time and resources to transport passengers. Founded by a two-time cancer survivor who had his pilot’s license and a small plane, Angel Flight Central exists to “Serve people in need by arranging charitable flights for access to healthcare, and for other humanitarian purposes.”

“Hurricane Katrina definitely fit into the last part of our mission statement, which is ‘other humanitarian purposes,’” Gollnick said. “We had so many pilots wanting to help, we could hardly keep up with it.”

The Salvation Army estimates they will be in the recovery effort for up to five years, Alexander said. “We will be helping them as long as we are needed,” the Red Cross’ Bartkoski added.

And you can be sure that Kansas City will be there right beside them.

 

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