Many people who have not been directly affected by Katrina are puzzled by the apparent passivity of its victims, especially the victims who were on the lower end of the economic and educational spectrum.

It is not passivity; it is depression and despair.

Even for our relatively fortunate family, and disruption of moving among 6 different temporary “homes” in 12 weeks, the financial strain and insurance frustration and red tape and everyone from contractors to inspectors to grocery stores being critically understaffed, have taken their toll. I cannot imagine how much worse it must be for people who lost so much more.

I don’t know how they find the strength to get up in the morning, honestly. Small wonder that they self-medicate with alcohol or drugs or food or whatever they can find to blunt the pain for a little while.

The good will and practical help from people like you and Ms. Carroll and so many others are what have kept us from falling apart. You cannot possibly know how much good you all have done because it’s not just about what’s visible. Seeing that someone cares is balm for our hearts and spirits; it’s literally priceless. Bless you.

God Bless all of your volunteers.

The aftermath of Katrina has been more than the area could bear, and we are stilling feeling it’s impact today.

Thanks goodness for folks like you who have helped so much in bridging the gap between the after storm chaos and where we are today.

We could not have done it without you!

This post is beyond inspiring. Awe is what I have for you. And for those who keep on in New Orleans despite the desperation, seeming hopelessness and devastation. I’m overwhelmed by what you’ve written, and I have never even been there.

As Americans we think that these neighborhoods, these conditions, do not exist. But, unfortunately, they always have. I don’t have answers but I appreciate your listing all the ways anyone of us could volunteer to try and make things ever so slightly better.

Thank you for this brutal, insightful post.