They just don't know how bad it still is...

This is after the fact, but I want to tell about some of the projects we visited that are working to help.

The St. Bernard Project

While in New Orleans, we were able to talk to some of the people that are bringing back hope to the people.

The St. Bernard Project is a rebuilding project started by two people, a young lawyer and his wife, who left their homes and jobs and moved to New Orleans after they came to visit and saw what happened there. They call themselves people who care. I call them heroes.

The people of St. Bernard have only two messages that they want people to hear:

1. DON’T FORGET US.
2. WE’RE NOT LAZY.

St. Bernard Parish is a mostly white community of hardworking people. Many work as fishermen. People laid down their life in military service for their country, many worked in government. But when they needed their government, it failed to respond to the physical need for help.

People are tied to the land and have family values. There is a perception that the flooding is a “black problem,” that they are “better off” not to return. There are people of all faith and ages. If they can solve a problem, they will. Would you tell people not to come back here?

The problems of St. Bernard Parish are solvable problems. All that is needed is people, funds, and supervision. Anyone can re-build a home with training. Only the electrical, plumbing, and cabinets require skilled workers.

The project is funded by United Way and with donations from GE, Proctor & Gamble, and Shell.

They need volunteers. To volunteer contact them at http://www.stbernardproject.com

There are great mental health problems due to loss of family and relationships. Mental health problems are increasing, not dropping. There is a need for a mental health clinic and more professionals there for a long term. The closest hospital is a 30 minute drive away.

People have not forgotten – they just don’t know how bad it still is.

Devastation of St. Bernard Parish was total. “Tell people the truth,” they pleaded. We need them for whatever they can do.

Message to New Orleans - We Care

The 32nd annual conference is over. NSNC columnists have left to back to their homes, back to jobs and newspapers all over the U.S. The theme of the conference was "We have not forgotten." We were so welcomed by the city and people were both surprised and grateful that we wanted to come back there.

It has been traumatic and emotional, in spite of taking time for fun. So many in this city have suffered and are still suffering from post-traumatic stress. They are working hard to recover, but feel forgotten while the media goes chasing after new stories to report.

There are organizations that are working to help New Orleans help itself. If you can volunteer, please go there and do so. No expertise is nececessary, just a willing spirit and desire to help. If you can't work at rebuilding -- go anyhow. The tourist industry is up and running. The people are friendly. The food is wonderful.

New Orleans needs us to go there, to visit them, show support and to let them know that we do understand, have not forgotten, and most of all that we care.

The city is not under water. But we have seen devastation beyond what we imagined could possibly still exist. The magnitude of what happened here is truly overwhelming. Numerous columns will be written all over the country by our members. A book is in the making.

New Orleans - thank you for making us so welcome. Now, more than ever, we can say "We have not forgotten." It has been a life changing experience to come here. And we intend to do all we can to see than others do not forget you either.