Hello to the Point!

Polimom, please pass on this great news!!! My husband drove right in to Algiers this morning. We live on Brighton Place in New Aurora. He says they checked his id and he drove straight to our house. No problems with looters, our house is just fine. There are a LOT of trees down, however. We have hot, running water- still no power. I hope this makes a lot of people feel better.

A letter I wrote to Jeff Arnold, and also sent to the local TV stations and the newspaper. Can you think of anything else we can do or anyone else we should send this to?
Just heard on Fox News that people still left on the Eastbank who have been helping are being asked to go to Harrah’s staging area to help with an organized effort. We need that on the Westbank as well.
Dear Representative Arnold,
My name is Rebecca Stephenson. My husband and I live on Algiers Point. The homes in that area were left relatively unscathed but because we are a part of Orleans parish, we are not being allowed in to check on our property. Everything is being concentrated on Jefferson Parish returnees, and as you know, Algiers is surrounded by Jefferson Parish. Last we heard we would be unable to get to our home.
There are currently moves being put forth in online forums to start a petition to allow us in. Algiers has no power yet, but does have water and gas and dry streets.
My husband and I want to come to help rebuild the city. If Louisiana can import workforce from all over the country, why can’t they consider letting those of us who already have a place to be, albeit without power, and are willing to work come back and help with the effort. It would alleviate the pressure on the neighboring states and would give New Orleans a small band of workers that they wouldn’t have to build housing for.
As you know, the geography of New Orleans makes it difficult for people outside of the area to know that Kenner and Algiers are pretty far apart. And it’s difficult for us as we’re being ignored by the news media. The Westbank is an area that could be very helpful to the Eastbank.
I am getting email from people whose cats are going to starve and they just want to get in and get them out. Others are writing with the same idea that we have, PUT US TO WORK. We are willing to do whatever is needed. You’re pulling in Red Cross, etc. and thank god for that, but you have many people from our area that are willing to do whatever you need us to do. Let us help in our own home city. We are certainly able to help feed the traumatized rescue workers or overworked policemen. We are absolutely able to set up cots and hand out blankets to them.
And for those who would like to come and do a salvage operation then leave, please let them in to assess the damage to their homes, retrieve some belongings, and then move on.
We understand that this is a catastrophe of major proportions, and that there is much for officials to deal with that is beyond the pale, however, as one blogger stated, “We obeyed the law and evacuated, please don’t punish us now for doing that.” Let us back into Algiers.
Thank you,
Rebecca Stephenson

Greerpalmisano,
That is wonderful to hear! And oh so fascinating – cuz “Chief” Riley (where’s Compas?) just got done saying he doesn’t care what’s happening in the other parishes. Orleans isn’t coming back.