California Fires Disaster Response 2007

Southern California Fires Initial Response 11/2/07

Achievements

Fire Fighter Thank you cards
Approx 200 cards signed thus far
New horizons School Irvine
Rescheduled signing for Monday
Please see attachment


Satisfy the Ricon Band of Luiseno Indian Needs list
Cleaning kit
20 IR Cleaning kits and face mask delivered to the San Pasqual Indian Reservation Fire Station
100 IR Cleaning kits delivered to the Rincon Nation
After the assessment trip on the ground More Cleaning Kits Supplies were ordered, purchased and picked up at will call for later assembly
Water
6,000 + Water bottles scheduled to be picked up Monday Morning
Canned/Dry Goods
What logistics would be needed for the Fundraising Department to successfully complete a 5 day food drive with local and national contacts to complete the last goal from the initial assessment of the Ricon Nation of Luiseno Indians on 10/29/07 to have items ready for loading by next Saturday 11/10/07?

Assess the current situation at the Ricon Nation of Luiseno Indian Reservation
Fire Victims
64 homes burned
19 home owner in possession of insurance
Spoke with tribal members and tribal elders, shared laughs about painful things
Felt the fresh anguish of this destructive fire because of the lack of regional support
Toured their burnt homes, farms and businesses
Mushroom factory burned
Citrus Groves Burned
Livestock lost
Majority of the homes burned were owned by Elders in the tribe
These tribal elders and other evacuees are currently being housed in the Harahan Owned Casino
Ray the Tribal Housing Official with who took me on our extensive tour he was able to provide detailed info of the fire and current situation
This heroic man clocked in three 24 hour shifts during the fire battle SubhanALLAH
This tribe had to fight their own fires
Dogs and cats appeared dead passed out and drained from smoke inhalation
These animals were fortunately saved and nourished
No serious injuries outside of singed hair/skin smoke inhalation
Raymond manager of the Tribal Housing Authority and other staff thanked us sincerely and were amazed that IR was willing to help in their recovery in Indian Country despite the minimal media coverage and lack of assistance and compassion to this present point
Our extensive tour of the Ricon Band and the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indian reservation took place immediately after FEMA’s initial 15 min assessment of property damage
The completion of this FEMA assessment will determine how soon we can begin any proposed cleanup plans

What aid is FEMA and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) supplying?
Below is a direct quote from FEMA’s ‘Help After disaster Applicants Guide to the Individuals & Households Programs (IHP)’ found in the Limitations section
“IHP will not cover all of your losses from damage to your property (home, personal property, household goods) that resulted from the disaster. IHP is not intended to restore your damaged property to its condition before the disaster. In some cases, IHP may only provide enough money, up to the program limits, for you to return an item to service. IHP does no cover business-related losses that resulted from the disaster. By law, IHP cannot provide money to you for losses that are covered by your insurance. While some money is available through IHP, most disaster aid from the Federal government is in the form of loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) that must be repaid. Applicants to IHP may be required to seek help from SBA first, before being considered for certain types of IHP help.
A complete copy of this guide can be given upon request
The Casino Factor in terms of monetary compensation cannot be assumed to be superior to the FEMA’s compensation in the language above. A
The Harahan Casino is currently housing the Elders Affected by the Fires
Having a Casino on tribal land does not ensure the revenue goes to the recovery of these Tribes
Ray the Tribal Housing Staff Member/Fire Fighter/Tour Guide said that the tribe thus far can only depend on helping themselves (approx 700 members including elders and children) with the limited resources they have for their recovery
IR has an opportunity to give these distressed people help in rebuilding a Mushroom factory, Replant Citrus trees, replace livestock, clean burnt home sites and rebuild them

Goals
Short Term Goals
Thank You Cards
Distribute signed thank you cards to Fighters
Their are two or tree fire crews and other disaster support staff staying at the same hotel as myself in Irvine
Distribute the 1st batch of signed cards to Fire Fighters and Disaster Support Staff in Irvine
Cleaning Kits
Distribute 150-200 cleaning kits to the Rincon and La Jolla reservation
Purchase 200 hygiene kits from supplier
Lable kits
Insert kits into cleaning Kit buckets
Distribute Water to the Rincon and La Jolla reservation
Assemble kits 11/4/07
Distribute kits at the commencement of the Cleanup Project
Fire Damage Cleanup Project
Have 50 + solid volunteers ready for initial cleanup
This can commence after FEMA has officially completed and taken their assessment
Citrus Tree Planting Projects
Mushroom Factory Rebuilding Project
Home Rebuilding project

Comments concerns


My first experience with disaster response 1st began as a wild land fires with the native Americans in Montana on the Flathead Indian Reservation in 2000 and with the Nez Perce Native Americans with the brother Ronald Rebers (Project Coordinator Assistant at the Baton Rouge Office) on their reservation in Idaho of 2002


Its vital I get copies of photos and footage of the CA Fires Initial Response for a complete power point presentation ASAP

Southern California Fires Initial Response 11/1/07

Achievements from 10/30/07

Fire Fighter thank you cards
Khalida has scheduled times for Fire Fighter personal card signings
New Horizons Irvine 949-552-5411
New Horizons Pasadena 626-795-5186
Completed with pictures and video footage
Orange Crescent School 714-531-1451

Contact FedEx
Khalida has Proofed and acquired the 800 thank you cards

Satisfying the Ricon Nation of Luiseno Indians Needs lists
Cleaning Kits
Core components have be itemized and purchased with local distributor
Khalida acquired aprrox 1000 first aid kits & 100 nail clippers from the Umma Clinic to be included from the cleaning kits
200 hygiene kits previously assembled at Garden Grove Masjid were retrieved to be included into the Cleaning Kits
120 Cleaning kits assembled 10/31/07
Palletized, labeled and loaded for 11/1/01 delivery
Almas has volunteers available for future Cleaning Kit assembly
Water
Khalidah confirmed the large donation of water from the Nestle Company
4 pallets/6,000 bottles To be Picked up 11/1/07

San Diego Assessment trip 10/24/07
Abdul Gahfoour had a response on 10/31/07 from the Salvation Army interested in partnering with IR in future projects
Kathy
Office (619) 446-0282
Cell (310) 963-5115

Goals

IR Fire Fighter thank you cards
Have 400 cards signed
Orange Crescent School 714-531-1451
11/1/07 12:00PM
New Horizons Irvine 949-552-5411
11/1/07

Satisfying the Rincon Nation of Luiseno Indians Needs lists
Cleaning Kits
Deliver 120 Cleaning kits assembled
Palletized, labeled and loaded for delivery
Water
Delivery 6,000 bottles

Asses the current situation at the Ricon Nation of Luiseno Indian Reservation
Fire victims
What is their condition/needs
Are some still in shelters and what are the needs of the shelter?
What aid is FEMA and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) supplying?
What is the foreseen long term need?

Southern California Fires Initial Response 10/30/07

Goals

Fire Fighter thank you cards
Contact schools
Determine best time for student signing of the cards
Contact FedEx
Determine cost and two locations for printing

Satisfying the Ricon Nation of Luiseno Indians Needs lists
Cleaning Kits
Cost of one individual kit
Cost for two hundred
Solidify logistics for the assembly and transportation of kits
Water
Follow up on Nestle lead
Canned Goods
Outreach to the Muslim community for the Ricon Nation of Luiseno


Support/Assistance

Fire Fighter thank you cards
Kalidah is contacting schools to determine the best time for the personalization/signing of cards
Satisfying the Ricon Nation of Luiseno Indians Needs lists
Cleaning Kits
I will need help purchasing cleaning supplies
Shouldn’t be much different then the purchase of the hygiene supplies a few days ago
I will need help assembling the cleaning kits with volunteers
I believe Bro Abdul Gafour was crucial in the logistics (van, volunteers, supplies) for the hygiene kits
I need a van to transport water and canned goods and other supplies ASAP
I will also need assistance getting in-kind donation of canned goods, bottled water and cleaning supplies by reaching out to the Muslim community
We have two hundred first aid kits ready to be combined with the Cleaning kits
I would like distribute two hundred previously made hygiene kits as well
I will contract professional assistance for the final loading/transportation of the Cleaning kits to the Ricon Nation Reservation
Documentation (video/pics)
I need video footage and pics of the cards signings at the Islamic Schools
I need video footage and pics of the assembly of the kits
I need video footage and pics of the Assessment trip to the Reservation
If no one is using the Sony DSR PD170 camcorder at the OC office I would like to use it for all of these projects

California Fires 2007 Initial assesmnet of the Ricon Nation of Luiseno Indians

CA Fires Initial Response 10/29/07

Ricon Nation of Luiseno Indians
P.O. Box 68 Valley Center, CA 92082 ph:760-749-1051 fax:760-749-8901
Contact: Dick Watenpaugh (Tribal Administrator)
(760) 644-4771

After speaking with Mr. Watenpaugh I was able to ascertain the immediate and future needs of this tribes members who were affected by the recent Fires on their reservation. All supplies and resources are to be dropped off at the Ricon Fire Station located on the Ricon National Reservation. My contact at the Fire Station is Chief Rodriguez & Captain Donovan
Immediate Items needed

Water
Canned Goods
Cleaning supplies
Special mention of cleaning supplies to those returning to their homes was made my the Tribal Administrator
Future Needs
64 homes/trailers have been destroyed/damaged
Of these 64 homes only 19 of these residents have home insurance
45 residences are either total or heavy loss
These native Americans will need assistance with replacing items within their homes as well as replacing their homes

Goals

I want to visit this reservation ASAP but I do not want to go to on this initial assessment trip empty handed with current knowledge of the need.
I want to focus our initial efforts for this tribe in supplying the evacuees and those affected with cleaning supplies.
I would like to assemble cleaning kits similar to the cleaning kits we distributed during the aftermath of Katrina.
I need to know how much money we can allocate for this cleaning kits project
My goal to donate/deliver 200 professionally compiled, packaged and labeled IR cleaning kits within the next few days
Evacuees who have homes are expected to be begin returning home in the next few days

CA Fires Current Situation 10/29/07

California wildfire overall statistics

Acreage: 516,356
Homes destroyed: 2,013
Deaths: Seven directly due to fire; seven involving evacuees, including infirmity, age, accident.
Injuries: 71 firefighters, 27 civilians
Current evacuees: at least 1,432 people in 13 shelters


Harris Fire
90,750 acres 70 miles southeast of San Diego. 70 percent contained. 206 homes, 247 outbuildings, one commercial building destroyed. Five killed. 21 civilians, 16 firefighters injured. Firefighting cost: $9.7 million.
Witch Fire About 197,990 acres from Witch Creek to Rancho Santa Fe. 90 percent contained. 1,040 homes, 30 commercial properties, 414 outbuildings destroyed. Two killed. Two civilians, 38 firefighters injured. Firefighting cost: $11.3 million.

Poomacha Fire: 49,150 acres on La Jolla Indian Reservation and northeastern county territory. 50 percent contained. 136 homes, 19 outbuildings destroyed. 14 firefighters injured. Firefighting cost: $5.2 million.

Slide Fire
12,789 acres in Green Valley Lake area of the San Bernardino Mountains. 85 percent contained. 201 homes, three outbuildings destroyed. One firefighter injured. Firefighting cost: $8 million.

Grass Valley Fire
1,247 acres in Grass Valley area of the San Bernardino Mountains. 95 percent contained. 174 homes, two outbuildings destroyed. Firefighting cost: $4.6 million.

Santiago Fire
28,012 acres east of Irvine. 65 percent contained. 16 homes destroyed. Eight structures damaged. Eight firefighters injured. Firefighting cost: $7.9 million.

Ranch Fire
58,401 acres in northern Los Angeles County and eastern Ventura County near Piru. 97 percent contained. One home, nine outbuildings destroyed. One firefighter injured. Firefighting cost: $9 million. Major Contained Fires:

Rice Fire
9,000 acres in Fallbrook. 206 homes, 40 outbuildings, 91 autos, two commercial properties destroyed. 200 homes threatened. Three firefighters injured. Firefighting cost: $3.1 million.

Buckweed
38,356 acres near Agua Dulce. 21 homes, 22 outbuildings, two bridges destroyed. Three civilians, two firefighters injured. Firefighting cost: $7.4 million.

Canyon
4,565 acres in Malibu. Six homes, two businesses, one church destroyed. Three firefighters injured. Firefighting cost: $5.8 million.

Magic
2,824 acres.

Horno/Ammo Fire
21,084 acres on Camp Pendleton Marine base.

Comments/Intentions

Most of the fires are for the most part in mop-up (checking for hotspots) and rehabilitation stage (planting trees, shrubs).
This signals the short time period left for firefighters before being demobilized
Thank you cards need to be distributed ASAP
Poomacha Fire: 49,150 acres on La Jolla Indian Reservation and northeastern county territory. 50 percent contained. 136 homes, 19 outbuildings destroyed. 14 firefighters injured. Firefighting cost: $5.2 million
Intend to visit and asses this fire on the ground
Help the inhabitant of the 136 homes destroyed
Most likely an impoverished area
Without home insurance
In needed of resources
10,000 people have applied for FEMA assistance
Need to make connection with FEMA Voluntary Liaison for the CA Fires
I expect a lead soon

California Fires 2007 Initial Response 10/27/2007

Goals

Finalize Fire Fighter Thank You Card

Khalidah contacted the Fire Departments and has determined the protocol for distributing Cards

Khalidah has Identified the schools with young student to personalize thank you cards

Edith completed the graphic design of four different thank you cards

Ready to be proofed and produced by FEDEX

Southern California Fires Initial Response 10/26/07

Goals


Meet with community members and other NGO’s at the Islamic Center of San Diego

This Meeting has been coordinated by the Sheikh at the Islamic center of San Diego
Mustafa said that he would be able to attend this meeting and network with the other players

Visit the Del, Mar Fairground

This is the site that all the evacuees were being directed to.
It was stated that this shelter had no intention of closing until the last evacuee has left
I asked Mustafa to Visit this major Shelter after the meeting @ the Islamic Center of San Diego

Begin Finalizing Ideas for gifts/care packages/gift cards to Fire Fighters

Southern California Fires 2007 Initial Response 10/25/2007

Goals/Achievments


Shelter Assessment

All the shelters visited and assessed the day before (10/24/07) are either demobilizing or occupied at low capacity with more then enough resources

Establish Booth at Qualcom Stadium
This shelter was demobilizing and directing current evacuees to other shelters especially the Del Mar fair grounds
Gave my contact info to a FEMA representative
Expressed IR’s desire to temporarily house evacuees

Visit FEMA Site In the city of Ramona

This site was entirely closed/barricaded by Police and Military personnel
No resources needed at this point

Visit Garden Grove Masjid where hygiene kits were to be compiled by volunteers

Kits need to be modified before distribution

Southern California Fires Initial Response 10/24/07

CA Fires Initial Response 10/24/07

Goals

• Meet with the Community Leader in the San Diego 
• Inquire, identify and asses the situation through their eyes and ears find the best way we can take our assessment of the current situation 
• Identify and Visit Shelters

1. Identify Demographics
   
2. Assemble 3 TeamsAre shelters at full capacity?
3. How Much room left in shelters?
4. Are people still coming?
5. Are people leaving?
6. What are the needs?
7. Compile data base of names and contact info of families providing housing
8. Identify the best ways to assist specific  targets 
9. Get Info from FEMA and NGO’s
10. Statistics of what areas are allowed to return (estimated population)
11. What areas are still being evacuated
12. Get Islamic Relief on the general FEMA Resource list
13. Establish relationship with FEMA voluntary agency Liaison
14. Find specific needs
15. List ways we can help them in their effort
16. Make/Write announcement for Juma to help notify IR resources

• FEDEX Hygiene kits to the Islamic Center of San Diego from the IR Baton Rouge warehouse
o Scheduled to arrive Friday 10/26/07

Islamic Relief Katrina 2 Year Anniversary Video

Sunday Summary 7/29/07

GNODRP Partnership
I established Islamic Relief as a member of GNODRP (Greater New Orleans Disaster Recovery Partnership) in the early days of recovery after Katrina and Rita. When attending the initial meetings I explained our capacity and projects (primarily food distribution) to the other organizations of this partnership which includes the big dogs like United Way, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Catholic Charities as well as smaller churches and community organizations. So every once in while when the partnership needs assistance with the transportation of supplies and in-kind donations they call us and we do our best to contribute. Our recent delivery for GNODRP has been to deliver 12 pallets of paint from Houma to Kenner LA. Because of the nature of the partnership thus far the new chair member who happened to be affiliated with Catholic Charities has voiced her concern to improve on the reciprocity of the partnership. “Ruben - That sounds great! I was wondering if you and I could possibly meet one day soon to discuss how GNODRP can assist your programs. I am not familiar enough with what your org does to comment on the services you provide but want to recognize your org at our membership meeting. I feel that relationships should give and take from both ways, so I want to assist you when you need as well.
With Gratitude,”
Sara Galliano
Katrina Aid Today - Catholic Charities
1000 Howard Ave Rm 231
New Orleans, La. 70113
(504) 310-6878 or (504)236-1759

InshALLAH I want to maximize opportunities like this in the near future but need to commit to a specific project

New Muslim Sister Still In the Shelter
My wife visited the new Muslim revert to Islam in her mid Fifties who is currently homeless. She is living in a shelter that is for both men and women. When she attempts to cover she is laughed at by her homeless shelter mates. The Ansar committee has assisted this women in the past by paying for a week stay in a motel. From what I have gathered they are unable to right now because of time and social issues this women. They need a paid staff who can deal with all people including Americans who have embraced Islam. We are currently trying to get the sister married.

Sunday Summary 7/15/07

• Masjid Islam
o I asked the Imam Faruq Abdul Aziz Of Masjid Islam if he would be willing to be entrusted with funds (Sadaqa/Zakat Charity) to disperse to the needy of the community as well as those that come through our office, “Yes, it’s Much Needed”.
o I asked the Imam of the Masjid their status
• Tax Exempt
• Non-Profit
• On the State and Federal level
o Ready to begin Sadaqa/Zakat Charity Program

Adult Education Programs
• Reconsidering the idea of having GED classes at the IR Office
o Various location in the Baton Rouge specifically that offer free GED and Adult education courses
• From assessing the situation transportation is found to be the biggest factor stifling the success of these programs
• I want to provide an Adult School buss/shuttle service for those in the community that want to attend class and benefit from offered courses. This is need I believe we can suffice that helps in one of our missions to combat illiteracy


Gulf Coast Case Study #1
• Miss Elouise Kensey is a native of New Orleans Louisiana, a Katrina victim now residing in Baton Rouge Louisiana. This strong woman already battling leukemia cancer before the storm embarked on her journey the Saturday before the hurricane ripped into the Gulf Coast, “I have custody of my seven grandchildren and had we stayed somebody would have died, a tree fell on the house, we were lucky, blessed however you want to call it.” Due to the destruction left by Katrina and ensuing flood waters returning home was not an option. Miss Elouise and the 7 grandchildren entrusted to her migrated to Texas for three months before returning back a little closer to home in Baton Rouge. “I have been very fortunate and blessed for people to give me things in Texas where I was, the church gave me furniture and money and food and when I got here the Islamic Relief also helped me a lot with food and blankets and pots and toiletries, you know they helped me a lot, things I needed you know because ah sometimes money was short but it always came, things that I needed I always got it.” Since their journey back to Louisiana they have been able to find some stability. Recently moving into a home not far from the two bedroom apartment the 8 of them shared for over a year Miss Eloise recalls how others weren’t so fortunate, “Were doing great right now we’re blessed we lost everything but we gained much more, some people had much worse stories, sad stories but mine is a happy one, I know people who have sad stories, lost family, lost their minds a whole lot of things but I was strong, I made it”. When given the opportunity to speak to those who contribute to the Islamic Relief Gulf Coast compassionate relief effort she said “ THANK YOU (LOL) thank you, just knowing that there is people like you guys to help us was amazing, overwhelming sometimes because a couple of times I was this far (pinching her fingers together) from not having food and it came right in the door you know from you guys and it was just overwhelming sometimes the help that I got, the people the way they respond to our needs it was overwhelming it was great!”

* Miss Elouise oldest grandson a senior in high school took his shahada and is now a practicing Muslim

Katrina Documentary Teaser

Sunday Summary 7/8/07

Super Grandma
• The communications writer for IR asked me to do a short write up of a beneficiary. Grandma Eloise was the first to come to mind, one of the phenomenal women that I met after the storm. She is the guardian of 7 grandchildren. She has been protecting and nurturing these grandchildren well before Katrina and shining as a symbol of resilience amidst the storm. Four boys and three girls ranging in ages 7-17, she dedicates her entire life to see her grandchildren succeed. After Katrina this was not an easy task to accomplish. She showed me not only the importance of keeping family together but also the strength it takes to maintain such a demanding household.

Racist Free Women Shelter
• There is a desperate need of a racist free women’s shelter in Baton Rouge. After discussing some homeless issues with volunteers who have dedicated their lives to helping the needy I have found that the systems here to help are not set up to help every one with justice. One of my dedicated volunteers is from the streets. At one point in her life she was homeless and without anywhere to turn to. She vividly remembers having to face racism in every shelter in Baton Rouge. Not receiving social services, job opportunities or even preferred donated clothing this strong black women has made it her life mission to give homeless women what was never offered to her. Help to get on her feet despite her race religion etc. This problem of racism in the homeless shelters here in Louisiana is unfortunately widespread and unchecked. The best idea to counter this grotesque problem is to build a women’s homeless shelter to offer refuge, resources and training, a shelter free of racism, full of support with real solutions.

Sunday Summary 7/1/07

Sunday Summary

Magnolia Market
• The Magnolia Farmers Market has been a blessing to the impoverished community of Central City New Orleans since the immediate aftermath of the storm. The volunteers who operate this point of distribution and the over-al experience of distributing in-kind donations from this location for the last couple of years has taught me so much its not even funny. The grandest thing I learned was how to distribute large quantities of in-kind without micro managing and have had plenty of opportunities to implement patience and ingenuity. The diligence from the volunteers at this point of Distribution overshadows by far any misunderstandings or negative experiences easy to acquire when working in such a stressful environment. The entire volunteer base at the Magnolia Market is completely comprised of retired American. This interesting fact I have shared with others during the Humanitarian day training because it’s the logical free/low-income workforce for humanitarian labor. This segment of society often owns other means of income and possesses free time. Another important element possessed from this segment of society is that they are often resourceful and connected to the community, two key elements necessary for a successful in-kind distribution operation. I would bankroll this operation till everyone there died


Greenwell Springs FEMA Trailer Adoption Project
• I have been driving past this trailer site for the last two years in Baton Rouge and had no idea that it was even there. Located down the street from the Earl K. Long Medical Center where the student doctors of Louisiana State University practice on the poor and prison inmates of this community. On my first assessment trip I was given a tour by the FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaison through the littered cul-de-sacs of the site. The lady in charge of case management for Catholic Charities accompanied this trip. She was very informative, able to give a general situation report from her past experiences at this particular trailer site and the experience of her case managers. The obvious conclusion from her articulation of this trailer site was that it would be an uphill battle do to specific reasons most of the residents remain. It was stated by the catholic charities lady a lot of hand holding is required and that they have to many people requesting help leaving no time to help those that have shown no initiative to help themselves. Many of the residents have never had better living conditions then a free trailer with free water, gas and electricity. Many of the young men have had poor opportunities leading to the lack of ambition to receive an education or learning a trade. A notable number of residents are single mothers addicted to crack cocaine and other drugs. Security there is an issue with as well. If we are to be successful in implementing any projects at this site we have to have a consistent physical presence in the site to build trust and identify and reach out to those who really want our help and not just free cable tv.



Sisters Helping Sisters Homeless Shelter Project
• This is a newly forming organization led by a phenomenal woman who goes above and beyond the call of duty of helping those in need. Miss Veda Washington houses homeless women and invests her personal time and money to change their lives for the better. My wife and me are currently mentoring this Lady and giving her any resources we can to establish her non-profit organization and assisting in the continued housing of the homeless women of Louisiana. Last week she had six women living in her house and now she has 11. She pays for their medical testing and general physicals to properly deal with the women she brings home from the streets. She has taught me that you can truly do anything noble with little or no money at all. The Sustainer of all the Worlds always provides her with what she needs at the right time to help her mission continue. I would give this women anything she needed to help her continue the awesomely beautiful work she is doing


Urban Sports Project
• This is a joint effort with the ‘Baker Parent and Patrol Watch with Children’ community organization to give the youth of the Renaissances FEMA trailer site athletic and academic programs. I met with the director of operation Nikita Wilson, a collegiate Basket Ball player and Teacher last week. We had a very insightful and inspiring meeting. I plan on using Islamic Relief funds to help with their youth athletic programs this summer and to implement academics programs in the Fall with the youth that we build relationships with this summer.

Islamic Relief & Dartmouth Spring 2007 Katrina Voulunteer Mission New Orleans LA

This film documents the volunteer mission of 42 volunteers from three groups in the State of Louisiana to aid those communities affected by hurricanes Katrina & Rita. Sponsored and guided by the Islamic Relief and Dartmouth’s Tucker Foundation; these volunteers completed magnanimous amounts of relief effort during their two week spring break. These efforts included gutting/sanding houses and Islamic Schools, feeding the poor, playing with the youth of poverty, sorting food at the Second Harvest Food Bank of New Orleans and of Baton Rouge and so much more.

Taking a Break from the Ordinary

I was very hesitant to make expectations about the trip before I came down here in case they would not be fulfilled. I didn't want to risk being disappointed, but the trip had gone way above and beyond anything that I could have hoped for. I learned so much about the situation and started to really have a desire to do as much as I possibly could for New Orleans.
-Dartmouth College student volunteering with Islamic Relief

Winter and spring breaks for college students are notoriously known for their days of carefree relaxing, winding down after finals, and nightly partying. But instead of the expected recess of lounging and idleness, two groups of Dartmouth students headed down to the Hurricane Katrina-devastated areas of Louisiana to assist Islamic Relief in its relief and recovery projects in the Gulf Coast.

For about two weeks during winter break this past December, 42 Dartmouth College students took the long journey from New Hampshire to Louisiana to do their part in assisting in the aid efforts.
"Working in New Orleans and Baton Rouge has been an extremely enlightening experience for me; I only wish I could do more for people," said Dartmouth student Winnifred Lewis. "All the destroyed houses and the many trailer parks were life-changing sights. Being here allowed me to not only see and appreciate the depths of the problems here, but it also allowed me to feel empowered in that we can change this."

On their first day in New Orleans, the students received a thorough tour of the devastation in the Lower Ninth Ward and other parts of the city. The student volunteers helped Islamic Relief feed the poor and those living in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailer parks, distribute bedroom and kitchen sets to evacuees, sort, provide, and distribute groceries in a warehouse, among other activities.

"I'm glad that we did various projects that forced us to interact with the people we came to help because it was through these that we were able to touch people and be touched by them," said Amara Ugboaja.
Another student added, "I came down here to gain perspective on the meaning of suffering and calamity. There is certainly personal turmoil we endure, but witnessing others' suffering allows us to learn gratitude."

Volunteers have been the backbone of Islamic Relief's relief efforts in the Hurricane Katrina-affected areas. This experience not only provides volunteers the opportunity to help their fellow Americans in need, but also allows them to leave with a better understanding of the needs of others and strengthens their desire to do more to help within their own local communities.

"This trip has given me the opportunity to help for two weeks, but it has also given me the opportunity to learn and acquire the skills to help more in the future. I look forward to it," said Sasha Otero.

Expressing the sentiment of many volunteers after such a unique lifetime experience, Alim Shaikh said, "All the work we've done here has been such an incredible and moving experience, I cannot help but want to come back here in the near future."

From Partnership, the official newsletter of Islamic Relief, Spring 2007

Humanitarian Day Training 2007

Humanitarian Day Training 2007

In preparation for the annual Humanitarian Day during the month of Ramadan representatives from 22 cities have gathered in the LBC to share learn and refresh the basic principles for coordinating a Humanitarian/Social Service event. Founded by the ILM Foundation who possesses a righteously rich history of helping humanity and sponsored by Islamic Relief USA for the past few years.

The ILM Foundation (ILM) established Humanitarian Day (H-Day) as a community Project in the month of Ramadan to serve the homeless and Untie the Muslim community. After a few years, ILM realized the importance of providing more then food and created a coalition of Muslim Organizations. Islamic Relief was among the founding members of that coalition

In Planning for 2005, the leadership from Islamic Relief and the ILM Foundation felt homelessness to be a national crisis that demands a national response. The following year Islamic Relief Campaigned for a National effort expanded to 15 cities serving nearly 20,000 people. H-Day is the largest humanitarian event developed and implemented by Muslims in America during the month of Ramadan

Islamic Relief is a tax exempt nonprofit, registered in the State of California (1993) that strives to alleviate suffering, hunger, illiteracy & diseases worldwide regardless of color, race or creed by providing aid in a compassionate and dignified manner, providing rapid relief in the event of human & natural disasters and establishing sustainable local development projects allowing communities to better help themselves. Islamic Relief operates relief and development projects in over 35 countries and provides grants to projects around the United States; Humanitarian is our first national domestic project

ILM Foundation is a 501 c 3 faith-based non-profit organization founded in 1998. ILM means knowledge in Arabic, however, the acronym stands for Intellect, Love and Mercy. Their mission is to “Teach Life Skills to Replace Social Ills”. This Mission is implemented through the following programs: eat Right to Think Right, Go Beyond the G.A.M.E student athlete mentoring, and Partnerships for Humanity. Their list of marquee annual events includes Humanitarian Day, MECA Fest, Islam is a World Movement, and Go Beyond the G.A.M.E sports camp. ILM Foundation, in 2006, opened another chapter in Las Vegas, Nevada

The Number of cities involved increases each year-5 in 2005; 14 in 2006, 22 in 2007. As more cities join us the character of the event emerges. We want this event to be clear and identifiable to the community-at-large so that we can meet Goal #2- Provide an opportunity for the community to observe Muslims in a positive role

*Please see the Humanitarian Day training resources in the Picasa Photo Albums to the right

General Humanitarian Event Tips

Coordinating an event to feed the poor, make children smile or to service humanity in general takes planning and a dedicated team. In basic preparations for a humanitarian event your team must be assembled, assigned task and coordinated with an aim of a fluid success. Fluidity implies choosing the path of least resistance, feigning away from micromanaging but at the same time paying attention to details. The details are the people you are serving, their families, their feelings, their needs and their happiness. The stimulating feeling one gets as they realize some one genuinely cares about them and the condition they are in surpasses perception.

The core teams of volunteers you select to aid in your vision and movement towards helping humanity must be trustworthy, humble, respectful, courteous, patient, kind, and posses the ability to become emotionally detatched when necessary. When helping those in the dust you and your team may witness horrid things, be prepared. This core group of volunteers must be entrusted to delegate specific tasks assigned for them to carry out. To be able to delegate any task effectively you must have a blueprint of what is in your heart. If you want to feed the poor and have fun for the kids what will you give them? How will you procure this? How will they take what you are giving with them? How is this done islamicly and efficiently? How much will this cost? How much does this cost? If you are trying to provide health care, dental services or a combination of humanitarian efforts you must ask yourself similar questions and others like those regarding liability issues.

Each team assigned a task must be given trust. They must accept this trust to be responsible and to do their job the best they can collectively. This trust will give the coordinator of the event flexibility to manage all other delegated tasked with a general management mindset. After giving the teams a detailed goal or end result of what you want and how you want it they are to be entrusted with the task. Once entrusted with the task they are not to be micromanaged for this is counterproductive and facilitates unwanted drama. The coordinator must trust to a certain extent that his teams wit, intellect and ingenuity will suffice for his or her unspoken suggestions. Freely give your ideas and input within your ongoing and spontaneous councils. Do this with a tone of peer suggestion, not the roar of the dominating shot caller. Asserting your position of leadership is to be done with wisdom and only when appropriate and necessary. If you use wisdom and humility as you lead your team and serve the masses you will find it easy to flow with the show already written.








Know that inshALLAH the next one will be even better