Good news: The official result is not in, but anecdotal data is suggesting that displaced families living in cars, who chose to call Middle Tennessee their temporary home. . . who were smelling really bad just a few days ago. . .are doing much much better today. It seems relief agencies began scouring counties neighboring Nashville this past weekend, directing those living in cars to shelters and centers in and around Nashville.
My wife has been interviewing them, as well as assisting them with immediate needs. One woman actually said to her that the donations that are coming to her and her children were sufficient to attend to their needs for a long time to come. Her exact words were, "my children will not be wanting". Apparently, in addition to food, water, clothing and shelter. . .these displaced families are receiving cash gifts and gift cards, sufficient to perhaps completely supply their needs.
I don't know how far ahead they are thinking. And we would need to, of course, interview plenty of people to get a better picture. But suffice it to say that in Nashville, at least. . .the volunteers are coming through.
We were hoping to use our local town as a model for an outreach program, but each time we identified a needy family, they were wisked away. . . where government agencies and the many churches in the area stood ready to take them in. Many are immediately being placed into homes. Private donations are filling in any gaps. And so far in Middle Tennessee, I am proud to report, it appears to be working very well.
My wife reports the numbers of displaced families she sees on her daily drive through Nashville have dramatically decreased over the last few days. As of today, she says it is actually difficult to locate a family that is not being "adopted".
I would guess there are counties elsewhere, where this is not going on, and where families are still left fending for themselves. But reports like the one in which this post refers are demonstrating the sort of amazing care the good people of the United States of America are providing their neighbors.
May God continue to bless America with his goodness and show grace and mercy to all of our neighbors in need.
Rande Is |
