-
September 14, 2021“Love thy neighbor and trust in God!” Those are the words spoken by our Community Manager of St. Bernard Manor, Wanda Robinson. Robinson and her fellow managers took immediate action following Hurricane Ida when it became apparent that our region lacked vital resources (power, water, gas) and would be for some time. Knowing that conditions would likely deteriorate, staff encouraged residents to evacuate or leave with family. For those who chose to stay, resources were pooled together.
While the emergency generators kicked on to supply emergency lighting, the staff and residents kicked into support mode for all who remained at the properties. Staff traveled across our properties to check on residents and provide water and ice while remaining in contact with the local civil officials.
Residents gathered in the cooling stations set up in the common areas of the property or on the RTA buses stationed outside. The helpers emerged within each property as residents gathered the food from their apartments to grill and cook for their neighbors. Everyone came together to look out for one another. Christopher Inn resident, Ms. Jan, expressed her gratitude of the commitment of their staff despite the challenging environment, “The days I was there after Ida were by far the best, easiest and most comfortable post-hurricane days I’ve ever spent, and I stayed for Betsy, Camille and Katrina. We had food and water delivered, we could charge our phones and we could cool off downstairs.”
St. Martin’s Manor resident, Mr. Al, shared how conditions were hot, but his community came together to help one another as they always do. His fellow resident, Ms. Christine, shared the same sentiment, “We
stick together – we’re one big happy family.” When asked if she would do things differently should another hurricane come this way, she responded, “There is no place I’d rather be!”
Back at Christopher Inn, a resident known as Mr. Mau expressed his appreciation for the staff and for the generators that powered the elevators, emergency lighting and the downstairs common areas: “The staff here is wonderful. The entire downstairs felt like a meat locker, which was great. We even had the big screen TV on in the cafeteria!”
While most residents evacuated to state shelters, Christopher Homes buses and staff transferred a few residents to Wynhoven where they converted the Chapel and community room to a temporary shelter. Our staff purchased bedding and supplies to accommodate those residents and other team members stayed on hand to assist the residents as needed.
As residents returned to their homes over the weekend, they were happy to be home. All Christopher Homes staff was on site to welcome them and distribute groceries and hot meals upon arrival.
According to Ms. Barbara, a Nazareth Inn resident who evacuated to the state shelter in Shreveport, she and her fellow residents continued to look out for each other in the shelter. They were elated when
Christopher Homes Lead Service Coordinator, Greta Thompson, walked through the shelter doors to check on them.
As residents were settling back in at our properties, two Nazareth Inn residents were reflecting on riding out the storm and its aftermath. One of the resident, Ms. Noelie shared, “What we went through was nothing compared to what Jesus went through.” Her friend and fellow resident, Ms. Vincie agreed, “It was scary. The wind was scary. But, we’ve got a God up there and He’s taking care of all of us!”
There is no doubt that the aftermath of Ida presented many challenges, but as so many of our staff and residents shared, we came together, and along with Jesus, we conquered the storm.
