Like many of you, I have been horrified by the images coming out of New
Orleans. The hourly footage on CNN and one incredible cameraman’s
report on NBC rattled my nerves with thoughts of packing everything and
driving to the gulf coast. Everyone here at the ONE campaign HQ
feels horrible that this incredibly devastating event has taken place
and believe that immediate help must be rushed to those desperate for
water, food and medicine. In the next few days we will explore
ways for you to get involved and we will relay information from ONE
campaign partners about their efforts and how to contribute or
volunteer.

The death toll continues to rise and it’s hard to imagine being stuck,
stranded in Downtown New Orleans tonight with no amenities or means to
obtain even the most basic needs. I believe tomorrow we will see
a huge airlift and drop of supplies by the federal government.
They need it now – click here for a list of organizations working in the areas hit hardest by the hurricane.

The ONE campaign is a global effort to fight poverty.
Period. In devastating natural disasters like Katrina it’s always
the poorest of the poor who suffer the most. It doesn’t matter if
it is New Orleans or the slums of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As ONE
we have to fight poverty everywhere and stay strong as a team.

This is not an “Us or Them” thing. We are ONE world.
Poverty sucks everywhere. We must send help where it is needed
and encourage our leaders to not neglect those who have the
least. Our country will pull together–we will band together and
it will take years but the gulf coast will repair itself. I
encourage everyone to get involved locally and lend a hand any way you
can to help the people of the gulf coast.

I’d also like to see some comments from people here with suggestions on
how to help. Make comments below. I heard some
organizations are already seeking host families for the
displaced. What are the url’s? Please send ideas or comments and i’ll
post them as fast as I can. Thanks everyone.