Welcome Guests: Hurricane Evacuees Enjoying Stay at Hyatt

San Diego Union Tribune
Maureen Magee
STAFF WRITER
7 September 2005

Just days after surviving Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, 5- year-old Deandre Williams splashed in the pool of the downtown Manchester Grand Hyatt yesterday while his mother relaxed in the hot tub.

Debra Chadman and her 13-year-old daughter, Normanique, prepared to get their hair done.

Dozens of other evacuees who were flown to San Diego by local businessman David Perez enjoyed the unfamiliar luxury of a fancy hotel as they tried to recover from their ordeal and begin putting their lives back in order.

"The first thing I did was lay down on that bed and pop me a beer," said Norman Chadman, a construction worker who fled New Orleans with his family a week ago Sunday. "Then I took a bath, and then I took a shower."

Perez chartered a jet to Louisiana last week and brought back 82 hurricane victims to San Diego, where they were offered housing, food and help finding work for up to nine months. The transplants spent their first night at a makeshift shelter at Kearny High School before checking into the waterfront Hyatt, where they will stay until Friday.

Where they will stay after that is unclear, but the uncertainty didn't matter yesterday.

Many were from New Orleans' poorest areas and were hardest hit by the storm. Some had never been on a plane before, or used a modern hotel card key, or ordered room service. A few children had never ridden an escalator.

"I told my wife, `We've hit the lottery,' " Chadman said. "I lifted my head to the sky and said, `Thank you, Lord.' "

As the families came to grips with their experiences fleeing the hurricane, they slowly began making plans to pick up and carry on -- in San Diego and elsewhere. Many seemed undaunted by or unaware of San Diego's high cost of living.

Perez's associates interviewed the evacuees to determine their needs for housing, work and schools. But they were vague on details of what will become of the families.

"The community has been fabulous with offers of housing and offers to place people in their companies," said Angela Burmeister, a friend of Perez's family who volunteered to help his freelance relief effort.

It's unclear when evacuees will start new jobs, where they will live once they check out of the Hyatt on Friday morning, or when the children can start school.

"We still don't know. We could go to another hotel, not as nice as the Hyatt. Or we could move in with families temporarily," said the Rev. Louie Juarez of Serra Mesa Christian Fellowship, who is coordinating the effort for Perez.

"Sure, this is an expensive city, but we have the resources to do this. These people have seen the worst; now let's give them the best."

Juarez said volunteers are sifting through offers for employment and housing from the community. Although several San Diego families have offered rooms to evacuees, they prefer homes, apartments or condos, he said.

Officials from the San Diego Unified School District were at the Hyatt yesterday to enroll children in city schools, but they can't do so until they know where the children will be living.

Some parents and local educators said they were eager to get the children back into the routine of school. They also wanted the children to start this week, when local students were adjusting to the new school year and making new friends.

"They need the routine and structure of school," said Debra Chadman, who has two children.

City officials also were lending a hand, giving families information on city services, mass transportation and community centers.

Some evacuees have made plans to move in with relatives elsewhere in California. Others are determined to stay in San Diego for good.

"I have nothing to go back to, nothing," said Nyia Williams of the 7th Ward area of New Orleans, which she described as a ghetto.

How to help

Basics: Anyone wishing to help can drop off basic supplies such as baby formula and diapers, canned food, sports drinks, sleeping bags, flashlights, batteries, over-the-counter medication and toiletry items, but no clothing, between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. at JimsAir Aviation, 2904 Pacific Highway, on the northeast side of Lindbergh Field. The supplies should be boxed and labeled, to be delivered to the Gulf Coast region.
Money: The American Red Cross is accepting donations for those affected by the hurricane, including families who are being resettled or sheltered in San Diego. Information on how to donate is available at the American Red Cross' San Diego chapter's Web site at www.sdarc.org , the American Red Cross national site at www.redcross.org , or by phone at (800) HELP-NOW. Checks, but no cash, can be mailed or dropped off at the agency's local disaster headquarters, 3950 Calle Fortunada, San Diego, CA 92123.

Storm-related events

A partial list of community responses to Hurricane Katrina:

Community forum:

o SAN DIEGO -- Councilman Tony Young has organized a community forum to provide information about disaster-relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The forum will begin at 6 p.m. today at O'Farrell School Auditorium, 6130 Skyline Drive. The councilman will be joined by the American Red Cross, local pastors, ministers and faith-based organizations. Residents evacuated from New Orleans will discuss the type of assistance needed and how it can be provided.

Free training:

o SAN DIEGO -- The Scientology Disaster Response of San Diego is offering free training on dealing with dangerous environments and providing spiritual assistance during illnesses, injuries and traumatic experiences. Training will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Church of Scientology, 1330 Fourth Ave., downtown. For more information or to register, call (619) 239-2091, or visit www.volunteerministers.org

Fundraising:

o SAN MARCOS -- Cal State San Marcos will hold a discussion about the disaster, titled "Surviving Katrina," tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. in Commons 206, led by the university counseling center. Students are collecting donations for the American Red Cross Katrina Relief Fund at the student government offices, recreation center and university bookstore.

o ESCONDIDO -- "Escondido Cares," a fundraising event for storm victims is planned for 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday along Grand Avenue between Centre City Parkway and Palomar Medical Center in downtown. Dozens of restaurants, art galleries and other businesses plan to participate. Some will offer Southern and Creole-inspired food, and there will be roving musical performances with a Dixieland and jazz theme. To raise money, organizers plan to sell Mardi Gras beads and hold a silent auction. People can also make cash donations in various collection boxes. The Escondido Firefighters Association plans a "boot drive" in which firefighters will carry their boots and ask for donations.

o ENCINITAS -- The San Diego North County Bluegrass and Folk Club has organized a fundraising concert beginning at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena. The program will feature bluegrass, Celtic and traditional music. All donations will be given to the United Methodist Committee on Relief Hurricane Relief Fund.

o OCEANSIDE -- The Associated Student Government at MiraCosta College will host a Kickoff Event, at noon tomorrow by the Clock Tower. Free food and entertainment will be provided. Donations will be sent to the American Red Cross. The college is at One Barnard Drive. Information: (760) 795-6898.
If your group is planning an event or fundraiser, fax the information to the Metro Desk at (619) 293-1896.

Maureen Magee: (619) 293-1369; maureen.magee@uniontrib.com