Mellody Hobson Responds to Viewer E-Mail
Sept. 1, 2005 — -- People across the country are looking for ways to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina. Personal finance expert Mellody Hobson responded today to some common questions posed by "GMA" viewers.
Question: Is there a way to help specific people whose loved ones are missing?
Mellody: The best thing you can do in that situation is donate to the American Red Cross. The reason is they keep a database of every single person that they help that checks into one of their shelters or facilities. That database is very helpful for people who have lost loved ones in terms of them finding them.
Question: How can you help if you don't have a lot of money?
Mellody: The one thing you don't want to do, don't get into a car and become a renegade volunteer. Not only will you put yourself potentially in harm's way, you will be a distraction for those that are there to help the victims. The one thing you should think about is calling out to your local Red Cross, your local United Way, your local Salvation Army and ask them if they are putting together a volunteer corps. First you can get training, which is essential. Then they will have you go down there.
Question: How can we help homeless pets? Can we offer our homes as temporary residences?
Mellody: The homes won't work because they can't get the pets to you. The ASPCA, which helps with animal cruelty, is taking donations to help with relief efforts for animals. Additionally, if you buy goods or pet food from PETCO and round up to the nearest dollar on your purchase, they will match your donation.
Question: What about opening homes to homeless families?
Mellody: If your home is close to the region, that could be helpful. Again, contact your local Salvation Army and you local American Red Cross and ask them if you can make a donation of your physical home. If you live further away from the region, that's more problematic for two reasons. The closer the victims are to the disaster, the better chances they have of getting governmental assistance that they need. Additionally, the relief organizations are very concerned about people being moved to far-flung areas because it becomes very, very hard to contain disease if it occurs.
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