In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, private citizens in Murray, KY organized a rescue mission. Volunteers went down to New Orleans in school buses and brought people camped outside the Convention Center back to Murray. The town’s Woodsmen of the World Camp became the base of operations, serving as temporary housing and a resource center. StoryCorps Facilitators Rani Shankar and Nick Yulman had breakfast at the camp and spoke with evacuees about their experiences.
Above, Karen, who had stopped by the booth earlier in the week, gives an update on how her family’s doing. She, like many who came to the camp, had no idea where she was going when she boarded the bus but has decided to settle in Murray because she has been so impressed by the kindness and generosity of the town’s citizens.
Gigi, a hair stylist from New Orleans, tells her story and explains that she’s been doing people’s hair at the camp as a form of meditation.
We also visited the homes of some people who have found places to live in Murray through the camp.
Above, Cherry and her dog Whoopie, who came with her on the bus from New Orleans, pose in front of their new house with Camp W.O.W. director Colleen. "We’re family now," Cherry explained.
Above, Cherry and her dog Whoopie, who came with her on the bus from New Orleans, pose in front of their new house with Camp W.O.W. director Colleen. "We’re family now," Cherry explained.
