Finding a Better Way at Operation Restoration
Release Date: June 15, 2006
Release Number: 1605-215
» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- When Operation Restoration in Huntsville opened its doors to Hurricane Katrina evacuees in September 2005, the coalition of churches, volunteers, community and social support groups knew they were doing something that would help families and individuals whose lives were altered forever. The business of restoring lives, the goal of the relief effort, turned into more than just providing shelter for those who had none. The story of Operation Restoration is one of courage, hope, and hard work. Katrina's winds were no doubt brutal to millions throughout the Gulf Coast, and the recovery from this catastrophic event will be a long term. But in the darkest times of some people's lives, the power of staying positive may transcend the most difficult of circumstances.
Largest Shelter in Alabama
Formerly a Ramada Inn that had gone the way of an abandoned building, there are currently 83 individuals living within the walls of the refurbished structure. The once dilapidated hotel now stands as a testament to the coalition's vision of restoring lives. Many of the current residents are evacuees who hail from New Orleans. They have transitioned from housing provided by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Some previously lived in travel trailers while others stayed in hotels, but all those who have passed through the doors of 'Restoration' have found hope and possibilities for the future.
More than just an in-between living arrangement, Operation Restoration continues to help residents find employment, apartments and homes in the Huntsville area. "You can find a job in Huntsville, because it is a technology city," said Ronnie Fore, staff member at Operation Restoration. "We've had a few folks who have received their GED or high school diploma so they could find work."
The success stories abound here, whether it is the story of evacuees who were able to find a good job and an apartment and now call Huntsville home, or the New Orleanian couple who decided Operation Restoration would be a great place to become husband and wife. "We had a beautiful wedding upstairs," said Ronnie with a smile. "It's a story that should be told all over the world."
Over 200 individuals have called Operation Restoration home and the staff expect this number to increase with the onset of hurricane season. When complete, they anticipate being able to house 300-400 residents. What is required of potential residents of the facility? They apply, undergo a background check, and agree to a few simple rules to ensure the safety of all residents. Once the applicants are approved, housing is free of charge for two months. The rooms are fully furnished and private, with the needs of a family in mind.
Operation Restoration represents a successful cooperative effort among federal, state, and local entities. Through the assistance of local and community businesses, inhabitants enjoy a variety of benefits including hot meals, cable television and long distance phone services. So many people have taken part in the project that Ronnie hesitates to try and mention them all, lest he would leave someone out. When asked about staffing at the center, Ronnie humbly stated that many people have performed many different jobs: "The only title you can have here is someone who cares."
'Katrina was a Blessing'
For those whose work involves giving of their money, time, and know-how for the betterment of someone else, finding something encouraging about the disarray of lives blown astray by Hurricane Katrina might be a tall task. But for the men and women who have made Operation Restoration a success, the hours of hard work and labor yield positive stories of people's lives that truly have been restored. According to Ronnie, the name describes so much more than a place; it is a resolution to help those who need it most. "We don't like the storms, but sometimes they have a way of bringing people to a better place," said Fore. "Katrina was a blessing to many people, because they were blown to a better place in life."
When one speaks with Ronnie about the work that has gone into Operation Restoration, there is a sense of purpose and focus in his voice that is indicative of the work that is still going on throughout the facility. While there have been numerous work days and thousands of hours of labor completed by over a thousand volunteers from the community, work continues to this day. After all, the 2006 Hurricane Season is already underway. "Our plan is to have this as a long term living facility for evacuees as well as serve as a shelter in the community, and we still have work left to do," said Ronnie. "Another hurricane season is almost here."
'A Better Way to Live'
The staff and volunteers at Operation Restoration don't just see their work as a job they have to accomplish so evacuees have a place to live. On a Monday morning, the complex was abuzz with workers who were quick with a hello and a smile even when they looked busy. Although most residents were off at jobs or in school, the warmth of a place where people cared for one another shown through the otherwise plain former inn. "Some of these people were living in the worst conditions and did not know there was a better way to live," said Ronnie. "If people know what we had to offer, they would come here. I would love to be able to get to other states to find other people who don't know what we're doing here."
When asked about what it takes to get a project like Operation Restoration off the ground and running, Ronnie quickly stated that money and volunteers were the two things most essential to the work being done. "We've had churches from all over assist us, but we are always in need of volunteers." The project's website, www.mannahousedisasterrelief.org, is the online spot to find out how to help, whether it is the form of time or money.
What advice would Ronnie give to groups looking to begin a similar undertaking? "Be mentally prepared; know how to love on the people; and understand that everybody is not like you." It's true that this advice follows a simple creed that patience, love, and understanding are the foundations that have made, and will continue to make Operation Restoration a success.
Volunteer agencies, housing facilities, and recovery groups like Operation Restoration are what make long term recovery possible. "The better way" that Ronnie described isn't simply a quick fix to a temporary problem but rather a new hope for so many who lost so much. "Sometimes when you volunteer and do the right thing you are blessed without even knowing it," mentioned Ronnie. He acknowledged the Rock Family Worship Center in Huntsville as the main support for the operation.
Operation Restoration's efforts were recently recognized at The Spirit of Recovery Summit in New Orleans. The Summit, sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, honored Operation Restoration as the most successful faith-based endeavor of its kind.
One of a number of shelters and housing services in Alabama that are serving evacuees ineligible for further assistance from FEMA, Operation Restoration continues to welcome those who need aid. FEMA Volunteer Agency liaison April Jones had only the highest praise for their efforts, noting, "Operation Restoration truly has gone above and beyond anything we could ask for, and we are excited about the future support they can offer."
Contact Operation Restoration at 256-533-9292 or operationrestoration@knology.net.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 16-Jun-2006 15:57:32