Kendra Waycuilis Anderson Independent-Mail Greg Parkinson digs a route for a new water line on Wednesday in the front yard of 1006 Evergreen St., a home that ParkWest Properties of Anderson is to make available to victims of Hurricane Katrina in need of temporary housing. The two-bedroom, one-bath home will be available after a new water line is installed and living room ceiling fixed.

Churches look to adopt Katrina families

By SAMANTHA EPPS
Anderson Independent-Mail
September 7, 2005

Loree Parkinson has never lived through a hurricane, but if she ever does, she believes someone will want to help her.

That’s why the Anderson resident, who moved to the area from Illinois 15 years ago, is offering a home free to a family made homeless by Hurricane Katrina.

ParkWest, an Anderson rental agency owned by Ms. Parkinson’s family, is making the home available for several months to someone who needs temporary housing.

"That’s what I would hope someone would do for me," she said. "It’s what Jesus would do."

All over the Upstate, people are working to make rooms and even entire homes available for evacuees who have had to leave their homes in Gulf Coast states.

A local organization called Anderson Christian Hurricane Relief is looking to match displaced families with church congregations in hopes that each church would support one family.

Some evacuees began arriving in South Carolina Wednesday seeking medical attention. Others were expected to come individually in the weeks ahead.

Web sites such as http://www.katrinahousing.net/, http://www.hurricanehousing.org/ and http://www.shareyourhome.org/ have popped up on the Internet, attempting to link homeowners with the homeless from New Orleans and other places in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Ms. Parkinson is helping to coordinate an effort at Cornerstone Assembly of God church to find private homes for families who have been displaced.

Perry Noble, founding pastor of New Spring Community Church, said the 4,000-member church also would assist families who want to relocate.

"We’re going to help get the kids in school and get mom and dad a job," Mr. Noble said. "Life for these people may not be normal for a year or two. I believe their biggest desire is normalcy. They wish they could go to work or go to school. We want to make that a reality."

Leaders of Anderson Christian Hurricane Relief hope to bring between 100 and 200 families from Houston.

Mr. Noble said his church had not yet been in touch with the relief group, but he is willing to help.

"My heart broke when I heard about Americans being called refugees on our own soil," he said. "The church has got to be involved in helping."

Samantha Epps can be reached at (864) 260-1259 or by e-mail at eppssh@IndependentMail.com.

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