Flooding and makerspaces: Possibly a committee/group formed based on assisting/response/charitable givings

DMS General
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Y’all I know I’m on here a bit but this is something that really I think we need to think about. We have the ability to do SOOOOO much. With all the emergency help that is needed here in Texas I really think we should consider what makerspace can do to assist the people in need that surround us. This is home guys and people need help right now and I think as an organization we can think bigger/smarter.

@AlexRhodes works for/with American Red Cross so he really knows what is needed and where and he probably also realizes what’s realistic so he will be a good to really assess a plan (please note he is helping save the entire world right now so he’s kinda busy and tired so let’s not bother him) also his wife @MellissaRhodes is well versed in the ways of charity and giving. They are basically super heros.
I’m sure other members also have experience or have volunteered before and can speak on this.

I’m not sure what we can do but I know we can do whatever we put our minds to. Would people be willing to roundtable to brainstorm and come up with realistic plans.

3 am ideas:
Money drive of members not involving makerspace (so they don’t need to do paperwork)
Focus in on a specific town and organization to help (shelter, school, something small and lost in the fold)
Building things for misplaced families
Groups going down to help with physical labor (I have tried this before and been turned back)
Sewing quilts
CNC furniture flat packs for things that might be immediately needed (beds)
Adopting a family or five and directly working with them on specific needs - I’m sure people know families directly effected.
Working with say the houston makerspace to see how they are and how we can assist.

I do realize insurance, churches, shelters, federal assistance and other entities are present. I also realize this might be coming in late. I also know we can’t save all the starfish in the ocean but we can pick up as many as we can to toss them back (this is my least favorite symbolic teaching story).

Oh goodness I need to pass the heck out.

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This will be heavily needed once the water levels drop and folks start returning home. As for going down to help I would not unless you travel with a group already cleared and connected with someone local to help. Due to scammers cities have made issues with influx of people coming in with no specific task.

Volunteer at local shelters and drop off donations for sure will need them. Food and bottled water are huge needs. Most local shelters will be busy. I’ll post more info as I get it during this week on where folks can go help. I am headed south in a week most likely to start helping with my agency.