September 6, 2005
By George M. Brown, Director of University Recreation
It really does not feel like over a week since the first influx of evacuees came to the Student Recreation Center and we all huddled together as the storm passed through Tuscaloosa with the tornados and related storms activity of Katrina upon us. I am fairly sure that to the victims it probably feels like an eternity. The “community” that exists here has gone through all the growing pains and coordination issues that any such operation would expect. Sharing space such as tight sleeping quarters, shower facilities and food provisions have been an adjustment but one the evacuees (or residents as we are now calling!) have made very well. As much as the coordination for the residents took place, the coordination of the incredible outpouring of volunteerism and donations has been more pronounced. This tragedy in our backyard has given so many in our community a chance to show they care. And care they do indeed! Truckloads of goods from children items to clothes to personal items to specialty items such as electric beds, electric wheelchairs, cribs and more toys than surely Toys-R-Us is ever use to selling in September have been purchased and reside here.
Gospel choirs sing, bands have performed daily outside and in the building. The weekend saw the true essence of the spirit of “Roll Tide” with almost 60% of the residents attending the game while others soaked in the beautiful afternoon and evening on campus or were able to watch the game on Pay-per-view thanks to the generous donation by the UA Athletic Department. Group after group comes forward for time with the kids in play or simply to help them with transportation or other essential needs. Homes are being opened by the day and the census in the SRC has dropped some as a result. We as a staff have a great deal of mixed emotions as those who have found more permanent housing give us their thanks and hugs of gratitude as they say goodbye. We are happy for their continuing progress to a return to some level of normalcy but truly have formed an attachment with so many. Many are beginning jobs in the community and children should be starting to area schools this week. Those of college age are either enrolling at UA or giving it considerable thought for the near future. Tuscaloosa for so many is now HOME!
The city that now exists at the Rec Center is amazing. The residents have such a sense of ownership and care for the facility. They clean up as fast as we do! They organize cleaning details between meals, they have regular head-of-household meetings through the American Red Cross and they communicate their needs and in return take charge of things they can personally have some control over. The child care center, the internet safe-zone for communicating information to loved ones, the adult activities such as bingo and transportation to laundry and church services continue to become more organized. All of this is the best evidence of the true capacity for perseverance of the human spirit that I can see. We are not perfect, no community is but the entire UA community continues to reach out through outstanding volunteer efforts and donations that are simply staggering.
We continue to share within the facility as the patrons and students have been so considerate and caring. The balance is tenuous but one we can maintain. When asked repeatedly how we do it, I simply reply, “It is what we do.” I think all the community affected by this tragedy share that sense of singleness of purpose.
George M. Brown
Director of University Recreation
The University of Alabama