<p>Geez, Mini, I didn't even think of that. I also hope the colleges will be flexible.</p>
<p>My school district (different suburb from Evitajr's) has enrolled over 100 new students from the stricken areas. Different denominations are being asked to provide meals for a week to the Astrodome refugees. Shelters are located EVERYWHERE. There is a huge momentum to help, which I hope is still active for the next several months.</p>
<p>Mrs. Mini - from what I have seen on websites, etc., the colleges are willing to work with students from the affected areas re transcripts and recommendations.</p>
<p>Sounds like they found a new use for Otis</p>
<p>No offense Mass - but Texas is taking in several HUNDRED thousand refugees! I'm sure Mass can handle 2500!!!!!</p>
<p>Most of the refugees headed to MA ( a FAR smaller state than TX, by the way, so please no snide remarks) are coming from TX.</p>
<p>Not trying to be snide, Marite. Texas population 20,851,820 vs. Mass 6,349,097 - so Mass is about 1/3 the size, a whole lot wealthier with a budget surplus. Like I said, they can handle 2500 new residents without any handwringing - but it will be hard on all. Texas, though, is swamped -and who knows how long the Federal government will be helping out. The longterm costs will be staggering, and the displaced people will need help w/ medical, social adjustment, education, retraining, psych trauma services etc -and the strain on the school systems will be incredible. I'm glad Mass is taking 2500, and hope the other 48 states volunteer to help out with the remaining 280,000!</p>
<p>Texas Area: 268601 sq.mi, 2nd Land 261914 SQ. MI., 2nd Water 6687 sq.mi., 9th</p>
<p>Massachusetts Area: 10555 sq.mi, 44th Land 7838 SQ. MI., 45th Water 2717 sq.mi., 17th Coastline 192 MI., 10th Shoreline .</p>
<p>TX:MA=26:1. </p>
<p>As for the performance of the Feds, and especially FEMA,I am as pessmistic as you are.</p>
<p>Well - the benefit that Mass does have - as far as OTIS - which can be utilized somewhat as a small city - which has many types of empty housing or facilities/resources - in that it can/will at least house 2500 evacuees - medical care to be managed completely by the military - recreational resources - movie theatre - grocery store - etc........ and a completely empty school that can be put back into service if the need be. A somewhat unique place to utilize.</p>
<p>Yes this will be a strain on the Cape Cod communities - but I would expect nothing less than our best to help these people. The Otis situation is ''tempory - maybe 60 days'' but I would be surprised to see that time frame realistically as others may be joining them in the future - and OTIS could actually provide services for these people for many months to come - depending on alot of things.</p>
<p>I agree that Texas resources are at a breaking point - but thank goodness the state stepped up to the plate and has been willing to do what they have done - but if you really look at a map of the general area there - it is the ONLY place that could have done what they have - in any way, shape or form. They should be very proud of what they have done - and now other places will also have the opportunity to share in this process of helping others. Not all states have facilities such as ours - we are lucky to be able to do what we are about to do. The utilization of Otis makes perfect sense.</p>
<p>During Hurricane BOB - many here on Cape Cod were in need of major assistance - now circumstances are reversed - it is our turn to help.</p>
<p>Jeep Mom,
It has been said that in times of crisis, some criticize and some inspire. You words serve as inspiration to all.</p>
<p>Jeepmom:
I note that Mayor Menino offered the facilities of the Trade Center but Gov. Romney decided to pass up on the offer. It could be that Romney felt that MA could only absorb that many people. But we shall see.</p>
<p>The passing on of the Boston Trade/Convention Center was most likely due to the fact that OTIS has much better facilities to house these folks - it is a military base that has many facilities not being used at this time - they can be flown directly there and triaged right there - to be housed in real homes/apartments/barracks/etc....... with basically all their needs being met in one place - it will be like a small city - has movie theatre/rec center/market/medical center/empty school!!/etc....... - many resources available right there all in one place - a much better choice all way round - makes alot more sense.</p>
<p>Going to the Trade/convention center would actually be much less comfortable for them and will mean being moved again at some point - tho I would not rule out the possibility that it may be used - but rather doubtful.</p>
<p>MARITE - I guess I would question the fact that only about a dozen states - and proudly mine is one of them!!! - that have offered to take large numbers of evacuees - thus lessening the burden just a bit on the great state of Texas - who has gone far and beyond what ever could have been expected of any state. I am sure if MA feels that they can accomodate more numbers - they will again step up to the plate - hope others do as well.</p>
<p>I am also VERY proud of the helicopter crews - some of the first on the scene to NO - that came from OTIS as well - long way from home - doing an incredible job!!!</p>
<p>Jeepmom:</p>
<p>That was my point: That, while Otis is ideal, the Trade Center could accommodate some more families as well, raising the total brought to MA to more than 2,500. And some communities have already said they would welcome some evacuees. I hope more come through soon.
I agree that TX has done a heroic effort and needs to be relieved asap.</p>
<p>just wanted to let everyone know that the support from other states has been phenominal down here. I live 100 miles inland from the Mississippi coast and our entire area was hit very hard. (online now via generator power, which i know is kind of sad). Thanks SO MUCH to everyone who has helped and been thinking of us. The suppport has truly been overwhelming.</p>
<p>May God bless you, redbricks! I'm still praying!</p>
<p>On the news last night, it was announced that all the folks going to Otis would be referred to and addressed as "guests" because that's exactly what they are. I've been going through all the clothes in our house so we can help, even a little, with the effort at Otis. I wish I could take a week off from work so I could go down there to help in person.</p>