*EDIT* - I've modified this post to be more accurate based upon what others have been saying. Mostly, I seem to have been unfairly critical of the Red Cross, when in fact FEMA and the city/county share the bulk of the responsbility. Reference will now be made only to "the organizers." Also, keep in mind that this was late last night/early this morning, and that conditions/organization is much improved today since people have woken up and mobilized. I guess, then, consider this a historical document more than a representation of where things are today. Course, that doesnt mean your help isnt needed!

because i think the media reports on conditions in the astrodome have been misleading or at least incomplete, i post my first-hand account of the situation when i was there this morning from midnight until 4am.

after initially turning away volunteers who wanted to help, faced with the sheer number of evacuees, the red cross made an open call for volunteers at 11pm. i made it over there around midnight, and was met by the thousands of people taking shelter at the astrodome. police were also everywhere - i would probably estimate somewhere between 75-100 officers.

the astrodome was ill-equipped to handle the throng of evacuees. there were not nearly enough cots, and people were sleeping on cardboard boxes and even the stairs. i walked by several conference rooms that at least had carpet, but these areas were closed off. there was also insufficient blankets, and absolutely no pillows. when i asked if we could use the outfield padding (used when they played baseball in the astrodome) for people to sleep on, i was summarily rebuffed with "cant do that" because of some bureaucratic nonsense.

for some reason, it didnt occur to organizers to make any signs directing people as to where to go, so mostly you saw scrawled directions on cardboard box lids. no one made copies of maps to give to people either, so many people were just plain lost in the astrodome.

perhaps even more baffling, no one thought to bring sufficient amounts of clothes for people who hadnt been able to change for nearly a week. thus, it was nearly impossible to come across such basics as underwear, socks, and shoes. instead, what you found were winter coats and sweaters, single shoes without a match, high heels, and evening gowns. you even found mildewed clothes, which is just about the LAST thing these people needed. it was truly ridiculous - some people were walking around literally shirtless and there was nothing we could give them because we had no useable t-shirts or pants.

as for the people, there was good order in the astrodome. though the media seems to be chomping at the bit for news of fights breaking out, everyone seems to be going about their business in peace. in fact, very few people were crying - amazing considering what they've been through. most seem to be guarding their cots, though some had such things as radios and playing cards. it's very tough for some people, though - i saw many mothers walking around with signs reading "lost children," for example. and the red cross is compiling a list of people looking for other people. still, it's a dog eat dog environment in there. coming upon one elderly woman who looked dazed and bewildered, i asked if she needed help with something. she told me that she had just come back from the medical area and someone had stolen her cot. unfortunately, there were no more cots available. cot stealing seems to be a real problem. people are also stealing such necessaries as shoes - pretty much anything that people need, but that the red cross has failed to supply, is up for grabs. one woman did, however, compliment us for having "such a nice dome."

on the upside, showers are available for people, but they seem to have run out of towels. and again, the people have no clean clothes to change into. water and soda are also plentiful, but there is a lack of real food. mostly it is just rubbish like potato chips, as they seem to have run out of such things as sandwiches. tomorrow they will supposedly be serving hot food, however. conditions in the astrodome are fairly good all things considered - it's cool enough inside and the sanitation seems to be working well.

i hate to be critical of the organizers on this one, but they seem to have dropped the ball these first few days. but i will say that things will probably get better in the next few days, once they get their shit together and bring in some more cots and clean clothes . . .

*EDIT*: if you're worried about volunteering because of security or angry mobs, dont be. there is plenty of order/police in the astrodome, and most of the people are grateful to be anywhere but new orleans. obviously use common sense, though - dont come in wearing diamond rings. and if you're put off by things like stench, it's really not noticeable. if you want to volunteer, enter through the mcnee entrance off of kirby and tell them you're a volunteer. there's also plenty of water for everyone - you dont need to bring your own, but you may want to bring such things as hand towels to wipe sweat off or some hand sanitizer like purell.