Getting to Minot

On Wednesday I received a phone call from my local Red Cross training coordinator.  "Diana, there's a great need for people to help with sheltering people in Minot, North Dakota.  Are you available?"

Thursday morning I was on an 8:15 flight to Fargo.  From there I picked up a rental car and drove to Bismarck, ND to check in.  I was told that the reason we flew into Fargo and drove 3 hours to Bismarck was because they needed rental cars in the flood zone and the rental agencies up there were tapped out.

Friday was spent travelling from Bismarck to Minot, North Dakota, a burgeoning town of about 36,000 people.  The population there has swelled since 2000 people because of the discovery of oil reserves.  However due to the low lying plains, whenever there is a large snow fall winter with extremely heavily rains, the snow melt results in some flooding. 

The flooding was astronomical in 2011, with waters from the Souris (or Mouse) river and the Missouri running through the area.  During the afternoon I arrived, the midtown was temporarily flooded due to heavy storm activity the night before.  I arrived late Saturday evening to receive my orientation.

The staff conditions are under hardship status here.  The water is non-potable.  I was warned not to use it to brush my teeth or wash my hands or face.  (I stopped at the Walmart to pick up sani cleaner, and industrial size packages of wipes).  I also bought a foam and pillow for my cot, and slept in the gym with a couple hundred other volunteers.  (Clients are housed nearby).  I was also told that due to high staff and short supplies, there is no food for staff.  We will make our arrangements for food elsewhere.  As local businesses are open I don't think that will be a problem.  I was also told to take care of laundering my own linens, however there are no laundry facilities.  I bought six new shirts and more underwear last night as well.  As for food, I will have to walk to local stores nearby and hope to find granola bars and fruit or other durable snacks that will survive in a non-air conditioned environment.

I now await assignment, whether it is client sheltering, client casework, damage assessment or bulk distribution. The clients have been in and out of shelters since May, and some have houses that are totally lost.  Many are angry or upset because they have been informed by FEMA that there will be no funding, depending on their circumstances.   It should be interesting. 

Please keep the folks from Minot in your prayers.

Diana