Katrina.  After August 2006, for most people in the Deep South and throughout the nation, this name will register with names of other infamous hurricanes ... Andrew, Hugo, Camille, and Betsy.  Although the Category 5 hurricane was downgraded to a Category 4 prior to landfall, the large, lumbering storm unleashed its fury on the Gulf Coast, resulting in damage and destruction to people's lives, families, neighborhoods, and dreams.  After Hurricane Rita’s arrival in early September, the damage extended from Houston to New Orleans to Mobile.  Names of towns we may not have previously known are now common: Port Arthur, Texas ... Slidell, Louisiana ... Bay St. Louis and Waveland, Mississippi ... Bayou La Batre, Alabama.

Although Birmingham is a four-hour drive from Mobile and a six-hour drive from New Orleans, there is hardly a person in Birmingham who did not have a relative, friend, or business acquaintance that was not directly affected by the storm.  There is hardly a family, company, or organization in Birmingham that did not assist in some manner to help clear away the rubble or bring order to communities and neighborhoods.  We recognized that "it could have been us", and we helped as we could.

AIA Birmingham wishes to thank everyone who has helped in the recovery efforts from these storms.  Individuals' time and energy in actual assistance at the scenes has been invaluble.  The effectiveness of these efforts was multiplied by the gifts of supplies and financial contributions and prayers.  People (AIA members) from as far away as Seattle, Washington dedicated time to assist in this regional recovery.

Recovery efforts have transitioned into rebuilding, as individuals and families work to rebuild their homes and neighborhoods; neighborhoods and businesses join hands to rebuild their communities; and like the mythical phoenix that rose from the ashes, new life rises from a region that saw untold destruction.  AIA Birmingham embraces the continuing work of many organizations in these endeavors.  We particularly applaud the initiative taken by student groups from Auburn University (Alabama) and Ball State University (Indiana) in bringing much-appreciated energy and vitality with concrete results.  These groups have truly defined "empathy in action".

Ball State University | Rebuild Bosarge  www.rebuildbosarge.com

http://www.cadc.auburn.edu/dbld/

http://www.cadc.auburn.edu/dbld/projects/2005_06/pirogue/index.html

http://www.cadc.auburn.edu/dbld/projects/2005_06/eaao_house/index.html