On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina side-swiped New Orleans and devastated the central Gulf Coast. For a few brief hours our nation breathed a sigh of relief that New Orleans hadn’t received a direct hit. Then the first levee breached and remaining residents began to flee. By August 30, many were stranded at the Super Dome as more levees failed. Many of us watched in horror as the catastrophe unfolded.

On August 31, Larry Minnix, the president of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), e-mailed all member organizations to invite us to pray, to contribute to the Gulf States Hurricane Relief Fund, and to advise AAHSA if able to house member evacuees. John Diffey, President of The Kendal Corporation, contacted Larry Minnix and Leslie Knight, AAHSA’s hurricane relief coordinator, to offer Kendal’s assistance.

On September 16, AAHSA put Kendal in touch with Scott Crabtree, CEO of Lambeth House, an independent CCRC located in New Orleans. As Scott spoke to us on his cell phone from the roof of his 12-story community, he explained that all Lambeth House residents had been evacuated the day after the storm. Although the building had suffered significant rain and wind damage—and ensuing mold problems—it had escaped flooding and staff were striving to bring their residents home as soon as the building was habitable and sufficiently staffed. The administration was able to contact about 80% of the staff and learned that over half would be unable to return to their own homes, which were severely damaged or destroyed. We agreed that Kendal would work with the operations staff—then located in Baton Rouge with many of the residents— during the coming week to discuss how Kendal could help.

As needs were identified, Kendal affiliates quickly stepped forward to offer human resources, facilities, housekeeping, and health services support. Three teams of  Kendal employees traveled to Lambeth House, one each in October, November, and December of 2005. Seventeen individuals experienced a special kind of community as they worked together to serve Lambeth House residents and staff. We saw in person a group of Lambeth House employees absolutely determined to restore their own community and the way of life the residents depended on. Lambeth House began bringing residents home in October, and all were gathered in by late December.

Lambeth House staff were an inspiration to Kendal staff, and in return, the care and support Kendal gave was greatly appreciated. New friendships were formed by both sides. In addition to covering staff time and travel expenses, Kendal affiliates raised a total of $61,690 for AAHSA’s Disaster Relief Fund through combined contributions from residents, communities, and staff. Another $8,050 in gift cards was presented to Lambeth House employees and a total of $6960 was donated to Lambeth House. A donation of cubicle curtains was arranged with an outside vendor and Kendal purchased supplies to furnish two temporary dorms for Lambeth House staff. Kendal staff were able to volunteer because of the generous support of their Kendal co-workers.

A number of Gulf States members of AAHSA met at Lambeth House early in 2006 to discuss the future of aging services in those devastated areas. There is still much work to be done. Kendal will continue to offer support as our fellow AAHSA members plan their recovery through the challenging years ahead.