Tips to Make Contacts Following a Disaster

Maureen "Oochee" Mould shared some advice on how to contact people in a community like Marysville WA after a shooting or in Oso WA after devastating mudslides.

Maureen says that many times the Salvation Army or Red Cross do not respond to calls; many don't understand the impact a clown can have on the spirits of those in grief or under stress during a calamity. I usually begin with churches and begin asking questions.

“Many churches put up cots to house and feed the homeless. They are an excellent resource. If they pass along a name and phone number, then things begin rolling. Since our troupe (shown in the image) performs in schools during the school year, I will do the same, ask questions of who would need our help and who to contact. Sometimes in watching the news, I will pick up on a name in a story and search for them on the Internet.

That's exactly how I found a place to stay in Oso where the mudslides hit. A gal was putting up numerous rescue and recovery workers in cots in her home. Also a church that was feeding and housing those who lost their homes was featured and I called them. I received numerous leads from the Pastor's wife!”

Maureen is Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Konnections. She's a marvelous resource and has offered suggestions while at the same time she is responding, finding those who need her and then filling that need.