Thursday, Sept. 8: Day 3

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On Thursday, Houston HopeFest came to a successful close as remaining families and evacuees of Hurricane Katrina came through Toyota Center to accept donated goods and receive assistance from agencies that would help get their lives back on track. Spirits were at an all-time high since the devastating storm occurred. Families were able to use internet access and phones that were provided to contact loved ones or to submit resumes and applications via email.

“I did give a resume to Memorial Hermann, and I’ve made other contacts,” said Tracey, an evacuee from New Orleans east. “I got out right before the storm hit. From what I understand, New Orleans east is completely under water but I’ve not been able to see anything since I have not returned since I left. Sometime this weekend, I’ll be moving into an apartment.”

Evacuees of the hurricane were able to spend some quality time with players as well. Many of the Rockets team was present to sign autographs and to lend their support. It was just another generous touch on behalf of Rockets players and staff who were genuinely touched by Katrina and its disastrous effects on parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

"I've had a lot of friends (in New Orleans) and some of them have come and stayed in my house,” Rockets guard David Wesley said. “Just watching TV and seeing the destruction on TV to the places I've been and driven down streets that I've been on, its incredible. It's hard to watch."

Having played 2 ½ years for the New Orleans Hornets, Wesley had close ties to the city of New Orleans. However, while there were some Rockets players who were fortunate enough to not know anybody personally affected by Katrina, they still acknowledged how it plays a role in everybody’s daily life.

“I, fortunately, did not know anybody there. I got kind of lucky in that regard,” Rockets guard Bob Sura said. “But it hits home for all of us because we may have had loved ones or friends there, so it hits home for everybody involved.”

It was a fulfilling feeling to walk through Toyota Center and see the families smiling, laughing, and enjoying themselves. Children were being mauled by Clutch, the Rockets’ beloved bear mascot, with a barrage of hugs. Fans were getting autographs from their favorite Rockets and Comets players. Parents were getting the proper school aid, clothing, and food supplies that are necessary to maintain a stable everyday life. All of this was capped off with free ice cream provided by Baskin Robbins. After such an abundance of tragedy and loss, all of the camaraderie and effort shown by Houstonians provided a sense of welcoming and acceptance towards their fellow man.

"This is great. Everything has been great," said Kevin, an evacuee of Katrina who came to Houston from Terrytown, approximately fifteen miles outside of New Orleans. "I was talking with my father-in-law, and we both said that if Houston, or Texas, ever has any type of disaster happen to them, Louisiana needs to step up to the plate because everyone here has been very helpful with everything that we've tried to do."