Zia, I called several agencies today about going there. I was planning on taking this week off to go to Houston and help out. I found a Marriot hotel 1/4 mile away from the Dome that was willing to discount me a room for like $39 a night if I was to be a volunteer. I spoke to several airlines and two of them said that they would give me a discount rate if I was going there as a volunteer. But unfortunately when i called the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, I was told that if I were to go down there I might be told that my name would be put on a list and I may have to wait several days until they do a background check and then find something for me to do! I explained to them that I would only have a week down there and that it would be a waste if I went there and was not given something to do when I got there. So the woman reffered me to the Red Cross. After speaking to them I found out that they are holding "rescue training courses" in the city that you live in and after you complete the training they will contact you if they need you to help. What's good about getting this training certification is that God forbid there is ever a need for rescue or volunteers where you live, you would be utilized to help out. So I am going to look further into this after Labor day. I was a bit dissapointed about not being able to go down to Houston to help out, but it would really be a waste if I was not assured of something to do BEFORE I got there.
I know exactly how you are feeling. It's a helpless feeling when you watch TV and see Human Beings going through this.

Don Cardi