The co-worker of a friend of mine is stuck in New York in the aftermath of the tradegy, and needs help. He was staying at the WTC Marriot, and is stranded without money, food or clothes. Obviously, he can’t get back home to San Francisco with all flights cancelled, but I was wondering if some saintly NYDoper could help out. I realize, under the circumstances, that it’s a lot to ask, but everything Bill had with him is gone. I’ve called a number of people I know and left messages, but noone’s returned my calls (which has it’s own special set of worries to go with it).
I’m sure there are thousands of people in the same boat there, and every individual who can find refuge without leaning on the “official” support services eases the strain. If someone knows of a place Bill can stay, or has some suggestions for what we can do for him from here, I’d be very grateful.
I have no way to help him in New York. But if he found some way to make it to Montreal (somewhat easier than San Fran, I imagine, now that the borders are open) I could put him up.
Thanks, Matt. His problem is that he has NO money, no ID, nothing. He had some change that he used to rent some time at an Internet cafe (phones weren’t working), but now he’s reduced to collect calls back here, when the circuits aren’t busy.
He’s also pretty anxious to get back to SF, since he’s a single father and his kid is with a babysitter.
It kills me to think of how many stories like this have been created today, and all of those much more horrible.
Have Bill try the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus… I’m an associate member and I know earlier in the day they were helping out as many people as possible, plus they have a 200 plus member base to pool from to get some help…
Not out of line at all. The offer stands for anyone. I have an empty room that can accommodate at least four or five floor sleepers, and as much food and drink as anyone could want. If anyone else is in a similar situation, please let me know.
Blessings to you, too, Manhattan. The generosity of those who must, themselves, be in shock at the tradgedy, is one of the few heartening things about this terrible day.
And people wonder why I like these boards so much. These offers of kindness make me think of something I read in a book on the OKC bombing. The book included excerpts from letters to the editor people were writing. One said “We can take comfort in the fact that a society is defined not by its maniacs but by its saviors.”
Bill ended up finding a place on his own before we got ahold of him, but thank you very much Maeglin for your generous offer.
manhattan, you are a scholar and a gentleman as well. Or at least very generous.
matt_mcl, OxyMoron and Baker thanks also for your offers (both here and email). You folks is cool forever, in my books.
NotWithoutRage, appreciate the info.; if we’d failed to find him a place to crash, I would have pointed him that way.
I knew, instinctively, that SDMB would be a place to turn when I felt so helpless. I’m sad to say that at least one of the people I didn’t hear from is in fact among the many who didn’t make it, but it felt good to be able to make some progress on helping someone.
This is why the perpetrators of this horror have not and will not win. I am no longer amazed at the generosity and caring exhibited by so many on this message board; it’s been proved time and time again, and is one of the main reasons I post here. Thank you, Cerowyn, for reminding us of that, and for doing what you could to help a fellow American in need. Thanks to the rest of you for your offers as well. Would that I could do something more besides pray and post here. I can’t even give blood at this time. But all of our flags are out, as are most in our neighborhood.
I ache for your loss, Cerowyn, and for all those who have lost loved ones yesterday. And all those who are clinging to life in some hospital. My prayers are with you all.
