SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) -
The Shreveport shelter on Jewella Avenue currently has more than 1700 people calling it home, and hundreds of workers keeping it running. Many of those workers are lending a helping hand for free.
"I have a heart for other human beings," says Rachel Demma. Demma is a Goodwill Industries volunteer at the shelter. Her decision to volunteer was based on her own evacuation during Hurricane Gustav four years ago.
"My heart is theirs now, and I owe them that," says Demma.
Volunteers with Goodwill Industries are running a store inside of the shelter. The store provides clothes for those in need.
The Medical Reserve Corps is also making a big impact inside of the shelter. Evacuees are receiving medical care from medical professionals from throughout the community.
"Shreveport is a community that takes care of the people that are in need. And they come out of the wood works and they help," says Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator Terry Strain.
Many are helping the evacuees, but the evacuees are also helping out.
Evacuee Nardia White lost everything she owns due to flooding in LaPlace, La. She has decided, however, to keep her spirits high by staying focused on helping others.
"It's actually passing the time for me as well as keeping my mind focused on helping someone else, even though I'm in need," says White.
Volunteers at the shelter are also helping with other daily operations of the shelter like childcare.
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