In a followup to a previous article, the Houston Comical now says Mayor Bill White is asking FEMA to foot the bill for the security needed to investigate the increasing crime in “many of the problem areas [that] fall in southwest Houston, particularly in apartment complexes housing numerous Katrina evacuees“, while simultaneously “not identif[ing] a cause for the rise in crime”, while simultaneously pointing “to increased gang activity and the growth in population from Katrina evacuees“, while simultaneously saying the “uptick in crime is not solely attributable to Hurricane Katrina evacuees.”

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…

especially those swelled with an influx of Katrina evacuees.

=Most of the spike has come since mid-November…

Fifty-one homicides were reported in November and December - a 70 percent increase from the same period last year, Hurtt said.

“You’re bringing people with different cultures, different backgrounds; they have different lifestyles there in New Orleans than we have in Houston,” said Capt. Dale Brown of the homicide division. “The equilibrium was thrown out of whack, with people competing for jobs, competing for turf, or whatever it is.”

Hurtt said that after talking with state and regional officials, he is “pretty certain that (Louisiana) gang members did relocate here to Houston.”

Mayor Bill White has just asked that all companies in the Houston area not require employees to stay and work on Thursday or Friday (except essential personnel).

It’s weird because I am not seeing any middle-of-the-roaders today. People are either completely serious about evacuating or completely laughing at those taking it so serious. Some have said there’s no way the storm will reach certain areas north of Houston… and I’m reminded that Katrina was still a Hurricane over 100 miles inland.

Frankly, I’m leaving town because I sweat… alot. And the chances are pretty high that we’ll lose power (because we lose power when someone burps too loud - thanks Reliant Energy) and that means no A/C.

And I can afford a nice hotel room because… well, I’m a Republican.

I’m proud to see the generosity and charity of my fellow Houstonians. Heck, it’s the least we can do for our neighbors in need. Just some examples:

• Food and entertainment discounts available to storm evacuees
• The Astrodome is being opened for those relocating from the Superdome
• HISD is ready to assist the displaced students
• List of Houston shelters opened for evacuees
• The Houston Food Bank can always use more (A list of the best things to donate)
• Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center - If you don’t have cash…GIVE BLOOD! (Location info)
• Help the Texas Children’s Hospital in caring for the most vulnerable evacuees
• Houston SPCA - Need shelter for your pets, call 713-802-0555. Click here to donate
• List of local Houston locations to donate goods
• List of local Houston shelters open for Katrina evacuees
• List of Houston Gas Prices - find the lowest prices in town
• List of Merchants offering discounts for food, hotel, entertainment and services
• List of local Houston charities
• Craig’s List Forums with nationwide offers of housing and free rooms.

As I am out and about for lunch and dinner, I’m running into many who have sought refuge in Houston. It breaks my heart to hear those who don’t know the state of their homes, loved ones or jobs.

I want to encourage each and every fellow Houstonian (and Texas for those in other towns) to welcome these folks with open arms and offer what help you can, even if it’s something as simple as picking up their tab for dinner.

Let’s show the world our hearts.

Update: Yahoo! Message Boards for those looking for missing people.

Update 2: Meanwhile, Cindy’s group plans on occupying the much needed hotel rooms and other services for her “look at me” tour. (h/t Matt) Thanks, Cindy.

Update 3: Here comes Matress Mac. He’s “letting frustrated evacuees spend several nights at his Gallery Furniture store in north Houston. “We’ve decided to open our doors up. Some of the people have run out of money for hotel rooms,” said Gallery Furniture owner Jim McIngvale. McIngvale also provided food for those displaced families.” Mac rocks!

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