There are about a half a million people displaced, 150,000 of them from below the poverty line. WHat's left of the city is covered not only in water and sewage, but industrial waste, corpses, etc. This is not Just about New Orleans, but also other areas like Mississippi and other parts of Louisianna that have been hit. another number is www.give.org.
Already there are scam sites on the web, so it is encouraged to make donations to the redcross website provided and other official sites here like the Salvation Army.
Remember its not just those trapped in the city that need help. One half of a million people uprooted. Food, water, etc. are needed desparately. People are fighting over supplies. In the stadium holding more than 30,000 people there was no power,no facilities, no water, and many died within that shelter with nothing done to remove the bodies. People are looting for basic needs and shooting at each other and rescue helicopters. Stealing boats from those who go in to save others and worse. It is a horrible scene where rescue workers are attacked by the very people they are trying to help. It will be years in cleaning up if ever. At least a year before any of these people return home. If they ever do. How do you get rid of the toxins? Please help in any way you can. Even the surrounding states are not equipped to help a half a million people.