WAVELAND, Miss.—One of the great ironies in the landscape of Katrina recovery efforts is the success of the New Waveland Café. It is, in fact, a soup kitchen, and for parts of the last eight weeks, it has served as many as 4,000 meals a day. It is still doling out 1,500 to 2,000 meals a day.
It is remarkable as much in its atmosphere as in its volume. Imagine being asked, after standing in line for dinner at a relief center, having lost your home: “Would you like walnut vinaigrette with your salad?”
This is the world of the Rainbow Family, and friends. The Rainbow people are the latest generation of hippies, and to hear them describe their set-up -- which can’t be described as a structure -- you might not predict efficiency.
“Our group is non-political, non-religious, non-organization or hierarchical,” says (non) spokesman Aaron Funk. “We make decisions as a group in a council through a consensus process. There are no official leaders. We all represent the circle at any time.”
Aaron Funk, part of the international, loosely-linked Rainbow Family, describes what his group is doing to help in Waveland, Miss.
There are tie-dyed T-shirts and dogs with bandanas. There are bands playing every few days. It doesn’t feel like the prime spot for hurricane relief.
And yet, local people line up here, day after day, and will tell you that it is certainly one of, if not the best, meal in town. There’s grilled pork, curried veggies and Basmati rice; most of the foods are organic. It works, and what is amazing about that is this: They’ve never done this before.
Top-notch meals
According to Funk, the alternative groups, linked through the Internet and through spiritual-social gatherings like the annual Burning Man festival in Nevada and the worldwide mass peace meditation that the Rainbow Family stages every July 4, ended up producing this effort. Funk lived in Berkeley, Calif., and was in contact with Colvis Siemon, who works at Organic Valley, of Viroqua, Wis. The two of them were in the initial group of about 10 people who arrived at the scene of the disaster about 10 days after Katrina hit. Organic Valley donated kitchen equipment, and later, a steady supply of food.
“It took us three or four days to realize we had to get here,” he says. But getting into the disaster zone was complicated, and took several more days. “Unfortunately, it was very confusing, and I don’t think anyone knew what to do,” says Funk. They had a mobile kitchen with capacity to feed 5,000 a day, but they got caught in a web of approvals, as one department handed off to another for a decision. “We end up calling 20 different numbers and nobody had an answer, so we showed up.”
They met up with another group, one of the first on the ground here, Bastrop Christian Outreach Center (BCOC), based in Bastrop, Texas. It was a match made in heaven, and hardship. Bastrop soon handed over the meal service function to Rainbow, and began focusing on distribution of groceries and other necessities.
Resources continue to materialize, like a massive geodesic tent from Burning Man, which is used for the main meal site. At the same time, Rainbow people hooked up with all the people they needed. Organic Valley proves a semi-truck full of food every week, and other contributors like Sanderson Farms also send in goods.
Although several government organizations tried to shut down the operation in the early days, the relationship with the government agencies has been smoothed over.
“We now have placed a food order and received a shipment from the Emergency Operations Center,” says Siemon.
Anyone and everyone
As far as this group is concerned, anybody who has anything to offer the people suffering from Katrina is a potential partner.
“We’re working with any and all groups who come through here," says Funk. “We’re working Christian, non-Christian, FEMA, the National Guard … anyone and everyone.”
Meals are the basic service. But there is also first aid for those who need it, and a children’s art space, which sometimes also has psychiatric counselors. And going well above and beyond the call of duty, Rainbow people are offering courses that didn’t exist here, even before Katrina—salsa, waltz and tango.
Meantime, if that geodesic tent that houses the New Waveland Café looks familiar, it’s because it is used at Burning Man. Some of the producers of that event are here in the background.
But try to get any background on the Rainbow Family and the links that bind them together, and run up against a wall. Who are the members, and how many are there? All they know, says Funk, is that it every year, on July 4, people come out to join meditation gatherings in groups of 8,000 to 20,000. How many people are in the worldwide movement?
“No idea,” says Funk. ”It’s international, and its non-organization. It’s a friend-of-a-friend’s network."
Why it all came together to work at the New Waveland Café is equally mysterious. “There’s a huge amount of magic, and help,” says Siemon. “I don’t know how it worked.”
For teachers, heavy demands in hard times
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I spent a week in October working at the distribution center next to the Waveland Cafe.
The Rainbow Family has provided much more support the local community with fewer resources than our federal government. FEMA should take notes.
This group has truly been a gift to the people of Waveland.
David Beitz, Burlington, KY (Sent Nov 1, 2005 7:23:40 PM)
Hi Everyone:
If it weren't for the total kindness of BCOC, Rainbow, Organic Valley, and other volunteers who made me feel welcome, I would have probably not stayed the 10 days or have thoughts of returning. I love them all and can't wait to return sometime this week. I am leaving tonight. Everyone got a long and I tell you, I have never seen an individual or group of people work so hard to help others. If trucks (sometimes 1 to 4 semis) pulled in at the same time - everyone would chipped in to unload; sometimes lasting way into the night or early morning; only to get up in the morning to do it all over again. I can't wait to get back because I heard that the place has grown and it makes me feel so good inside knowing that there is a wonderful place for the survivors to gather to forget their troubles. I heard about the play area for the children. Way to go ladies, I heard about your wonderful work. Clovis,there will be lemon pepper chicken spice. Arjay, Hawker, Arron and the rest of you, GROUP HUG when I get there. I am driving with God in the passenger seat. Twenty-four hours is worth it to return to my second home. The EMT tent at the time I was there saved lives. And now to read how it has grown into a clinic - WOW. Then there is the Tornado Lounge I have yet to mellow out in. Bringing candles to add to the atmosphere and an electric key board. I hear the entertainment is the best around helping to lift everyone's spirit which is so important. We all share the devastation and at times we become overwhelmed by it all. I am so proud of all (past and present)who are working hard to keep it all together. God Bless each and everyone of you. Love Gayle aka Mama Celeste
gayle korczyk, antioch, IL (Sent Nov 1, 2005 7:32:23 PM)
we the rainbow family are definitely everywhere!!!
i am glad the rainbow family got some good press that is totally unimpeachable!!!
Aron Pieman Kay Brooklyn, NY (Sent Nov 1, 2005 8:30:05 PM)
My Blessings to you on this first day after Samhain. The veil was close and led me to you. Keep up the good work-I WILL be sending monies for the people I only can wish to know.
Christopher Silvia, Nevada City, CA (Sent Nov 1, 2005 10:33:36 PM)
It is a common belief that government will save America from the trials that mother nature brings. OBSERVE these are everyday people who are NOT senators, presidents, elected lawmakers or people who were assigned top notch positions due to their education or political alliance. Imagine what the Waveland Cafe model could perform to offset WAR.
MEGA Thousands of KUDOS
Mateo Torres, Denver , Colorado (Sent Nov 1, 2005 11:31:24 PM)
This goes to show that too much time can be spent planning and not enough doing. But this group just did it, and the difference it made in the lives of these communities is astounding! I applaud everyone doing the work down there to help family and friends of those of us who can't (but want to) go.
This also proves that the alternitive communities of the world, the Rainbow Families, the Wiccans and Druids, the Burning Man tribes, the Gays and Lesbians, all of us whom the mainstream have ridiculed for so long, really have an un-guessed at worth; that of hope, honesty, and true love for humanity. We are your neighbors and friends, we are your parents and children, we are your doctors, nurses, teachers, and armed forces. Know the love we have for you through our actions, not through the prejudices you have been taught. Thank you all for this great gift.
Rev Iris Crain, Olympia, WA (Sent Nov 1, 2005 11:56:35 PM)
A friend of mine and I have been to the Cafe several times to bring them food and supplies that are desperately needed, and the story of the Rainbows is something that no one would believe until you visit their operation and experience it for yourself. These kids are up at 7 am getting hot coffee and breakfast (yes, they serve three meals daily) and work non-stop through the day. All the kids sleep in tents or in the converted school buses they arrived in and take cold showers in a make shift facility and use port-o-lets for restrooms. The communal washing machine to clean their clothes is hot wired into the generator from the reefer converted into a bunk house with twenty or so beds inside to get a cool night sleep for a select few to escape the 90 degree heat and constant infestation of mosquitoes. They provide their own entertainment from improvised musical groups to fashion shows from clothes they have gathered from the donation pile in the parking lot next to the cafe. It is truly inspirational to see kids, mostly 19-25 years old, working unitl 10 or 11 o'clock each and every night preparing meals for the next day and having the time of their life in the worst conditions that that you cannot possibly imagine.
They are known as the "Rainbows" by all the people in Waveland whose lives they have given hope when there was none, but I have seen them for what they truly are, Angel's that were sent from heaven, and Waveland MS was lucky enough to received its pot of gold.
Ted Foret (Sent Nov 2, 2005 8:28:55 AM)
From a old wore out hippie with my peace sign held high! BRAVO!!!
Patrick, Auburn, Alabama (Sent Nov 2, 2005 10:42:50 AM)
I think that this is just wonderful and I'm glad to hear that burners are taking it out to the rest of the world when it needs it the most everyone can learn a thing or two from this and spread it to someone else the world would be a better place for it.
Bubbles,Manteca,Ca (Sent Nov 2, 2005 10:49:44 AM)
It's great to see what can be made possible using compassion and optimism. Organic Valley and Sanderson Farms also deserve a "thank you". I know that I'll continue to buy Organic Valley, and keep an eye out for Sanderson Farms because of this.
km weymouth,ma (Sent Nov 2, 2005 10:57:19 AM)
Isnt this quite the shame??? heres a group of ordinary people doing the extraordinary right off the cuff, and on the other side of the coin, the "FED" which to date has either botched, fouled up, screwed up, messed up, thrown up,. given up, and jsut about every other derogatory phrase you can think of done or in the proces of doing or is thinking about or has a plan too, not do anything even ramotely close to this. Its amazing how people can pulll together and get this off the ground and working , not to mention no political in fighting, no political backbiting, no politacla string pulling, no political anything. Just joe helping jane out in a pinch, you know to tell you the truth I cant stand Michael Moore because I think hes a big part of the mentallity thats wrong with our nation today but to coin the pahrase of one of his books, "Dude where's my country" well Mr. Moore its right here in the faces and actions of the people manageing to pull off this very successfull soup kitchen effort wihtout the goveernments interference or billions in federal aid dollars that will ultimately increase the budget next year on the tax dole, and without any of big hollywoods money fron those of the "elite" crowd that seem so ready to berate our president and the american public in general, maybe if more of those of us who griped and complained all the time got off their collective fat lazy ass's trurned of the TV an got out there to give a hand up, insted of telling the government to give a hand out we would be the once great nation that we were a long , long , long time ago, our forfathers have to be rolling over intheir graves to see what we have done qwiht what they fought and died for to obtain at great price to pass on to us as a cherished gift for all to partake in. I am damn proud of these people, hippies or not, they deserve a resounding echo of applause and a hearty slap on teh back along wiht a cheerfull "well done thou good and faithfull servent". This is the kind of thing that has helped us get throught some of the toughest tiems in this country in the past, where is it now when we ned it most????????
Duke (Sent Nov 2, 2005 11:15:12 AM)
What the New Waveland Cafe is doing is beyond words! But it isn't free. Where can funds be sent to support their heaven-sent efforts?
Rick - Yuma, AZ (Sent Nov 2, 2005 11:32:23 AM)
To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.
May God continue to bless you.
NMM, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Nov 2, 2005 11:42:18 AM)
Kudos to the Rainbow Family...on the otherhand...keep "plugging" away Attorney Brian Michaels...geeeesh...hmmmm...just a second...looking up "self-serving".
Bill, Durham, NC (Sent Nov 2, 2005 11:55:32 AM)
Having attended several gatherings myself in the past and working in the Rainbow kitchens, I know how effective they can be. Looks like some of the family has really found a calling. When my kids get a little older, I'm taking them to a gathering to show them how people can REALLY live.
Blessed be and keep up the good fight
Bucky, New Rochelle, NY (Sent Nov 2, 2005 2:47:29 PM)
Perhaps a Category 4 hurricane should hit Washington D.C. and wipe away the red tape of our government. From my history and government classes, it is supposed to be government of the people, by the people and for the people. WAY TO GO Rainbow People!!! Don't let them stop you from your wonderful work. May Divine Blessings be yours forever and ever
Ann, WR, GA (Sent Nov 2, 2005 3:22:44 PM)
As a fourth year medical student I worked for 3 weeks at the New Wavelandand Medical Clinic and without a doubt, left Waveland as a better person. The rainbow people, all of the volunteers, and the local citizens are amazing, selfless people. God bless all of you. Miss you all very much. The memories I take will last a lifetime.
Nicole Grossenburg, Omaha, NE (Sent Nov 2, 2005 5:48:39 PM)
Reading this makes my heart sing. It shows me that there is something from my generation that was not lost. It also shows the continuing success of grassroots, common-sense, coming-without-being-asked help that far exceeds the ability or willingness of official voluteer or government organizations.
It is simply unbelieveable to hear of yet another instance from the Waveland area about volunteer organizations who had come to provide help that were attempted to be shut down by the government (a very similar situation to what happened when organizations came down to provide communications services to hospitals and other local infrastructure there).
Everywhere in the US, underneath the depressing blanket of government bureaucracy, still lies the heartbeat of an independent nation of empowered caring individuals.
Didn't know this blog was still up...keep going, because Katrina recovery on the MS Gulf Coast has a long way to go, and many are still without a home, winter is coming on, and it is a hard time for many.
And for the others from who posted, blessed be!
Margie, Twin Cities (Sent Nov 2, 2005 8:29:02 PM)
Thank You! I'll be back down to MS in a few weeks - I hope I can experience Waveland Cafe and volunteer some time. My family lost their home, mine is only damaged - but so much more has been lost. It also seems that much has been gained. I sincerely hope that the people of my area look at the Waveland Cafe group for WHO they are. Since moving to MS from the northeast I have seen a fair amount of narrow views of the world beyond our borders. Very conservative, Republican South. I would guess that most of these incredible people helping out in such an amazing way do not share many of the views of the locals. However, I hope it is a learning experience for all. Don't judge others by the way they dress, their religion, their personal choices in life. Those are not the things that matter. This group of people from all over the US, likely pretty liberal, has made the biggest difference to Waveland, BSL and beyond. I truly hope you can learn from this experience to accept all others - remember what the Rainbow group did for US when the government let us down.
lauri (Sent Nov 2, 2005 9:32:42 PM)
New donation account for Waveland (Submitted by rob on Tue, Oct 18 2005
A new bank account and address has been started for the New Waveland Cafe. Donations can go to:
The New Waveland Cafe
PO Box 2631
Bay St Louis, MS 39521
Please make checks payable to "The New Waveland Cafe". These are being processed through a legit 501c, so all donations are tax deductable.
from: http://www.welcomehome.org/REMA//?q=node/26#comment-1
Diane Reynolds, Boston, MA (Sent Nov 3, 2005 10:21:10 AM)
In the words of John Prine "some humans ain't human".....but most are. Hats off to the Rainbow folks and all the generous people that acted selflessly in response to the needs of their humans.
Eddie Geeeee, Cheshire, CT (Sent Nov 3, 2005 12:21:14 PM)
remareinforcements.blogspots.com
There comes a time in a persons life that they feel the need to do for others...These people that have come from so many different walks of life, have shown pure unselfish giving...And has greatly inspired me and my husband...I was lucky enough to go and join these hard-working down to earth folks...The power and Inspiration that these people give to those around them is just incredible, and everyone that could ever experience this energy should...I have lived a pretty full life but there is a lesson to be learned that no words can convey, that has been created without intention...If we could all learn this lesson, the world would be a better place...I miss everyone so much, and wrapping everything up here feels like it's taking too long, but I shall return soon...And I hope that anyone who can should go and work in the kitchen...There are so many ways to help those hard working people even from home...But you wouldn't want to miss the Last Band Standing, the awsome 'Wailin' Wally and the Killer Whales', that comes and helps everyone wind down a few nights a week...I sure miss working my fingers to the bone with such wonderful people...From BCOC,and Organic Valley to the Rainbow family, the local police, and other groups that are helping make this happen...Let the world be a better place, and let it begin with me...
Momma KaBoom, Bloomington,In. (Sent Nov 3, 2005 2:24:26 PM)
It warms my heart to see my family (The Rainbow Family) helping those in need, for years, the Federal Government and the Forest Service has tried to shut down the gatherings, have harassed the Rainbow Family, and now we are working with them, at least in some scale or another. But be assured that when the Rainbow Family is at their next gathering, the harassment will begin once more. We strive to teach others how to pitch in, recycle, be kind to Mother Earth, and how to be Community. The New Waveland Cafe is an act of love and understanding, something the Federal Government could take lessons from, if they would only open their minds to change and common sense. My hat is off to all of you participating, so keep up the good work and good vibes.
papabear rainbow, Davenport, Iowa (Sent Nov 3, 2005 2:30:31 PM)
Greetings,
I am inspired by what I've read about the activities
at the New Waveland Cafe. My first Rainbow Gathering
was in the Modoc mountains in northern California in
1984. I will never forget the experience of being in
a circle of over 20,000 human beings holding hands for an hour of silent meditation and prayer for world
peace. Now 21 years later the animating spirit of such gatherings is manifesting in practical help for human beings in need. I am so proud of the Rainbow
family folks who are helping show us how to have a
loving based human society, here in America.
Eric W. Crosley Lansing, MI (Sent Nov 3, 2005 9:55:12 PM)
I worked in the early days of the recovery efforts in September as a Public Health and Safety Officer to support the SMAT Mobile Hospital from North Carolina, and had the distinct pleasure of working with the folks at the Waveland Cafe as they were supplying food to a huge number of folks. We supplied them with food thermometers, sanitizer test strips, and coordinated with the CDC to get them fans to relieve some of the miseries of the heat, and suggested ways of working with things in these primitive conditions that could make the operation safer, although they were doing great already. I found these folks to be tremendously cheerful, willing, and hard-working. Meeting Dave McCrary, his wife Daphne, and Mike Myers, Nick, Amy Wood, and others was something I'll never forget. I hope to have the opportunity to meet these folks again and let them know how inspiring they were; until then, I've got my pictures and great memories. I would love to hear from any of you folks when you've got the time. Bless you all; you're amazing!
Lynn Lathan, Charlotte, NC (Sent Nov 4, 2005 5:40:46 AM)
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