Right now I'm trying to reach out to the Brothers housed at Camp J as well as those who were shipped here from Orleans Parish when the flood waters began to rise. A lot of these Brothers haven't heard anything about their loved ones, some of whom were living in those areas that are now 10 and 15 feet under water. It's very depressing for most of these men but we've been trying to remain prayerful through the whole ordeal. Security came around seven times and allowed everyone to use an institution phone for three minutes to make contact with their families. That was considerate and a waste of time all in one, due largely to the fact that the phones aren't working in most of those flooded areas.
Those who have family members out of town are writing and contacting them for information on their loved ones. Some aren't afforded that opportunity because they may be on phone restriction, cell confinement, or simply financially unable. I'm doing my best with the limited resources I get from my family, but the needs are far greater than my funds can afford. These inmates are in need of soap, deodorant, toothpaste, writing material and stamps.
-- an Angola, LA prisoner 15 September, 2005