PHILADELPHIA -- While it has been over a year since HurricaneKatrina, there is still much to do in New Orleans, as PhiladelphiaFederal Credit Union Vice President of Lending Claire Ippolitidiscovered when she took a week off to volunteer for the EmergencyCommunities Goin' Home Community Caf?(C).

"The Lower 9th Ward, Louisiana looks as though time has stoodstill. And while the water here has receded, nothing else haschanged," said Ippoliti. "As I stand looking around the Lower 9th,18 months after the hurricane, I find myself asking, 'Am I still inAmerica?' The devastation lingers and is immense."

Basics ranging from three meals a day, laundry, telephone andInternet access, to home gutting and grass cutting, are allprovided free to local residents still in need by EC.

In addition to meeting and getting to know the residents,Ippoliti says she was also touched by the dedication and commitmentof the volunteers during her week-long stay.

"I do not know how they do it. Imagine all the personnel issueswe all face each day in our respective offices. Now imagine thatyou live together 24 hours a day, work 14 to 16 hours most days,are short staffed and have to train new staff on a continual basis.Oh, and by the way, the pay is zero," said Ippoliti. "Add to thisthe fact that your work environment is less than ideal (located ina high crime area, dormitory sleeping arrangements, outdoorshower). It brings new meaning to the phrase People HelpingPeople."

PFCU has also donated a computer to EC's continued reliefefforts. For more information on EC, visitwww.emergencycommunities.org.