People Just Don't Get It: Why Katrina Survivors Still Need Housing

Me — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 18:54:00 +0000

Timeline of the Federal Government’s Temporary Housing Response to Hurricane Katrina

People that I talk to that have never been to New Orleans, and some who have, express a bit of cynicism when we talk about the housing issue. They wonder why New Orleanians still need FEMA trailers after all these months. "Aren't New Orleanians simply taking advantage of their situation?"

Short answer..."Heck No!"

Long answer...Let me just give you an example. My friend Michael is currently suing his insurance company because they aren't paying him enough to repair his WIND DAMAGED home. They will begin repairs soon, but they will need to live in their FEMA trailer when the long slow process begins.

Another example...Suppose you are an elderly woman who lived in the Lower 9th Ward before the storm. You owned your home, but didn't have insurance because you were on SSI and couldn't afford it. You also had no car and were not able to evacuate during the storm. The stress of being lifted into a helicopter and losing your home, your neighborhood, your cats and dog has resulted in health issues. You are in Nashville TN and can't afford to move back even if you wanted to do so. What would you move back to?

BTW the levee that broke next to your house. The one built by the Corps of Engineers was not built to the standards required. Oh yeah, and they found out the standards weren't high enough anyway.

Someone needs to pay for her housing until her neighborhood can be rebuilt. Someone needs to pay for her housing until she can have her home rebuilt. Don't you think so?

Welcome Friends of Howie Luvzus!

Me — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 23:34:00 +0000

I hope you feel at home soon!

Rough day today...Looks like my Business Ethics class at Tulane is not going to make this semester. We need six in the class. We're well short. I'm bummed. I taught the class last semester and had a wonderful time. Small class, very smart and attentive students...It was heaven!

Oh well. Guess I'll have to think of some way to make up for lost income.

Test Entry

Me — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 19:32:00 +0000

This is my first entry. I'm testing out my images.

Mark Gstohl's Blog

People Just Don't Get It: Why Katrina Survivors Still Need Housing

Welcome Friends of Howie Luvzus!

Test Entry