Click ‘Play’ to hear Shirley Corr describe her ordeal with the higher cost of insurance.
WAVELAND, Miss. — Two months ago, Shirley Corr, 70, reluctantly retreated from her home here, near the beach, and went to her son’s house in Bay St. Louis to get out of Katrina’s way. It was not far enough. As floodwaters swept through that town, she ended up wading through chest-high floodwaters, holding her Chihuahua, Buffy, in one hand over her head, until her family secured a boat.
“It was a horrible nightmare,” she says. “I tried to never talk about it again. At least we survived.”
Having escaped with her life, she is now wading through the system, trying to figure out how to move forward. Nothing about her course is clear, and she struggles against tears as she thinks out loud. While she most wants to return to her longtime home, the numbers just don’t add up.
Corr’s single-story home, built by her husband in 1964, is still standing in this largely demolished neighborhood, but floodwaters up to the roofline destroyed everything in it.
As she leads the way through her home, which was recently gutted and cleaned out by volunteers, she points to the porch that her husband enclosed to expand her kitchen and create an extra bedroom and the shelves where she kept her angel collection. “I had hundreds,” she says.
This is where she raised four sons, prayed, fed the squirrels, tended her beloved amaryllis, prayed and said a final farewell to her husband when he died eight years ago. On the lot behind the house, there is no sign of the barn where the family once kept a pony. Her sister’s house just up the street is demolished.
Relief workers have politely stacked soggy memorabilia outside the front door, including family pictures, a doll-sized high chair, a Green Bay Packers tee-shirt autographed by local boy-turned football hero Brett Favre and a sodden magazine commemorating Elvis Presley.
Corr picks up a white vinyl bag that she can't open because the zipper has rusted. “These are my husband’s funeral items,” she says.
She is deeply attached to this place, but there are many obstacles to returning. Cost is at the top of the list. Corr will get little in the way of homeowners insurance, since it covers only damage above the waterline.
Fortunately, she did carry some flood insurance — about $42,000 worth. But how far will it go? At the moment, it isn’t clear whether any part of the house can be salvaged, given the mold and rot that have taken hold.
And her insurance agent warned her that if she does rebuild, rates for this area are going to be sky-high — probably unaffordable, she reckons, given her fixed income of $800 a month.
The reality Corr is facing is an unfamiliar one — being forced to rely on family, friends or the government for help. When this area was hit by Hurricane Camille in 1969, there was flooding here, but her husband was alive, and able to do much of the repair himself. She was much younger then, and always willing to roll up her sleeves.
“I know plenty of people who depend on other people. I’ve never been that kind of person. I do for myself,” says Corr. “If the house needed painting, I’d get out there and paint it.”
For now, the government isn’t even allowing residents to put their FEMA trailers on lots in this neighborhood, because the entire infrastructure — sewer, electrical and water — were ripped out by the floodwaters.
Last week, seven weeks after Katrina hit, Corr received a FEMA trailer, and has it parked about a mile up the road, in the yard of her youngest son. He’s not there though, because his house is also uninhabitable. He is on the wait-list for a trailer.
The trailer is tidy and livable, and now equipped with a new television and coffee pot. It's comfortable enough for her and Buffy. They even have a yard ornament — a concrete goose named Lucy that survived the flood — posted outside the door.
It could be a lot worse, she knows. There are people still in tents, who have no insurance, or no family. There are for sale signs dotting the neighborhood, and she knows that some people with unpaid mortgages will have no choice but to sell.
But Corr is a determined woman and doesn’t seem likely to give up on returning to her home easily. She has been back to her property often, to trim the bushes and mow the lawn, both of which have actually started to turn green again after the salty floodwater apparently had killed everything. And on Thursday she applied to the Army Corps of Engineers to have all the debris removed from her lot.
She relates a conversation she had earlier in the week: “Someone said to me: ‘How old are you? Why don’t you just spend the rest of the time you have in the trailer?’” Corr was incensed at the idea. “I plan to live awhile,” she says.
Signs of the times
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Shirley Corr is one of those incredibly strong women who have woven their tears and determination into the fabric of our country. These women have shouldered tremendous burdens, overcome huge obstacles, and worked rather than complain about their present circumstances. She sees a brighter day. Her spunk inspires those of *** ages.
Loretta Carson (Sent Oct 28, 2005 10:37:35 AM)
This is kinda sad!! Im happy that we didnt have to go through this! All i have to say is believe in god. He'll work it out for you.
Lahela,Homesteads,Hawaii (Sent Oct 28, 2005 11:51:13 PM)
Hang in there Shirley. I am only 24 years old, and I admire the courage of my elder generations. You are such a strong woman. You are not complaining, just making the best out of a bad situation. Thank you for your willingness to overcome all of lifes obstacles. Afterall what doesn't kill us will only make us stronger!
S. Gilbert (Sent Oct 29, 2005 6:34:09 AM)
What an inspiration. There are times that we all are tired of "being strong" and I'm sure that "why me, why now", has been used by Shirley. She could, and no one would fault her, say: I give up. I'm leaving and relying strickly on my children. What an awesome story of progressive thinking, urgency of independance, and all inspiring for all of us. She will be in my prayers.
Sharon Lawrence Osborne (Sent Oct 30, 2005 10:50:16 AM)
God Bless You.
Lori, Chandler, AZ (Sent Oct 31, 2005 3:53:09 PM)
Sorry for your loss... I can't imagine what that would be like. Stay strong, you sure are an inspiration to me! God bless you and keep you strong and you'll be in our prayers! :)
Amanda Simmons, McChord AFB Washington (Sent Oct 31, 2005 4:39:08 PM)
I just can't believe that some State Farm Insurance agents in the area told people they didn't need to have flood insurance on the upper levels (second story) of their homes. Now homeowners insurance isn't paying for houses that were totally destroyed, and flood insurance won't cover the upper levels. My grandmother is to old to fight the insurance company, and will never see the money she paid into the insurance for the service. What do we pay insurance for?
M. Ladner Oakland, CA (Sent Oct 31, 2005 4:58:11 PM)
Shirley, trust God, and He will work out the situation for you, in the meantime though, do what you can to help yourself. I sure pray and hope I'm as strong as you when I turn 70 years old. God bless you.
Ella Presley, Stockton, CA (Sent Oct 31, 2005 5:01:10 PM)
Shirley: My heart bleeds for you. My own Mother is also as independent as you have been, and it is just plain sad to see where you are at this stage of your life, when you were comfortable and settled and looking forward to many more years in your beloved home. I wish you and Buffy and the rest of your family, friends and neighbors all the best.
Patricia R. Field, Denver, CO (Sent Oct 31, 2005 5:43:19 PM)
WHAT A LADY! AND YES, WHAT A GENERATION! WE SHOULD
ALL BE VERY PROUD OF THE STRENGTH SHOWN BY THESE
FIGHTERS. THEY KNOW ALL ABOUT LIFE AND HOW TO SURVIVE.
THEY DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF, BUT THEY DO APPRECATE IT.
RENEE LORENZEN GREENVILLE, KY. (Sent Oct 31, 2005 5:56:41 PM)
What a trooper. Keep on fighting for your rights. I would hope that advocacy groups would start to form to help out people in this situation. Anyone out there?????
S Downs in Kansas City, MO (Sent Oct 31, 2005 9:29:09 PM)
Shirley, everything happens for a reason. Sometimes it is not something that we want to happen but that is just how God made things. I hope that everything goses well for you and your family and every single one of you is in my prays. God Bless
Sarabeth McAdams Peru Ne (Sent Oct 31, 2005 10:44:10 PM)
Ms. Shirley please check and see if you can find a modular home to set on your lot. I don't know how much those are but, I have seen them put on vacant lots, landscaped and ready for move in within a week. Nice and clean, energy saving and would get you out of the mold and mud plus help you get settled in quicker. God bless and keep you safe.
Vivian, Lexington, KY 40503 (Sent Nov 1, 2005 11:38:38 AM)
My son has travelled from Nashvile to Bay St Louis 2X w/several other volunteers and he says the story is not tellable. No stores, no laudrymats, no HomeDepot, no grocery stores, no Ace Hardware. Nothing with which to sustain life other than determination, will, strenth and prayers - and a dependency on others for the first time in many of their lives. As a family, we plan to return to Bay St. Louis Dec 27 for several days and give whatever support and help we can offer I, too, am almost 70, and blessed w/much the same attitude and aptitude. It will be a joy to meet w/you in person. I lift you for continued strenth and good health. Sincerely, with wishes for new and wonderful blessings each day. Sincerely,
gayle hill (Sent Nov 1, 2005 11:53:55 AM)
Shirley, it is obvious that you are a true survivor, my mother is just like you. Keep your head up and stay in prayer as Im sure you have been. You and the many people like you, who have lost so much, will be in my prayers!!!
ebmoore, cleveland ohio (Sent Nov 1, 2005 12:31:36 PM)
I sympathize with Ms Shirley. I also sympathize just as strongly or maybe more so with the Pakistanis who don't have the same kind of socio-economic infrastructure that Ms shirley has to fall back on and are homeless, freezing, hungry and in pain in the aftermath of their own much more uninsured natural disaster.
jm eugene oregon (Sent Nov 1, 2005 2:17:55 PM)
A group of volunteers from Cypress United Methodist Church in Cypress, Texas will be in Waveland, Mississippi over the week of Thanksgiving in order to assist in the rebuilding of this town. God bless this town and those whom live in it.
RyanP Cypress, Texas (Sent Nov 1, 2005 4:01:59 PM)
Shirley, my dear angel. I am in my 50's and have never gone through more than a terrible blizzard in Michigan. So I cannot begin to conceive what you are going through. However, you sound like a real fighter and people like you always fall on their feet. So I will keep you in my thoughts and hope there is a time in the near future where your story is followed up on; that mine and others loving thoughts will (the seeds of your inspirational story)be able to know how you fared. I send all of my love and prayers to you, Shirley. Keep on-- until you get your situation accomplished the way YOU desire it.
Maya Silliman, Rainier, Wash. (Sent Nov 1, 2005 4:59:43 PM)
Dear Shirley... you are truly an inspiration to all who read your story. I will say a prayer for you... and I believe the God does give to those who are good of heart. Our good wishes to you from my family in Massachusetts.
Kathleen Langone (Sent Nov 1, 2005 7:16:03 PM)
Sometime I have learned is that stuff is just stuff. It accumulates all over again when you have lost everything. I have also lost everything, under different circumstances, but everything is gone. Stuff continues to accumulate. What can't be priced is our lives, and the love of those about us. Give yourself a big hug, girl. You have survived. You will go on.
Sharon, Oahu, hi (Sent Nov 1, 2005 8:20:07 PM)
My prayers are with you. I experienced Ivan over a year ago and I am still not back in my home. I have suffered a stroke due to the stress but feel like I need to get back in my home and I will get there. You are a strong lady and deserve peace in your life. You are in my thoughts.
Pat Burkhardt, Pensacola, FL (Sent Nov 2, 2005 5:26:03 PM)
My prayers are with you. I experienced Ivan over a year ago and I am still not back in my home. I have suffered a stroke due to the stress but feel like I need to get back in my home and I will get there. You are a strong lady and deserve peace in your life. You are in my thoughts.
Pat Burkhardt, Pensacola, FL (Sent Nov 2, 2005 5:27:15 PM)
What a nice lady, and America, please know that there many other wonderful, hard-working people in Mississippi. I've read some to the comments to other stories on this site with pain and sadness. I hope none of the people making the cruel comments ever have to go through something like this. They seem to forget that most of these people have lost their homes, their jobs, their churches, their clothing, their towns, and even friends and family members. The stress is unreal down here.
maggie from south mississippi (Sent Nov 2, 2005 9:36:04 PM)
There are more angels praying for you than you can ever collect, but I understand - I too collect them. I'd love to send you a few but I fear that right now it would be just be in your way. I am so pleased that your chi-chi survived, I know you love her and right now you need each other. You are in my prayers and in my heart
Darlene Hiler, Granbury, Texas (Sent Nov 3, 2005 11:04:45 AM)
My family and I sat and watched our TV day after day and could not imagine being in your shoes. You are a strong woman with a will to make it. Stay strong and trust that you have millions of people keeping you and others there in our prayers.
Penny from North Carolina (Sent Nov 3, 2005 4:06:05 PM)
He gives more grace as the burdens grow greater, he sends more strength as the labor increases, and to added affliction he adds his mercy, and to multiplied trials he adds his multiplied peace. Sweetheart, just take it one minute at a time. God he's you and HE WILL ANSWER. He will guide you to exactly the people you need to meet to fulfil your desire. God bless you.
Fran from Anchorage (Sent Nov 3, 2005 4:16:57 PM)
to Shirley Corr - Want to get out of the mess Dec. 10-17? Dec. 17-24 if resort fixed damage. I'll be at timeshares in Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and would welcome your joining me. email or phone 703-437-5012 so I can arrange. Do come. Nancy7L@hotmail.com
Nancy Wolf, Reston, Virginia (Sent Nov 5, 2005 10:55:03 AM)
to; JM from Eugene
Do the research before you make comments that simply cause more pain to those already in pain.
Only 5% of the residence in Mississippi had flood insurance this is because the Army Corp of Engineers provides the maps that determine flood zones and nearly 100% of these properties were not in a flood zones therefore they were informed that they did not need flood insurance by their insurance agents (I have been told that insurance agents do not like to do the flood insurance because of the federal burocracy involved). Also keep in mind that all of the lending institutions in the USA use the Army Corp of Engineers flood zone mapping to determine if a property must have flood insurance therefore all of the mortgages written on these properties will most likely go to default and the worthless properties repossesed.
In addition to this, Insurance Companies sold Hurricane Insurance to their insured for a premium with a seperate deductible. BUT in the fine print of exclusions to the policy they excluded every aspect of a Hurricane except wind and hail, which would have otherwise been covered in the standard homeowners policy - therefore commiting fraud to their insured by selling them something "Hurricane Insurance" that has no value.
I am one of those persons that has insurance (fully covered by the good hands people ALLSTATE.
I had my new home built in Waveland, MS it was completed just two months before KATRINA I put 100,000.00 in savings (all of my savings) mortgaged 100,000.00 with Wells Fargo who required me to carry adiquate insurance and who verified that I did have proper coverage prior to funding.
As the flood insurance would have been only $250.00 per year I instructed the Allstate agent that I wanted flood coverage she did not follow my instructions even though after telling me that it would be a waste because my home was not in a flood zone I still insisted and the agent did not honor my request.
Insurance companies are dening all of the claims stating that the damage is from a flood, THE DAMMAGE WAS FROM A HURRICANE NAMED KATRINA or was Katrina a lie fabricated by the world.
I loose, Wells Fargo looses, the American People loose, for those with flood insurance the federal government looses because they will be paying claims that should have been covered by the homeowners Hurricane Policy. YOU LOOSE
As far as all of the human race that suffers from situations out of their control I feel for their pain BUT when you have a need at home you take care of it first that way when there is a need outside of our borders we can help. NOW WE NEED TO BRING IT HOME if we don't it won't be long untill we wont be able to help anyone even ourselves.
If you are an insured american I strongly advise you to review your insurance policy, an earth quake can occur almost anywhere, water damage can occur and be construed as a flood by the insurance companies (if your roof leaks and there was no wind damage), and a hurricane can cause damage many miles inland.
Insurance Companies can denie a claim without any problem because the government has de-regulated the industry.
The american people need to get angry, from sea to shining sea, and revolt against the injustice being perpitrated on the American People by the Insurance Companies.
Also to clarify The Red Cross provided us with approx $300.00 FEME $2,000.00
I am a fully insured american who is disabled and slowly dying, homeless, and my possesions consist of this laptop, a 12 year old jeep and one bag of clothes and two pairs of shoes, my Boxer, my Munchkin, and my Cocktial (which i don't consider to be a possesion).
I have no idea what the future holds, after doing everything to secure a life peacefull and happy to the end. I have nothing but I am INSURED.
Shaun, Waveland MS (Sent Nov 5, 2005 3:53:04 PM)
Shirley,
My heart goes out for all of the victims of the hurricane. My husband and I delivered a FEMA trailer to Purvis, and decided to go down to the coast. We were heartbroken by what we saw. We ended up in your area and could not even believe what we saw it was horrible and cannot be portrayed in pictures. What impressed us most was the companionships we saw as we drove through. Gatherings around a bar-b-que grill parked outside a trailer, neighbors helping neighbors, lights strung from the trailers making it feel more like a home. Pulling these trailers I cannot imagine having to live in them for extended amount of time as we have three children ourselves, but for all of us pulling them down full-time or one every weekend we hope we our doing what we can to help. You all our in our prayers and one day I hope to visit your great community again!
Suzanne Smeltzer Warsaw, Indiana (Sent Nov 16, 2005 8:34:21 AM)
MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU, YOU ARE ONE STRONG LADY,AND I CAN TELL BY YOUR WILL, YOU WILL BE OK.MY PRAYERS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. WISH I COULD HELP YOU IN OTHER WAYS .TAKE CARE AND BE PROUD OF YOUR STRENGTH. YOU ARE A INSPIRATION.
KAREN GEDMAN WEST MIFFLIN PA0 (Sent Nov 17, 2005 12:31:12 PM)
Linnie Harris, Indianapolis, IN
While at church Sun, November 20, 2005. My paster preached about Joan's being inside of the whale, but only when he started giving thanks to God for the things that he had already done in his life did God let the whale spit Joah up. Being Thankful even when we don't want to say or feel like it is our way of letting God know that we appricate him no matter what we are going through because no matter how long it takes He always makes a way out of nowhere.
Linnie Harris (Sent Nov 21, 2005 1:45:29 PM)
Dear Ms Shirley, I was your neighbor. I worked in the same structure that your son Rodney operated his business from in Bay St Louis. The three of us who worked from the structure (we were employed by Lacrosse University) got to know Tammy, Rodney, Fran and Stan, and the boys very well. We saw you there helping Rodney with his business almost every day. Words cannot express the sorrow and pain that I feel when I think that that everything that you invested your life into is GONE WITH THE WIND. The Corr family was a VITAL part of Bay St Louis with roots that were deep in the land. The Bay area was one of the lovliest village communities in the Deep South, and it cannot ever be restored to its former beauty. I too lost everything to the storm...my place, just 1 block from the Gulf in Long beach, was reduced to a pile of rubble. I know that I will never again cross the Bay bridge, pass the Seminary and thank our Lord for allowing me to live and work in such a special place. I am back in Louisiana now, trying to make sense of my life and longing to return to a place that will never again exist. I am greatful that for 2 years of my life I was blessed to be in the Bay area. For you, who MADE your life there and LOST it all to the storm, there are no words of consolation. People have said to me all of the same comments that I just read regarding your situation, and nothing helps. All I can say to you is I know that you lost much more than possessions...a part of your spirit, and most of your identity was washed away and can never be returned. My heart is so sad for you.
With love and admiration,
Deborah Caldwell
Lacrosse University
519 Ulman Avenue
Bay St Louis, MS
Deborah Caldwell, 1808 S. Massachusetts, Covington, LA 70433 (Sent Nov 23, 2005 12:23:46 PM)
You are welcome in Georgia should you decide to relocate. We will welcome you with open arms and hearts.
Gail Fiveash Brunswick GA (Sent Nov 25, 2005 11:02:22 AM)
Dear Ms. Shirley,
I just want you and other there to know that not all of us has forgotten about you and the terrible tradegy you have all gone through. I am from the north and every night I say a prayer for you all down South .
God Bless,
Debbie
Debbie , Jamestown , NY (Sent Nov 27, 2005 9:19:31 PM)
Wow. You are amazing and i truly believe all will come out in the end for the better. Keep positive - always one step forward, even if you have to pause. I stopped once in your town and ended up locking myself out of my car with my 4 kids near dusk. An officer found a way to get my car unlocked. I was stunned at the kindness and hospitality of those we met while in your town for such a short period of time. We have a crew of storm weary people in our town that are eager to help. Drop us an e-mail... You are also more than welcome here as well! We may be far away but feel we are close.
Patty, Port St John, FL (Sent Dec 12, 2005 11:20:41 PM)
Mrs. Shirley you are a true Southern Lady. You are in my prayers.
Teresa Hodges Dobson (Sent Jan 9, 2006 2:20:42 AM)
Shirley,
I was glad to hear that you and everyone in the family was safe after the storm. I am so saddened by what happened to the beautiful town and everyone there. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
J'Lene
J'Lene Noto Ehlenberg-Villa Rica, GA (formerly from Bay St. Louis, MS) (Sent Jan 10, 2006 8:34:00 PM)
Mrs. Corr, I think you are my highschool friend, Robin's mom, although they only mentioned the boys in the story. (It seems wrong to call you Shirley, even Ms. Shirley!) When I think of what happened to all of you in the Bay, it just breaks my heart. I know it's hard, and you're like my mom, Mary Lou, very independent. But sometimes, it's ok to accept a little help from your kids. You gave and gave to them, now it may be good for them to be able to give back some. I know... not too much... but there are a few things they might be able to help with that would smooth the way a bit! God bless and protect you and your whole family. Tell Robin that Laurie Koch says hi...
Laurie, CO (Sent Jan 17, 2006 12:36:01 AM)
I want to personnally thank MSNBC for running this. You see, this is my Aunt Shirley and, although I have heard from other family she is ok, it is so nice to actually see her and hear her voice. Her roots are much deeper than expressed in this article. For 36 years, I have always known where to go to visit "my Dad's family", and when I drove by shortly after the storm looking for something, anything, I realized that pictures do not come close to portraying what is real. My heart broke for them and a little for myself. I am thankful they are all safe. Thank you!!
Michelle Noto Gardner (Sent Jan 20, 2006 3:07:40 PM)
Mrs. Corr, you are a tough lady and an inspiration to all. My heart goes with you and I hope that sooner you will have again your own domicile for you and buffy. You will be included in my prayers and God Bless you.
Phebe Meisenheimer, Kaiserslautern, Germany (Sent Mar 3, 2006 5:37:40 AM)
I recently went to Mississippi(with a group from our church, Grace Cpital in NH) and worked on Shirley's house, you truely are an amazing women, and I am thankful that we had the oppurtunity to help you. Would love to see how much more your house has changed since we were there.
Brenda, Laconia NH (Sent Mar 21, 2006 3:04:50 PM)
Hey Shirley! You are the sweetest person out of all the people we were so blessed to help out! Our group came from New Hampshire and your house was the first one we got to work on. I hope that things have progressed for you since the end of Jan. 2006 (that's when we were there). Things were looking pretty good at your place when we left, I just hope the work kept on going for you. We were so incredibly blessed to have the privilege to assist you in your time of need . . . and would do it again in a heartbeat. I thank God every day for people like you. You made our trip worth it! We love you!
Tracy Bagley (Sent Mar 21, 2006 9:44:03 PM)
What a strong woman, please take care.
You take care too Buffy :o)
James A Martinez, Olalla WA (Sent Apr 3, 2006 3:42:41 PM)
Dear Ms. Corr, I too, have not ever wanted to be in a position where I have to depend on "The kindeness of strangers" to make it through the day. In comparison directly, my situation pales bleakely. However; I am a woman, alone, starting over, and that should count for something! I am moving to the North Shore of Louisiana in a couple of days, and I truly believe if women in this region of our country can come together and unite, we could do some really great things for each other. I am 38 years old, no children, nothing of great value (but my significant other did but me a fabulous mink caot last x-mas which I nearly tossed into the fireplace on site!) My point being , we all have some things that we don't want (that almost haunt us as women) and are able to give gloriously to other women in need. Not that a fur coat will fix anything, but selling it /giving it and seeing a real neccessity given, would turn something hurtful and cruel into something glorious...Isn't that what women do? I would love nothing more than to start some sort of coalition of women that were wronged in any way (be it by God, man, or country) come together and make a difference. I need not say more. If you need or want my help, I'm here!!! Wendy Carr
Wendy Carr Tulsa OK (Sent Jan 25, 2007 3:41:04 AM)
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