My husband, brother-in-law and I had the privilege to volunteer in Bay-St.Louis, MS this past week at a distribution center with Hearts with Hands and Foundation Hope. We were not prepared to see the devestation that lay before us. It is a city that was literally wiped out by the Katrina. Not just water damage, but wiped out. I really thought that New Orleans was hit hard, but when I saw Waveland, Bay-St.Louis my heart stopped. It took all we had to leave the struggle down there. My husband plans to go back for his third trip. Our prayers remain with all the unfortunate souls who have decided to stay.

God bless all of you.We live in Picayune Ms and just
had a lot of roof damage.We had a lot of friends on
the Ms coast that lost everything.We even have a young woman liveing with us while her husband and kids are staying in Fl,.I wish there was more we could do to help.Tears come to my eyes everytime I look at the pics, of the Ms coast.That Was Ground ZERO!!!!

I'm a New Orleans native with family in BSL-waveland areas. Honestly, I can say safely that I will never doubt my parents or grandparents again about the destruction that Camille and other storms have done. During my free time I have taken tours of affected areas, from the mobile bay area to slidell, La, primarily to see family who stayed and to bring them food and check on other properties they own. So I have seen the clear devestation everywhere. Including the lower - upper 9th ward, and Chalmette.
The point I would like to make is that we all have to remember we all have been pained, hurt, stressed over the largest and most destructive storm ever. Many have nothing but their shirts still to this day.
But the mentality I've come across is that some people have made this into a contest of who's worse off. Frankly I don't care. There are 150,000 people from the lower and upper 9th who can't go home, Lakeview people who can't go home, New Orleans families who can't go home. Be greatful you have your ONE possession: Your life.
Look around and see the light within the darkness.

Fact of the matter is that we all need to think of it as a choice: Go, leave with your families, get a different job somewhere else and live happily ever after, or Stay home. help us all by rebuilding our south. It's my home, your home.
The people from up north or out west who say we should abandon our south because of hurricanes and other natural disasters need to abandon their own lives and houses and towns.
California - Earthquakes, Middle America - Tornadoes, Easter Seaboard - Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Up north - Snow.
I for one am staying right here. New Orleans is my home and I intend on raising my children with pride of their homes.

The stories are all the same from the people that have seen it. Pass and Bay Waveland definitely took the bullet from this storm. I travelled there with a trailer full of donations on October 7th and was very disappointed to see that there was a lack of heavy equipment and government assistance in this particular area. I have assisted with "Andrew" in Miami, "Floyd" in Abaco Bahamas, and now "Katrina" in Pass and Bay Waveland. This hurricane had the most physical impact and outright devastation that I have ever witnessed.
I'm exremely disappointed that the Federal government and the Local government have not apparently had the same impact in the rebuilding process to date.
When a cold front comes thru Tampa and I'm cold, I think of the people in Miss. When there's lots of bugs biting me in Tampa, I think of Miss. But mostly when something goes wrong in my house, like the cable not working, I think of the people of Miss.
We have it so good and we don't realize what we have until it's all gone.
Take care and think of these hardy and proud people through the holidays. It seems like they never complain!

Did anyone give thought to having the Federal or State governments use this lemon called Katrina, to make Lemonade? A lot of the areas already had high unemployment, if what I read was true. Why not hire the local people who have no jobs, no money, no job training, inplace of the high dollar contractors from outside the area to rebuild? Why not hire and teach the people who have been devastated and are now without jobs? Give them the rebuilding of the areas infrastructure, housing, etc? I wasn't around at the time, but there are plenty of schools and other public projects in our area which remain proof of the success and results of the "CCC" Camps from the 1900's? What the heck is wrong with employing those able bodied, and giving them some direction, some pride in themselves and a job rebuilding? I can only imagine it providing a boost to the local economy, and creating a certain pride even to those who were beaten before and after the Hurricane?

Does anyone have information on Tommy Moran Sr. or Mr. James Ward ? Fine musicians both.. I've been calling and mailing since the storm with no response.

I agree with E H Roark. My nusband and I just returned from a visit to Bay St. Louis, Waveland. Until you actually see these two wonderful towns and know the people there most of us cannot understand the needs. We saw many aliens working and they have some housing. We just cannot understand why that is so. While many locals are still in tents. You must have water and sewer to qualify for a FEMA trailer. There are port a potties for all workers and trailers along Beach Blvd. For Gods sake give these people a trailer and a POTTIE. Give the locals an opprtunity. Thanks to all all over the nation who come to help.

My Husband has been down south since Labor Day weekend helping in the recovery process. He has sent pictures back home of the devastation both in Mississippi and New Orleans. As much as I miss him- I cannot even begin to fathom the loss all those people have suffered- at least when he does come home (sometime next spring they say) our lives will return to normal- something I deeply wish we could offer all those who have lost so much. God bless all of you in whatever you choose to do and know that it is a decision that only you can make.

This message is for J. Kelly, Dauphin Island, AL. I used to live in Bay St. Louis - had to move due to military orders. MS was my home for over 30 years. Trent Lott's brother-in-law (I can't remember his first name, I believe his last name is Scruggs) has a law firm that are working on cases just like your situation. I wish I could be more help with the information, but hopefully you can make contact on site or through the news media. Scruggs? was on the news several times wanting to help those having trouble with their insurance companies. Hope you get this message and I hope it helps.

I was in Bay St. Louis/Waveland back in October for about 5 days along with a couple other college students and faculty members from Ball State University, IN. We were there for the purpose of helping the Hancock Chamber of Commerce collect data and help assess the damages of small businesses in the county. I personally was not prepared for what I saw in southern Mississippi. Pictures in the news do not show nearly the devastation that I saw in my short time in Bay St. Louis. With all of the destruction that I saw in both Waveland and Bay St. Louis, I expected very low moral. Instead, I have never been treated with more hospitality than I did for those 5 days. The people of Bay St. Louis welcomed us with open arms and were so happy to have eight of us there. We got the chance to go to the town block party, Second Saturday, although it recently became every Saturday, and the residents of Bay St. Louis were dancing in the streets, singing along to the live music that was there, and making sure that we felt right at home. I am so excited that MSNBC.com is going to follow Bay St. Louis and Waveland for the next couple months, and look forward to reading about it online. I can’t wait to go back down to southern MS in January, back to the Chamber of Commerce, and back to the wonderful friends that I made in the process. God Bless southern MS.

Not really knowing what to expect when our group got to Long Beach, we were stunned when we saw the damage. The tv images and pictures on the internet does no justice to the condition people live in. We spent 5 days living and working around Lond Beach & Pass Christian. Camp Coast Care was a huge blessing. We helped the best we could and fed people with the turkey & gray we brought down from Northern Virginia. We worked, bled & cried for our new friends in the gulf area. We are going to go back time and time again till its all fixed. WE won't forget and I hope the news media and all of America won't forget that there were places besides New Orlean broke by Katrina.

This message is for A. Tyler in Virginia Beach, VA. and J.Kelly in Dauphin Island, AL. I believe the person whom you may be referring to is Dicky Scruggs. That's the only Scruggs I know here in Mississippi. Our firm deals with him on a daily basis. If that is correct you can email me at katiealford04@bellsouth.net and I will provide the rest of the information. Good luck and God Bless to all of those going throught this terrible time. Especially since the holidays are near.

I have always lived in South Mississippi and South Louisiana. I also am at the age to remember Camille as a child and now Katrina. So many of the places I went as a child will never be the same. But I cannot wait to see how much does come back even in a different way! This is all I know. I live in the family home of my grandparents. It survived for the most part both storms. If it had not I still would not really want to go. I did not have the luxury to have home owners insurance. So I can really understand those who lost everything. My prayers and wishes are with you all.

As a Insurance Adjuster I was floored at what I saw in the area of waveland-bay st louis. I worked with the hancock county sheriffs dept with their cars and also work with several other citys with school systems cars and trucks. I was never treated as good as the people of waveland- bay st louis area. They welcomed me and for that I worked as quick as I could to get claims settled. I see where people haven't seen their adjuster yet, but I have to say that everyone involved is working as hard and long as they can to get claims settled as quick as they can. Most everyone that I dealt with had patience and for that I say thanks because even the insurance companies were over-whelmed. There wasn't enough adjusters in the world to bring to that area to settle quick claims for everone and that is just reality of a storm of this size. My prayers still go out to the people that I dealt with and I have even started a toy drive back home in Arkansas for the kids of Waveland- Bay St Louis area and will be there Dec 17th to give these out. Looking forward to see what progress they have made. It will be slow but IT WILL HAPPEN !!!!!!!!

We went to Pass Christian last Saturday to look at the gravesites of my partner's grandparents and parents at Live Oak Cemetary and was sooo heartbroken to see the devestation of Mississippi. My heart and prayers goe out to you and we too can understand the thoughts of rebuilding. I visited New Orleans about a month ago and was just amazed of the damage there. We live across the lake from NO and had alot of wind damage. Each region was damage for different reasons. We know there will be other hurricanes and the decision to stay or leave depends on each person's personal and financial situation. I went thru Betsy in New Orleans and was in the major flood area, and I stayed. Good luck and May God Bless you all.

My husband and I were year round beach front residents in Waveland. We were six months pregnant when the storm hit, and can't even think about coming back until after the birth of our son, which at this point, we anticipate, literally, anyday.
Part of my pregnancy cravings include Veal Donna from Jack's and some of Fred's shrimp salad from the market on Coleman. I'm out of luck for that, as we've had to come to NY, near our family. Our dachshund is freezing. He's never been in cold weather. We bought him a sweater and a coat, but he's pretty unhappy about wearing clothes. Hopefully, after the baby is strong enough, we can consider rebuilding. I always had visions of our child playing in the sand in front of the house. I hope that gets to come true.

I can only imagine what it has been like for all the displaced and out of work people. How can people who want to come to the area best help. A buddy and myself are planning a trip in Mid December. Can and will do anything. Would just like to help. If no permits are being issued, how are people repairing damage and moving forward. Any advise welcomed.
Bob, Asheville, NC

If anyone in the Bay St. Louis- Waveland area needs assistance with anything, please contact Steven or Schonda Kinney of Waveland. Steve is currently assisting local residents with rebuilding and fixing roofs in our area. He is a legal and honest contractor looking to help you with your needs. Schonda is currently in Arlinton, Virginia and can assist anyone with needs that you cannot find in Waveland, or on the Gulf Coast. (She can be reach at 228 254 0151-cellphone) The holidays are approaching and if you need anything we are here for our friends, neighbors and all residents of Hancock County. We will get through this one day at a time, one family at a time. The spirit and joy that lives within Hancock County will always be what makes our small towns on the Gulf Coast "Hospitality City"

God Bless

My husband and I are still in a hotel waiting for Fema to say we can be reimbursed for our losses. We have been here since September, and it isn't too bad. We aren't working and won't be until we move to Australia. We decided we'd go back to my country as Katrina was too much for me. We had worked so hard to get some nice things and to save up for a trip to Oz. We lost everything, had no renters insurance and our savings have dwindled. Thank goodness for the red cross and human services. We have no car, but have a family member taking us where we need to go. I hope the people in MS get out of the tents soon. Thanks for nothing Fema!

I am also an evacuee from New Orleans. People look as if we are crazy when we mention how important it is for us to get back home. "You are just a die hard New Orleanian!" They reply. However, how is it different from people in California returning after an earthquake or people in Oklahoma returning after a tornado? There is no difference because EVERY state and country has a struggle with Mother Nature. It is true that some people stayed because they love the gulf coast; however, no one has ever acknowledged how people without transportation was stuck in the city because Greyhound and Amtrak shut down on the friday before the hurricane. I hope that others can stop issuing criticism for those of us who want to return to the gulfcoast. After all, home is home no matter what the situation.

I am a Chalmette, Louisiana resident, who also lost her home along with my brother and sister who live in Waveland and Bay St. Louis, MS. I traveled to Bay St. Louis about three days after the storm hit and was stunned with the devastation. Pictures do not do this damage justice. People may not realize that whole families lost homes. Besides my family my husband's family has also lost their homes.
My initial visit back to my home was heartbreaking. I have lost 30 years of my life in my home- including all memorabilia from my childrens'growing up years. This CAN NEVER be replaced. The tears have just not stopped.
I have posted some incredible pictures of my home on keepingstbernardtogether.com. Go to the photo gallery and then to 3344 Marietta Street. My heart breaks everytime I read about the losses that our communities have endured. I as well as my family all intend to rebuild. I invite anyone from anywhere to come see what we have lost.

I was born and raised in Bay St. Louis but now live in North Carolina. All of my family is still there. My in-laws are elderly and the whole situation was just too overwhelming for them. They have been in BSL all their lives but have relocated in my town now. It's very difficult for them to leave friends and familiar things. They still seem very disoriented. I talk to my sisters nearly every day. They are amazed at the generosity of people who have come to their assistance. Most recently, the city-wide Thanksgiving dinner under the tents...my sister told me how lovely everything was and how the people hosting the dinner wanted everything to be just right. Morale is improving and my family in BSL are very grateful for the little things in life!

I worked for the Sea Coast Echo for two years, and it has been the best job I have ever had to date. I didn't make much money but I was rich by just being a part of the community there. I'll miss slipping into the Serenity gallery during work absorb all the artwork. I'll cherish my memories of Second Saturday and eating at the Fire Dog and the Bay City Grill. I'll miss it all.
After living in Mississippi my whole life, I moved to Georgia on my birthday in 2004. I wanted to experience something new. It was hard leaving the Gulf Coast. It was my home. Now it's difficult for me to return. I know seeing all that destruction with my own eyes will break my heart. When Katrina hit I watched news coverage everyday until I was numb. I just stared at the television soaking it all in. My home was gone. After locating all my loved ones, I started thinking about the way of life that was destroyed. I know Hancock County will never be the same, but the people who are staying will rebuild. It will all be new, but I am confident the same friendly spirit of Hancock County will once again reign. That's what attracted me to the area in the first place. I fell in love with Bay St. Louis and Waveland on my first drive through. God bless you all who stay to rebuild. I may never settle there again, but Hancock County will always be my home.

In Response to MaryBeth in SC.....Bay, Waveland, Clermont
I was so glad to read something about home and to hear what 'home' was through your post. That someone wrote it and knows it. Tears streamed my face as I read and remembered the bon fires, and the community I came to know before the casinos when I was a teenager 18 years ago. I am from Metairie originally, moved to Clermont in 1988, graduated Bay High 1991 and had moved back to Metairie as an adult for a few months, only to realize the place and people of the Bay (yeah, I am a bay rat) had become my home, of course I went back 'home' and have stayed and not moved far from there since, until I was forced to by Katrina. I took the clothes on my back a few changes, my kid and parents and left for a 'few days...'now it has been 3 months. My parents had a beautiful stucco home in Clermont. It is completely gone. For the years I have been there and made family and friends along the way I am all the more heartsick for there will never be another home to me. My family is scattered all accross the U.S. I shuttered to think as I sat on the slab in Clermont a few weeks back how my dad didn't want to leave and that final second decision made all the difference. As hard as it was to see the devastation and smell it...at least I was not wondering where my parents were..I only wondered of others and where did the houses go? I have mom and dad still no matter how far apart, I have my daughter, so I am blessed. He is 72 and all he ever built is gone. My apartment is gone as well, of course. As is my brother's home and everyone's home I knew in my community as well. I have a little girl, her birthday is Sunday, she will be 7. She wants to go home. I wish I could bring her 'home', but there is nothing there, only a new life in a new place, where people are sweet, but my thick New Orleans mixed Mississippi accent tells me apart. I want to go back home too. I appreciate where I am and am not ungrateful by any means, but I miss what was my life.. I can't cook my cajun dinners anymore (no sausage I like here and no blue crabs) or go to the beach to watch the boats go out, I can't go in Kent and Sues for a coke, or down the road and wave to everyone you see - I can't go to the Fire Dog anymore, or to the Waveland pier to feed the birds with my duaghter. I can't conoe on Clermont Harbor or fish off the seawall. I can't ever forget my home. I am glad that someone gave a piece of our town a look. For we are more than refugees(I hate that word), evacuees, victims, we are the community that is dearly missing each other and the way it was. I miss Rudy at Waveland Pharmacy, Doctors I came to know as friends, and every person whom you really know at every store or business you went...They not only know your name, they know your kids, your history, because they care. Haha...I miss the busy people who were always in everyone's business..the stressed out ladies at the insurance company, I miss Gulf Coast Fun Finder which my brother's wife built all on her own. I miss the walks on the beach, Kenny Ray's barn, the horses, WBSL radio where I worked when I was 17, my friends at Gulfview School, my church (Christ Episcopal) where I prayed at the place the alter once was. I miss my haircuts that took two hours because I would hang out and talk to people I knew. I miss walking to the beach down roads I walked for years and walked again on my journey home -devastated with a video camera, not believing my eyes I hate not knowing about sooooo many people's whereabouts. I feel for New Orleans, but not too much has been said about the hardest hit...Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Clermont Harbor, Lakeshore, and Ansley. Ground Zero in Hancock County. All but forgotten! The towns were more than that they were entire people with histories. Lives built such as mine when I was married to a fisherman and had my child...my home with him in Clermont....gone...only a shrimp net adorns a tattered tree left. St. Clare's school where my daughter attended preschool is gone as well. I spoke to my cousin in Virginia. He put it simple. 'Everything I have ever known, done as a unthought routine, saw, felt, loved, enjoyed or knew as a memory or as my life is gone. How do I start over, when I liked it the way it was. I don't know what to do with myself in snow' ...It has been three months...but I will never forget. I will never stop wanting to go home. I will never stop trying...Thank you to all the people who haven't stopped caring about everyone along the coast and in louisiana parishes. Thank you sooo much for everyone who puts in a thought to keep the memory of Hancock County alive. It gives strength for rebuilding lives. So many I do know that are there now live in conditions unspeakable or are still camping with relatives, friends, or a neighbor. Many still in tents. 3 months...a lifetime to rebuild lost dreams...

I have relocated to Sav.,GA.,thankfully to be with my son. Waveland was my home, even though born and raised in Gulfport. I may go back there to live one day, but not in the near future. Being a widow and disabled, it's too hard for me on my own there. I was there for the 1st couple of months and the help and sympathy of all the workers and national guard from other states was amazing ! I may have only salvaged a few what nots and dishes from my destroyed home, but I'm not bitter, just very thankful.