WAVELAND, Miss. –- In a sign of progress, state and federal officials want people to start paying for their goods.
Businesses across Waveland and Bay St. Louis are gradually reopening and eager for customers to return to buy the necessities of life.
As a result, the free tools program, which provided free hardware such as mops, brooms, and other cleaning supplies, has been ramped down. For example, the New Waveland Café, one of five major distribution points in the county has been asked to halt its ‘Tool Time’ program.
Next to go will be the large food distribution centers, such as the café, which at one point provided 15,000 to 20,000 meals daily.
According to the county’s head of logistics, Mike Sweeney, it’s a “wonderful benchmark” in the evolution of the area since the devastation wrought by Katrina.
The café already was planning to wind down at the end of November, and Sweeney says there may only be one center for free food remaining -– down from five in the immediate aftermath of Katrina.
The demand for pre-cooked meals already has declined as residents move into trailers or other individual shelters, become more self-sufficient and start cooking for themselves, he says.
“We will not leave anyone in need,” Sweeney said.
But instead of major points of distribution, the county will move stocks to neighborhood groups, such as churches and fire stations.
In addition, the county is in discussion with the Red Cross and other agencies about establishing a Meals on Wheels program for the needy, something that never existed here prior to the hurricane.
The new normal
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It really hurts to see how cold and callous some people ( who are apparently sitting comforably in their living rooms) can be. Katrina was a just like a Mother Natures 9/11 for many people, they have no clue how to start again. They can barely get from one day to the next. Imagine if you had to go out and get a job with nothing to wear but the clothes on you back or what you have in a bag? How would you make yourself presentable to a prospective employer? I applaud the people who are even trying to rebuild their lives, I don't know if I have that kind of intestinal fortitude. They are the courageous ones. I pray for their courage and am proud to count them amoung my fellow contrymen.
Trina, Norfolk VA (Sent Nov 23, 2005 4:24:07 PM)
People, please why can't we just get along and realize that evryone needs help at sometime in their lives and these people have lost everything except their lives, by the grace of God they lived. The United States sends millions of dollars a day overseas to help the people over there why can't we help our own people without the finger-pointing and the name calling and the hate that some of you have shown. We are our brothers keepers and God will provide. At this time of year when the weather is cold and people need help for shelter and food, please don't be cruel and hateful. Show some kindness, because it could have been you in this way.
Vonda,Chase City, VA (Sent Nov 27, 2005 1:03:33 AM)
I have read the above postings, dated November 2005. Now it is February 2007 and people are just now being evicted from hotels, etc after the government/FEMA has spent tens of thousands of dollars to fund.
How, in all this time did these people not find gainful employment? It is time for natives to either find local work or commute, or relocate.
How long do people expect freebies and free housing to continue? I truly am sorry for the losses of homes and possessions, but isn't it time to pick up the pieces and move on?
You lost your homes, not your lives. Maybe it is easier said then done, but consider the costs involved in the funded housing, etc.
I agree with several postings, help those who are trying. Those who lived on welfare and hand-outs to begin with, need to be turned down for future freebies.
I hope the city is restored someday and extend sympathies to those who are trying. I guess this is geared to those who are not.
angela (Sent Feb 14, 2006 6:26:43 PM)
We just visited the Gulf coast beaches today and the area is still a horrible mess and it is almost 2 years after the storm. The only thing I really saw thats open is a bunch of casinos near the beach. The beach is still a mess!
Holden, LA (Sent Jul 23, 2007 12:51:12 AM)
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