WAVELAND, Miss. -- On a sweltering weekday, Nicole Page and Mark Gonzales look strikingly fresh against the ragged backdrop of hurricane recovery. Dressed in matching grey tee-shirts and khaki shorts, the AmeriCorps volunteers move door to door in a Waveland neighborhood, stirring up dust and stray dogs along the way.
The task at hand is exhaustive and exhausting – to detail ongoing problems in every household in Hancock County following Hurricane Katrina -- everything from hazardous mold or failed air conditioning in FEMA trailers to psychological problems left by the storm. The most urgent needs will be the first assigned to case workers.
“It’s a strenuous task,” says Hancock County volunteer and donor coordinator Joseph L. Williams. But AmeriCorps volunteers are his ace in the hole. The volunteers are young, energetic, idealistic, and most important, flexible. “Flexibility is the key thing we needed,” he says.
The federal AmeriCorps program, modeled after the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps, is an organization of 18- to 24-year-olds who serve 10-month stints helping local governments, schools or non-profit groups with any pressing community need. In Hancock County, groups of eight, working in pairs, have been pounding the pavement doing the surveys while others have helped build houses or assisted church groups with a variety of tasks. Their next assignment could involve anything from inner city tutoring to tree planting.
For Page and Gonzales, the first call after lunch is with Ralph and Lois Van Dyke, a couple in their 70s who live in a FEMA trailer next to their flood damaged home. Page, 19, and Gonzales, 23, ask questions from a checklist and take notes, trying to tease out the important and urgent issues. The conversation careens from rebuilding obstacles to health problems, and then into the Van Dykes' hair-raising story of swimming through Katrina’s storm surge with their two dogs in a laundry basket.
A church group has offered to put up drywall in the Van Dykes' home, but they are at an impasse until the wiring is done.
Bilked by contractors
They also report having been bilked by two contractors — one of whom took $21,000 to replace a floor, but demanded more money after completing only half of the job. The other, they say, took an advance of $460 for the electrical work and then disappeared.
“I haven’t seen hide nor hair of my money,” says Lois.
The couple also has been haggling with a local mechanic who they say botched an oil change, causing their car's engine to burn up. And, like so many people here, the Van Dykes don’t understand why their insurance, which included flood insurance, is covering only part of the damage to their home.
Complicating life in the disaster zone, Lois has a heart condition — she had a heart attack just days after Katrina hit. She also suffers crippling arthritis and is recovering from a ruptured abdomen and Ralph has Alzheimer’s disease.
The volunteers gently nudge the conversation along, trying to cover all the ground in the survey.
“How much money do you have left of that?” asks Gonzales, referring to the insurance money.
“Not very damn much,” responds Ralph. “You could hold it all in the palm of one hand.” Gonzales rephrases the question, trying to get a clearer answer.
As it turns out, the Van Dykes do have a working truck, and plan to evacuate early if another hurricane threatens this coast.
And they do have a house to work on, which means they are better off than many people here. They are cash-strapped, though, as they try to put their house back together. They need appliances, says Lois. They have no beds yet, no stove, and no air conditioner -- a major issue for elderly people in the near-100 degree heat of Mississippi summer.
Some victims wary and weary
The Van Dykes are open with the volunteers, but some people are wary of giving out personal or financial information, says Gonzales, who has been knocking on doors for two months. And some are just plain weary.
“A lot of organizations want to help and they come through and collect information … and then nothing happens,” he says. “People get really frustrated.”
Another major challenge comes after the interview — separating people’s needs from their desires, and ranking the urgency of their situation.
“First it’s a physical drain,” Page says between calls. “Then it’s an emotional drain.”
No doubt. Eleven months after the storm, after FEMA’s frenzied distribution of cash and trailers, insurance assessments and payouts and a flood of volunteer efforts, a multitude of gaps remain. Many people feel that they have exhausted all avenues for getting their lives back to normal.
“The residents want the help," says Hancock County’s Williams. “Sometimes the resources are readily available but they don’t know where to turn. … We want to give them stability also, not just a quick fix.”
The next step for the county is to find case managers and case workers to help address the multitude of needs that AmeriCorps volunteers have identified. Church relief groups are planning to provide some of the personnel, but as with everything in the Katrina zone, Williams worries that there may not be enough to go around.
So amid the seemingly endless need and limited resources, these volunteers tread carefully.
Says Page: “We try not to promise anything.”
FEMA trailers 'toxic tin cans'?
EMAIL THIS
TRACKBACKS
Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do no appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451b0aa69e200d834d98c4e69e2
advertisement
I don't have any personal knowledge of the Van Dyke's situation, but judging from the facts I read in the story, it sounds like their insurance companies 'low-balled' them, either offering them less than the replacement value of their insured property and telling them that was all they were entitled to and they felt like they had no other option but to take the reduced settlement, or else used the tactic of the homeowner's insurance carrier telling them their losses were the result of flood, and the flood insurance carrier telling them only a percentage of their losses were flood, and both insurance providers trying to put the bulk of reimburing the loss on the other with the Van Dykes caught in the middle. Not only that, but $21000 for floor replacement is quite overpriced already, and asking for more money mid-job smells strongly of extortion. These people look to be overwhelmed by their whole set of circumstances, vulnerable to unscrupulous people and appear to have been grossly taken advantage of, on several different levels. Any lawyers out there who may want to give these people some legal advice?
Mike Scheid, Long Beach, Mississippi (Sent Jul 21, 2006 10:02:46 PM)
if Americorps will make sure the Van Dyke's get it...i'll donate to this cause
andy,booneville ms. (Sent Jul 24, 2006 8:10:54 AM)
This recovery is simply bigger than our federal government and throwing money at the problem, even BILLIONS of dollars, isn't going to help the way these folks need it.
Go to godskatrinakitchen.org for an example of what IS working. There are many people from many different parts of the country that are coming to help. Offering their time and abilities to help rebuild.
I recently returned from a trip to the area where a team of 6 helped put up drywall in a woman's home in Long Beach, MS. If you want to help there are avenues for doing so. I invite everyone to look into helping, because one day you might be the one in need.
God Bless!
Pete Petracco, Viera Florida (Sent Jul 24, 2006 9:53:07 AM)
I feel compelled to help. However, my own financial situation is fragile. My heart really aches for these people who were bilked and I can't for the life of me understand how someone could see from the get-go the direness of the situation and still take advantage in the name of the "buck". Isn't there someone to oversee the insurance company's putting people on the short end, when they have flood coverage? If there is anything I could do to help, without traveling to Louisiana, please notify me.
Barbara Frambes (Sent Jul 24, 2006 2:54:45 PM)
If the Govt were doing it's job they'd immediately stop the idea of Flood Insurance. They should require Insurance companies to provide "Storm Insurance". One policy to cover the event and all that comes with it. Currently the home owners company is using the idea of flood (salt water surge or across the ground rain water runoff or plumbing backups) as their cover for not paying when roofs and walls are torn away. At the same time the Insurance Co's are crying on TV about their losses the business publications quietly print their record breaking profits in the Section D of the paper. Meanwhile people who paid their premiums are sitting in squalor a year later and no govt is trying to help them. It is shameful.
Steve, Tallahassee (Sent Jul 24, 2006 3:19:24 PM)
I can't believe I'm still seeing "United We Stand" stickers on cars around the country. We are too busy focusing on other countries to worry about what's going on here. We NEED to start taking care of our own people for a change!!!
Diana (Sent Jul 24, 2006 5:04:13 PM)
I was in AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps for two years, participated in three natural disasters with the Red Cross, and did nine other service projects over my 20 month term. In case anyone has heard, president Bush does not support AmeriCorps*NCCC anymore, in fact he is planning to cut it from the AmeriCorps budget. This is an invaluable program that helps hundreds of thousands of people each year, including those who participate. My life has changed completely since joining AmeriCorps, now my career is focused on the non-profit world and working with my community. I would not have done this if not for this program. I can't see any other program offering was *NCCC does. If you've worked with *NCCC before and know the value of their service, please write to you senetors and congressman, make it known that this program is vital to our country!
Shawn, Denver, CO (Sent Jul 24, 2006 5:57:34 PM)
I've been to the BSL and Waveland area two times now, first to volunteer during Spring Break in March and second the week of July 4th. I'm happy to say the area has progressed in those 4 months, from what I saw, but there is still one problem, the insurance companies. Every resident that I have had the chance to talk to has had one or more issues with their insurance provider. Some of these homes aren't even able to move on because of the limitations set on funds available for victims. You can only insure to a maximum amount for structure and then seperately for contents. It boggles my mind that each house isn't on a appraisal basis for funds. I don't think there is a resolution for the insurance problems, but by volunteering and cuttings costs of home improvements, I know that I helped a lot of people progress to a new life. I can't stress enough that more volunteers are needed for the region.
Adam Haydt, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Sent Jul 24, 2006 6:13:41 PM)
I read the posted comments, and they keep coming back to insurance companies. Insurance companies are all about making money. They throw in customer service and "like your good neighbor" images and stories to draw customers in...nothing wrong with that...McDonald's operates on the same principle. But we'd be foolish to count on insurance companies to treat us like our family might. It comes down to these concepts: know your policy before anything happens. Be the expert in your insurance policies. Ask good, hard questions frequently of your insurance agents. Get their comments in writing, and have them sign it...entice them to do so with your own customer service. And, if the policies do not address primary concerns, and it's system-wide, collaborate with other insurance holders to make changes. But it sure helps to do it before catastrophe happens.
Margo Ungricht (Sent Jul 24, 2006 6:24:45 PM)
I'm really happy to read something about AmeriCorps that's getting so much attention. This is a great program, and really valuable experience for volunteers. I volunteered with AmeriCorps the year after I graduated college. It really helped me kick start my career in social services, and helped me gain a little more confidence in myself as well as my career choice. Volunteering wasn't easy - my program was poorly organized, and it's not easy building something from the ground up. And since we weren't allowed (and didn't have time for) a second job, it meant we lived off of the less than $700 a month they gave for a living allowance. So I definitely give props to these volunteers, and the rest of the AmeriCorps family. Please support programs in your community. Volunteers are out working hard for little compensation, and a little support goes a long way!
Jaye, Chicago (Sent Jul 24, 2006 7:55:47 PM)
It's great to see the volunteers getting the praise they deserve. More attention should be paid to contractors who seem to be doing everything they can to extort money from homeowners. The prices are so inflated that there is no incentive to finish the job once started. Even with every little detail in writing and the threat of lawsuits, there is virtualy nothing, except maybe more money, that can keep them honest once they start a job. What can you do after they've started tearing off the roof? It's either pay or watch what few possessions you have left get wet. I spent the last 6 months trying to get a contractor to finish installing my new furnace/AC units after he walked off on the third day. I think he made enough off the 50% down that he doesn't care. Now I have to pay someone else to finish the job.
Chuck, Poplarville, MS (Sent Jul 24, 2006 9:05:33 PM)
I echo what Shawn said earlier...this year is not a different year, I have had several opportunities over the last 10 years since I served in classes 3 and 4 to write letters to senators and congresspeople to persuade them of the value of this amaing program- EVERYONE wins, and I think that it is plain to see that where others pull out, Americorps and NCCC is still there. There are so many needs that our country had, the fallout from Katrine is a gaping wound but we have no wa of knowing that it will be the last one, and we need to ensure that programs like Americorps will be around to tend to those wounds with the energy and compassion that come from being young and fresh.
Monica, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Jul 25, 2006 7:50:12 AM)
Sad Sad story, I really wish i wasnt an american when I read how the people in New Orleans were and still are treated, from the rich to the poor.
Im also a construction supervisor, im fininshing a job now...Ill be there to help as soon as i Can..my services will be free. ill pitch a tent and do what i can for a few months, hopefully that will be alot.My city may be next, Im sure the residents will be treated the same.
james hair, galveston texas (Sent Jul 25, 2006 8:13:26 AM)
Please send this to an appropriate AmeriCorp coordinator. I have an electric cloths dryer that I will donate and personally deliver to someone affected by hurricane Katrina. It requires 220V to operate. Is about 17 years old but works fine.
Philip Nadeau, Semmes, AL (Mobile, AL) (Sent Jul 25, 2006 8:36:07 AM)
I had reason to visit New Orleans for business the weekend of July 22-23. Because we are from New York we felt a moral obligation to see, first hand, what happened in St. Bernard Parish. We know that many visitors to New York go to Ground Zero for the same reasons. I could not believe what was a thriving area was wiped out, including low and middle income houses. Strip mauls are empty with debris still laying in the parking lots. The smell of mildew is still around. Businesses are mostly closed. I did see that HOME Depot on I-10 was very busy. That was a good sign. But what I do know is that it is going to take years to get this area back to what it was.
Jerry, Long Island, NY (Sent Jul 25, 2006 12:29:34 PM)
It's really sad to see this happening. I am from St. Bernard Parish, my brother is a detective there and he said there are numerous complaints on fraud lately. Mainly targeted at the elderly. One gentleman paid a contractor $28000.00 for a percentage of the job and the contractor never did any work and was never heard from. It's ashame how they take advantage of the elderly. But they will be judged one day and this will never be forgotten.
We do have a long way to go Jerry. Thanks for passing through and making the statement about low and middle income homes, people seem to think that only the poor in New Orleans have problems. Everyone is in the same boat, but St. Bernard Parish is just not complaining as much. We're trying to rebuild our lives and start again.
Annette, St. Bernard, LA (Sent Jul 25, 2006 3:34:03 PM)
It is so comforting and encouraging to read the comments of caring people throughout the country and so important to know that we are not forgotten. I work in New Orleans and see the hope in this City to rebuild. I lived in St. Bernard Parish and know the level of devastation there firsthand and the hope for rebuilding there too. I also experienced the good work of AmeriCorp. AmeriCorp coordinated a group of volunteers from the University of Minnesota who gave up their spring break to help gut homes in St. Bernard Parish (FEMA could learn a few things from this organization). It is this great spirit of outreach and caring support that continues to provide us with the strength to rebuild. Thank you for caring and don't forget us.
Sheila, New Orleans, LA (Sent Jul 25, 2006 4:21:12 PM)
I was very fortunate not to receive any damages to my home in Ocean Springs, MS. When we returned to the area my husband helped deliver water and MRE's to the local people in Biloxi.I lived and experienced the devestation and horror that came with Katrina. My children lived this nightmare. It was an overwhelming experience. But, I was also honored to open my home to a group of college students from PA who took time away from family and friends to help our neighboring areas. They were living out of tents and had not had a hot shower or air conditioning in 7 days. I agree with the previous posting that knowing your policy is the best advice that can be given(a little to late now). These Insurance companies are businesses. There is a gap in the system but if there were no insurance, then where would we have been?
Alice,Ocean Springs,MS (Sent Jul 25, 2006 4:44:49 PM)
I am also an Alumni of AmeriCorps*NCCC. Infact I graduated last week. I spent the last 4 months of my service year in the Gulf Coast with my team, and I assure everyone that NCCC has a commitment to help the Gulf Coast in anyway possible.
I congratulate all NCCC currently serving in the Gulf. You all are doing amaizing work. Thank you for your commitment!
Kelly Jane McLaughlin, Mustang, Oklahoma (Sent Jul 25, 2006 6:46:33 PM)
James Hair please don't take this the wrong way.This site is about the Mississippi coastal towns Waveland and Bay St.Louis.New Orleans is in Lousiania.I'm certain both could use your help but if you want to help the Van Dykes you have to go to Mississippi.I have been to both.New Orleans is like a ghost town in many areas.They haven't come up with a solid rebuilding plan.On the other hand most of the folks on the coast would love to rebuild today if it were'nt for all the RED TAPE,RIP OFFS,ect...I guess what I'm getting at is this:MISSISSIPPIAN'S WELCOME YOU WITH OPEN ARMS,and many THANK YOU'S!!!!So when you do head east keep a coming til you see our welcome sign.Mississippian's from North to South,East to West can't thank you enough and the 1000's like you.GOD BLESS YA'LL!!
charles tupelo,ms. (Sent Jul 26, 2006 12:29:37 AM)
I am very familiar with the work of the AmeriCorps program--these young adults give so much to communities during their service, and in turn gain valuable experiences that will stay with them the rest of their lives. Using AmeriCorps members such as these with disaster relief efforts uses the strength, energy, and enthusiasm of our young adults to improve the lives of people in the communities in which they serve.
Kathy Fenlon, Oswego, NY (Sent Jul 26, 2006 7:42:16 AM)
Chuck, did you get your heat and air done? I'll come and finish
andy,booneville ms. (Sent Jul 26, 2006 8:42:00 AM)
I am very proud of all of the Americorps volunteers. My daughter Audrey Massenburg is one of them. She had already signed up for Americorps before the storm hit and is currently serving her second tour to the area helping with the cleanup. I speak not only for myself, but for all of associates and friends. Thank you Americorps for a job well done.
Susan, Harvey, La. (Sent Jul 26, 2006 9:26:04 AM)
My son will be beginning his term with Americorp this fall. His mother and I are very proud he has chosen this path after highschool to give back to his country and learn so much from the experience.
Steve Scales Richardson Texas (Sent Jul 26, 2006 2:34:55 PM)
I just recentley got done serving with Americorps*NCCC. I spent two and a half months in LA doing debris removal,from Cameron Parish to the the Lower Ninth Ward. I lived and worked at Camp Hope, St. Bernards home for volunteers. There is so much that still needs to be done. I beleive that we all need to do our part to help out in such a devasted community. Thank y'all for your kinds words about the program. There are thousands of us helping. Please show the love to all you encounter down there.
Ben Little, Chattanooga, TN (Sent Jul 28, 2006 6:18:46 PM)
SEND A COMMENT
PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.