I THINK THE HABITATM FOR HUMANITY IS ABSOLUTELY THE BEST IDEA ANYONE HAS COME UP WITH. TOO BAD OUR GOVERNMENT CAN'T LEARN A LESSON FROM THESE FANTASTIC VOLUNTEERS.

congrats... and welcome home !!!!!

With all of the sadness this anniversary brings, it is wonderful to see a story of hope and accomplishment! Hopefully local officials will soon realize that this is an issue worth a little compromise.

I wish you all the best and enjoy your beautiful home

Thank the gods for HFH because the government surely isn't stepping up to the plate. New Orleans is still a mess. What you see in the media are carefully chosen photo ops. GO there for yourself and see and smell and feel it. Bush thinks that if he shows his face in a church and makes a few insincere comments in a poor attempt to express his false compassion that he will redeem himself. He planned and allowed for this suffering to happen. If he was REALLY serious about his big talk he throws around, he'd get rid of the useless jarheads at the Army COE and cut through the bureaucracy he is creating and put the money up front to pay the Dutch to come in and build REAL levees. He can take the money from that farce he has created in the Middle East. He needs to put his money where his mouth is. But he won't. We all know that.

MY husband and I started building our home, and instead of hiring plumbers and electricians we read books and did it ourselves. The inspectors were helpful to tell how to correct any problems and passed inspections the second time.
Kathryn Gray Weatherford Texas

i hope that people now see that color is blind when it comes to a disaster like this. maybe everyone will realize that we need each other, no matter your race. we need to join and help one another like a family suppose to.

A wonderful story of the human spirit and hope in such awful devastation! It shows the goodness of human beings when everyone works together for a common good.

All the Volunteers for HFH should be commended. I live in Minnesota and took a month of personal leave to come down to Lousiana to help with the clean up in the Covington area. HFH had close to 8 new homes going up right down the street from where we worked. I never saw so many hard working individuals, and they looked like the loved what they were doing. I breaks my heart to see that a year later things are still a mess. President Bush needs to take the blame for this and make it right for all those people who are still waiting for some help

After reading the stoy of the teen by the name Vickey Brown I wondered what happened to her grandmother who stayed behind. anybody know?

After visiting Biloxi twice and spending my time cleaning and gutting homes, it was a pleasure to do something "productive", building a home with Habitat in Waveland.
Habitat is an awesome group! I would recommend them to anyone looking for a way to volunteer in the GUlf.

Congrats on the new home!!! In response to some of the other comments...I am so sick of hearing about our government (aka Bush) not giving enough to hurricane victims. Don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not Bush's number one fan; however, it is not our government's responsibility to give all displaced victims of natural disasters a place to live and to support them. At what point do the handouts stop and the excuses end? We live in the greatest nation of all and we are great because we have the freedom to be independant and to do for ourselves. People lose their houses everyday due to forces out of their control (fires, earthquake, hurricane, etc.) For one, if you live someplace that is prone to hurricanes, you should have insurance. Which leads to my next comment...if you want to really place blame, blame the insurance companies and the laws governing them. The insurance industry practices modern day extortion and racketeering. We pay and pay and pay for protection that may or may not cover us in the long run.

Evelyn,
I'm overjoyed to hear you have a new home! It is so good to read some positive news about home. Stay strong, and remind them what kind of people we really are. Congratulations!

Habitat is a great organization, but you get 40 people in a home no one can work properly!.........trust me I've been there. Shoot that many vollonteers work on 2 or 3 homes at a time! that will make more folks happy. Bless ya Evelyn!

rock on guys way to go

To all those who are placing the blame for the Katrina disaster and recovery effort on President Bush and the federal governments' response, when will you realize that it is NOT the federal government's responsibiity to give every citizen everything they need to live! Yes, plenty of things could have been done better, but local and state governments and agencies have to bear a responsibility also. All the people who are choosing to keep their hand out instead of turning it to progress for themselves will always be present in our society, and history, recent history at that, proves these types can never be given enough to make them satified. Organizations like Habitat and all the civic and church based volunteer groups should be the ones called on for long term assistance in disasters. Your government is not there to wetnurse you for your whole life. Get off the dole and do some work yourself.

That happened here (Tyler, TX) too. My friend works for HFH and they held a special "meeting" yesterday to tell 7 families at one time that they were all getting homes. But it was extra special for one family because they were from NO, and yesterday had been bittersweet until they got their news. She said there wasn't a dry eye in the room. I think HFH is a WONDERFUL organization and am proud to have helped on their sites. By the way, HFH stands for Habitat for Humanity if you are a little confused, because of my friend, that's what we call it.

Can someone please tell me how the president is to blame for the hurricane and the damage in Waveland, Pass Christian, and BSL? If the president caused the damage to anything on the Gulf, I will start praying to him, because he must be God. Lets keep it in our heads that if this hurricane had developed in the late 90's we would have Clinton to blame, because he did nothing to restructure the levees as well. Timing is everything here. Also, an FYI for G.L. Dupuy levees have NOTHING to do with the flooding in Waveland, PC, or BSL. IN ADDITION TO THAT, the Dutch build some great levees, but does anyone know how their levees will withstand a CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE??? NO, because you simply dont get Cat 5 hurricanes, or ANY hurricanes off the North Sea. Yeah, you get some strong winds, I wont refute that, BUT NOTHING LIKE A CAT 5 HURRICANE. So, before we all go stroking Dutch ego's and demeaning the Army COE, lets put this in perspective. Thank you. Also, to stay on topic, I think that Habitat is an amazing organization, perhaps next time I will donate my money to them rather than to various "victims" funds. Keep up the good work HFH!

this is a great program and something that is best handled without government interference...Glad to see the progress this group makes.

I have a very good friend who lives in New Orleans. When I asked her about the current situation with housing and the different types of assistance for those still struggling with instability and lack of decent housing, her comment was that people aren't trying to help themselves. For her to say this means there's a real problem in NO. So maybe folks should ban together NOW and try to help one another, figure out ways to get homes for those who desperately need them and then learn how to use those resources that are available and not costly. HFH is a first step; volunteer on several projects, then see who has bigger needs among family members and friends. If a larger house needs refurbishing, look into that and maybe rent out part of the home. That can serve so many purposes. Whatever it takes to stabilize needs to be a top priority.

I commend Habitat For Humanity. With virtually no affordable housing for the working poor, most of whom pay taxes and U.S. citizens, this organization has done more that the U.S. Government to provide such affordable housing to many people. I am reminded by the saying that when a government and/or those placed in power demonstrate a lack of empathy for the less advantaged that government will itself fail. It's easy for the Republicans to say that one should pull himself/herself up by the bootstrap and move on. Sometimes, all one needs is a little help to regain a foothold back into society where he/she can once again be a contributing member to society.

To all the bleeding heart liberals who think that the Gov't owes replacements items to every person who lost possessions in Katrina, get a grip on reality. If these people had lost their their homes and possessions singularly in a fire, etc. would you think the Gov't would owe them. No I would think not. Its because there are so many people that you think the Gov't should fit the bill for it all. Sorry, I disagree. I do not want to pay more in taxes to cover uninsured losses. I do agree most addimently that the Gov't should force the insurance companies to pay up on losses or else face severe penalities.

As to rebuilding in the Gulf area, sorry but I don't think it should be rebuilt. I live in Southern California and I have the same opinion about the idiots that build on the side of hill because it has a nice view. And then along comes a earthquake and their house is now at the bottom of the hill. They chose to live in a high risk area. If their insurance company won't pay, tough. Take them to court. But I surely do not want to see the Gov't pick up the tab.

If a person or entity wants to gamble, have at it. But if they lose, it's their loss, not mine. I don't ask anyone to reimburse me when I lose in Las Vegas and as I see it, this is the same thing. Living in an area KNOWN to have repeating diasaters invites problems and if one chooses to do so, it is on their own recourse to take what comes their way.

And I don't care if you disagree with me. I didn't ask your opinion. And if you think I'm cold hearted, guess what, your right in the case!!

I totally agree with all you said Gene but I think that if the Govn't isn't going to pay for our natural disasters then why are we sending so much money to other countries for typhoons when we could be rebuilding our own nation. I would certainly like to see that $ go towards my homeland other than being dished out so freely to those who need help elsewhere. I am all about helping out my fellow neighbor when in need but a homeless man doens't give you money because he has none! Catch my drift? If we are supposedly over budget for Katrina why are we dishing out money for typhoons? Doesn't make sense. Guess my point is I don't think Bush is to blame for this horrible disaster but he could be focusing on doing the things to make it easier for those in need. Focusing his attention on his own nation would be a good start.

Evelyn,

Enjoy your new home! Hope you have many more happy years in it!

Habitat for Humanity is a marvelous group, wish there were many more such groups--then disaster survivors wouldn't have to spend so much time in FEMA trailers.

To Dana of Houston, TX -

Have you ever seen the Deltaworks in the Netherlands? To call it a levee system is to call the Grand Canyon just another hole in the ground. No, it's never been proven that the Deltaworks can withstand a Category 5 hurricane. But we _know_ that the levee system in NO can't withstand a 3.

As for stroking Dutch egos - well, frankly, they deserve it.

In the article, one person says "There isn't that much more dry land. Where are people going to live?"

Answer: Somewhere else than that town. Rebuilding in flood zones (or "wet" land as opposed to "dry" land) is just asking for the same thing to happen again. I, for one, am not prepared to have to pay the bill - again - through the subsidies for the flood insurance program and rescue/relief just because someone wants to live in a place and the only way they can do that is to put the house in a flood zone (again.)

I agree with the comment made by Kim in Comlumbia,MD. I live in Florida and we too have had our share of hurricanes and there are people here who are still waiting for FEMA to do something for them (it has been 2 years!). We personally have insurance so we were able to rebuild and move on. I know some can get caught with between times and it makes life hard but we are a free nation with the ability to proceed as we can. It is not the federal govenment's responsibility to be sure you have a home, it is your own. Six out of the seven siblings in my husband's family lost their homes in Bay St. Louis including my disabled mother-in-law so I can totally sympathize with the situation. We harbored many for severl months but you must take your own personal devistations and build them into pillars of strength for the future. That is how we have rebuilt this country for hundreds of years. I am sure the people devistated by the Civil War did not recieve federal money to rebuild. They relied on their neighbors,communities and THEMSELVES. I applaud Ms. Wells for pursuing Habitat for Humanity. It shows inner strength to commit to the time and sweat of her brow to more on.

OK, I'm not going to rebuild. I'm moving to California and live with that person that seems to think they know how it should be done. By the way, hope they know where I can get a job, family, new friends and 46 years of memories! Oh and do you have a house that I can afford to buy? I've been to your area in Calif. and I know that the house I had here will cost me $600,000 out there.

I do not believe that anyone is saying that the government should support all who choose to live in dangerous areas. What is being said is that if you know you're in danger...move! And if our government can help other countries in need, why can't that money be put to better use in our own country? I am very tired of providing, through my taxes, for other counties and then hearing governmental crying because the US is not respected abroad. And why is that? Because they can see what Bush can't? No one wants a hand out...it destroys human dignity. But a hand-up preserves it. HFM is providing a hand-up, and for this they should commended and supported. Our government and the insurance companies should be replaced.

Sitting at your computer and "mouthing off" about what you think about the people that live on the coast of ANY state and how stupid they are for rebuilding doesn't help anyone. I'd like to see what you say about your own situation when things turn bad for you. Being in the middle of disaster is a lot different than being in you closed minded little world.

Gee pam, fresno. If I'm thinking correctly you live on {or very close to} a fault line...But it's home! Is'nt it! Bless ya.

Eveylyn: The expression on your face says it all. How wonderful for you. Congrats and much happiness!

Evelyn: I just re-read this post and am embarrassed to admit that the first time around, I somehow missed the fact that your new home won't be ready to move into because city water and sewer lines end about 7 houses away and it's not known when the town will extend them but it could be months, because "there are so many undone and half-done projects in Bay St. Louis and Waveland."

I hope this can be straightened out soon so you can move in and bring your grand-daughter home to a new house.

Everybody: I get the impression, reading between the lines, because it doesn't say why the town hasn't been able to extend water and sewer lines, or why the "undone and half-done projects" in Bay St. Louis and Waveland have not been completed, that the communities lack the money to get these done.

It's great to hear about Habitat and other volunteer groups building houses, and Mississippians working together self-reliantly to clean up and rebuild, but there are certain circumstances where this is not enough, where more help is obviously needed--which seems to be the case regarding the water and sewer lines.

Don't be ashamed to ask the federal government for help. This is a government which, for example, has been spending $2 billion a WEEK in Iraq. Surely if it has that kind of money, it can help communities in Mississippi (and Louisiana and elsewhere in the storm zone, for that matter) rebuild. I'd rather see my taxes help fellow Americans rebuild what Louisiana Sen Mary Landrieu calls "America's Energy Coast" than see them go overseas.

Asking for help when you need it isn't "whining" or otherwise a sign of weakness. And you've already been working very hard, so it's not "sitting around and waiting for a hand-out." What you need is a hand UP. There are times when asking for help just has to be done--because you won't be able to accomplish--or complete in a timely manner--what needs to be done all by yourself.

Pay no attention to those so-called human beings who complain about their taxes subsidizing rebuilding on the Gulf Coast because of the danger of storms and say you should move. It's home--and practically every part of the country has some sort of danger associated with it. My area far from the coast sounds as if it would be peaceful, but the New Madrid Fault System runs right through it. At least with hurricanes you get some warning. But I love it here so I wouldn't move. If we wanted to avoid danger, where could we live?

Take care, God bless, and stay strong.

Work is slowing here, so if possible I'll be there soon to help Habitat.........Wish me luck!!!And Andrea.......I've seen that look on peoples faces before........It is truly WONDERFUL!

I am just reading these blogs for the first time while researching internet articles on the Katrina Recovery efforts. First of all, congrats to Evelyn on her new home. All kudos to HFH are well deserved, but keep in mind that while HFH has a great mission and successful track record these homes are not the answer to all of the hurricane reconstruction issues, especially in New Orleans. Due to historic preservation of several areas that have been listed as National Historic Neighborhoods the building codes do not allow for tract-style homes. They must meet historic archetectural standards. Also, in some the Lower Ninth Ward, for example, early settlers purchased their property for as little as $250.00 and built their own homes. In Historic Holy Cross over 30% of the owner occupied homes reportedly had no mortgage attached so these folks owned their title. Many families resided in homes that had been passed down from one generation to the next for perhaps 100 years. It may be easy for some to choose relocation over sentiment but for many of these folks these neighborhoods were sacred ground. Many of these neighborhoods were a rarity in America where people of little means could actually own their home, and they were proud of it. Flood insurance and savings accounts are luxuries for the poor and even those with moderate incomes. Just for the record: New Orleans hasn't experienced a disaster scale hurricane since Betsy...40+ years. I would say one might have greater odds of facing a personal disaster as a driver or passenger in a vehicle. Sometimes we don't choose our home; it chooses us (unlike willingly plunking quarters in a slot machine). I have been in NOLA twice since the disaster (in the Lower Ninth Ward)and I didn't hear anyone whining or demanding that the govt bail them out. I did see a lot of people, though, who were in shock and unsure of what they were going to do. For many, their home was all they had. I heard someone compare the Hurricane disaster of 2005 to shoveling snow in Minnisota citing that the people in the Northern States take responsibility for choosing to live in a place that has adverse winters and they don't expect the govt. to shovel their walkways. I find that narrow-mindedness sad and hope that person doesn't wake up some day under an avalanche because that would be a more accurate analogy. I guess you would have to see it for yourself to really understand the magnitude of the affects of Katrina, but I have and I am committed to doing whatever I can. It is too overwhelming when you look at the massive scale of relief that is needed but if you want info on how you can help just one household rebuild their lives in New Orleans go to www.housebyhouse.org or not!

Linda--thanks for the extremely informative, thought-provoking post. I was interested to read that because of historic preservation homes such as Habitat for Humanity's can't be built in parts of New Orleans. Which makes me wonder how those beautiful old neighborhoods will be rebuilt. As a lover of New Orleans I want her to retain her distinct charm and character. But I also wonder what people who can't afford to rebuild to meet historic architectural standards will end up doing. For example those who as you mention had owned homes that had been passed down through generations so they didn't have mortgages. I hope they don't have to give up living on their beloved "sacred ground." For their being forced to relocate could also cause those parts of New Orleans to lose some of their character. (I visited www.housebyhouse.org and I wish you every bit of luck with your efforts. From what I saw it appeared to be geared to groups, but I don't belong to one.)

Also, thanks for pointing out that you didn't hear anyone in New Orleans whining or demanding a bail-out. That's my major beef with some posters I've read--not under this entry where I haven't seen anything that was too bad. But under other reports I've seen people run down Louisiana, especially New Orleans, and the people there, calling them whiners, lazy, etc. (Perhaps to a person clueless as to what was really going on, someone who was in shock like lots of the people you'd seen who wasn't sure what to do after losing their home might look lazy--but I'm sure once they decided what to do, they'd knuckle down and get busy.) I love Louisiana, which is a beautiful state, and wonder why people have to kick her when she's down--and wonder how many of them have actually been to Louisiana. Like Mississippians who I refered to in an above posting, they don't need a hand-out because they're already doing what they can to help themselves, which is difficult considering the magnitude of the disaster--they need a hand UP.

Given any "disaster", the first thing to consider is, am I ok. If so, then how can I now go about getting my life back together. What are my resources, and how can I, yes me help myself. Just think, there might come a time when we are expected to be resourceful as those who first settled this country. But, we have such an advantage. We have much more available to assist us in the "building" process both physically and emotionally. Survival is a basic instinct. Once that is realized, then the process of getting back up and going forward will be easier.