WAVELAND, Miss. -- The golden years were looking good for Theresa James, 82, mother of three, grandmother of five, great-grandmother of four, widow, last surviving child of nine and lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast.
Her big house in Clermont Harbor sold, leaving her with a tidy but sufficient monthly income rolling in. She was happily at home in a $585-a-month apartment on Third Street south of downtown Bay St. Louis.
There were a few ups and downs with her health and such, but she was at the peak of an artistic career, painting colorful oils of jazz funerals, shrimp boats and cotton fields. Then came Katrina. The hurricane took all of her belongings and landed her in a 150-square-foot FEMA trailer on a friend’s newly vacant lot in Waveland.
Now this Toyota-driving, white-haired grand dame of the Hancock County Senior Center, sharp as a tack and sunny as an August afternoon in her native Galveston, is among tens of thousands of renters in the hurricane zone who lost their homes to the storm and whose prospects of finding new ones are generally far worse than residents who owned their homes.
That’s because while billions in federal dollars are being handed out to directly help rebuild single-family homes, almost none has been made available so far to replenish rental housing in the hurricane zone. In Hancock County 20 months after the storm, not a single nail has yet been pounded to replace any of the hundreds of multi-family subsidized and market-rate rental units that were lost to the hurricane.
As a result, thousands of renters remain in FEMA trailers or other temporary housing as they do elsewhere in Mississippi and Louisiana. To add insult to injury, rents are skyrocketing on the few units that have been renovated. Others, like Theresa James’ apartment, are being turned into condominiums that their former tenants have no hopes of buying.
'The most powerless group'
“Rental Katrina victims are essentially the most powerless group of all in trying to fashion a recovery,” says Reilly Morse, an attorney with Mississippi Center for Justice, which advocates for racial and economic justice along the coast. “They have to depend entirely on landowners and land developers to make something happen.”
The loss was staggering. In a state where nearly 30 percent of the residents are renters, 72,116 renter-occupied units were damaged or destroyed by Katrina, according to Gov. Haley Barbour’s office.
In Hancock County, where the pre-Katrina number of renters ranged from 20 percent in the county as a whole to more than 35 percent in Bay St. Louis, there are no precise figures on how much rental housing was lost. All 176 public housing units in Waveland and Bay St. Louis were destroyed or damaged beyond repair. Hundreds of other apartment units were knocked out of commission either permanently or temporarily. An untold number of additional rental units were among the thousands of single-family homes that were destroyed.
Of the $5.5 billion in federal Community Development Block Grants that the state is handing out to spur post-Katrina rebuilding, a huge share has so far gone to homeowners. According to the state’s latest figures, $869 million was distributed to 12,413 families in a first round of grants. Another 10,000 homeowners will receive funds in a second round that will also distribute hundreds of millions.
When it comes to rentals, however, just $100 million has so far been allocated from the grant pool. It is going to five public housing authorities along the Gulf Coast, including the agencies in Waveland and Bay St. Louis that have been combined since the storm.
But that money, less than 2 percent of the $5.5 billion in federal grants, falls short of the $111 million in losses suffered by the housing authorities. And it will likely be many months or years before construction on replacement public housing units actually gets under way. Precise timetables were unavailable from officials with the new Waveland-Bay St. Louis Housing Authority, who said they were too busy consolidating offices to meet with reporters.
Plan to bolster rental housing unveiled
In late April, Gov. Barbour announced a new plan to bolster rental housing in the hurricane zone. Some $263 million in forgivable loans would be offered to owners of rental properties with four units or less. At $30,000 a unit, the state expects 5,000 rental housing units could be built or repaired under the program, and rented to tenants who meet certain income limits. But the program has yet to win final approval and it remains unclear if and when it could start.
So far, private developers have not shown much interest in building new apartment complexes. Buz Olsen, who currently oversees the Bay St. Louis building department, says no permits have yet been issued in his city, although there have been some applications filed for tax-credit programs that could eventually see about 450 units built. Again, that could be years away.
In Waveland, one developer has begun site preparations for four units on Nicholson Avenue and another has gotten the green light to start work on a 100-unit complex at Waveland Avenue and Highway 90, said building official Otis Sharpe. Other than that, he has merely had “a lot of inquiries” about restoring a number of heavily damaged complexes along Waveland Avenue.
No permits have been issued in unincorporated areas. “It’s all still on drawing table,” said Hancock County building official Anthony Cuevas.
Demand far outstrips supply
The situation has created a rental market that’s tighter than a Waffle House lobby on Sunday morning. Thousands of renters like Theresa James – who is on a waiting list for a Catholic-operated senior apartment and a Habitat for Humanity home -- are still waiting it out in FEMA trailers, according to Olsen.
Others, like welder Nathan Cranmer, 27, who grew up in Kiln and lost his $900-a-month rental home on St. Charles Street in Bay St. Louis in Katrina, bunked in shelters, trailers and with relatives while looking for affordable new digs to rent. A year after the storm, he found one place, but moved out in disgust after five months of living under a leaky roof. Just recently, he was delighted to find “a little bitty apartment” in Waveland for $700 a month.
The shortage “concerns everyone here” Olsen said. “We are a blue-collar community as well as an upscale community. We don’t have that affordable side.”
The lack of urgency and government support to restore rental housing does not surprise Morse of the Mississippi Center for Justice. “There’s an inappropriate moral attitude about renters in some circles that isn’t justified,” he said. In Gulfport and Biloxi in neighboring Harrison County, he pointed out, even when new complexes have been approved through tax-credit financing schemes, they have been blocked by not-in-my-backyard neighbors who fear that “affordable housing” will bring social problems that slash property values.
“I do know that that’s a problem,” said Donna Sanford, disaster recovery director of the Mississippi Development Authority. She said the state has formed a team to work with local governments on some of the NIMBY issues. “I think we are doing a lot of things,” she said, touting grant money spent on infrastructure that could also help foster construction of new rental housing.
In the meantime, Theresa James waits it out in her trailer, happy to have a roof over her head and her independence. FEMA recently extended the time period that Katrina victims can use the trailers rent-free and nobody expects tenants to be forced out of them any time soon.
James does her painting at the senior center in Bay St. Louis, so studio space is not an issue. But she’s afraid to use the propane stove and there are some things that she has no room for in the trailer.
“I certainly do miss my recliner,” she says.
We're not quite ready for another one
Rental property is a must for these people. There are so many complexes that still need to be torn down - all they do is harbor rats. Hopefully new construction will begin soon and the plight of renters will end.
Prices for land and homes are ridiculous - plus the cost of doubled or even tripled insurance rates. It just doesn't make sense!
Linda (Sent May 2, 2007 6:52:44 AM)
My son works in constrution and he says there is no work there. Unless you are working for someone with money , because all suppliies are being bought up by the people with money. No one else can get the supplies or can afford them. Betty
Betty Leinart, Summerville, South Carolina (Sent May 2, 2007 8:51:54 AM)
We the working class are always the powerless ones thanks to government corruption and inefficiency. here in South Florida thanks to the corrupt politcians who don't care about their constituents(except the rich ones), have made itso bad that professional people can no longer afford to live here in Miami. Then they have the gall to ask why are we losing the middle class.Between the high taxes and government corruption, its no wonder people like me want to leave this lousy city. My heart goes out to people like her. Its always the same,the rich want to keep making it hard for the poor, and now their target is the middle class.
Raul Ortega Lousy Miami Florida (Sent May 2, 2007 8:52:46 AM)
I am glad this article was written because renters in the Gulf Coast is a subject that hasn't be touched on alot.
Bonnie (Sent May 2, 2007 8:53:23 AM)
how about charging rent on the fema trailers, and then use that money to rebuilt the affordable housing? isn't it time for these folks to start paying rent? it is nearly two years rent free now.
trish, indianaplis, indiana (Sent May 2, 2007 8:55:21 AM)
Wouldn't it be wonderful if the money that's going to Iraq could be better spent on Americans. Just think of all the good just a portion of that money would do not to mention ending the killing of our young people. At least we know the victims of Katrina are real and do exist; unlike the weapons of mass destruction that supposedly existed in Iraq.
Darlene, Orlando, Florida (Sent May 2, 2007 8:58:10 AM)
You will all suffer separately up there for years unless you unite into a grassroots political group and force your state and local government to enact some changes. The state should exercise eminent domain as needed for the public good and make that land available to developers who agree to build as part of a public-private venture. Otherwise the usual greed will prevail and restoration will take years. Are you content to sit in trailers for years? It's your community. Take it back.
David Forthuber (Sent May 2, 2007 9:01:27 AM)
MOVE: it's not the end of the world .People are retireing all over the country. I will when I can move to Colorado from Houston. I moved here 5 years agofrom Louisiana. We are tired of hearing all the crying about hurricane Katrina!
Keith Barousse Houston Texas (Sent May 2, 2007 9:01:57 AM)
Unfortunately there is no GOOD answer to this problem.
Rebuilding would be going on BUT for the fact that insurance premiums have gone through the ceiling. In an environment of higher cost and people screaming that its "unfair" that these costs be passed on, I think you can understand the reluctance of landlords to rebuild only to be sued when they attempt to recover their legitimate cost increases.
There ARE problems with the insurance industry but "we, the people" need to re-examine our desire to live on and near the water. And oh, by the way, I live on the water.
One solution is to build MASONRY structures where wood ones once stood, and elevating them above reasonable flood levels.
The problem here isn't that flooding happened - its that many people didn't take flood insurance, believing they "didn't need it" - and now, they're hosed.
Well, I [[technically]] didn't need flood insurance where I live (above base elevation) but I bought it anyway. NOW, after Ivan, we've been re-mapped - and I DO need it. I'm grandfathered and thus get to keep my CHEAP rate. If I had tried to be miserly over the $300 a year instead then I'd now have to either pay a much larger premium OR run "naked" for flood exposure.
Guys, flood insurance, if you're not in a special risk zone, is cheap. BUY IT.
If you ARE in a special risk zone THEN DON'T LIVE THERE IF YOU'RE NOT WILLING TO PAY THE PREMIUM!
Expecting the government (that would be "the rest of us" who ARE responsible) to bail you out AFTER you turn down the insurance which you CAN buy and ARE told about is unacceptable, and I will oppose those efforts.
Karl Denninger, Niceville FL (Sent May 2, 2007 9:02:42 AM)
Maybe we could actually enforce our laws concerning illegal immigration. If Texas and the United States enforced their own laws there would be landlords begging to have all of the people displaced from the Southern Gulf Coast come live in Texas. What a concept, taking care of American citizens first.
Ol Redneck in Texas (Sent May 2, 2007 9:03:04 AM)
My family just returned from a cleanup week in N/O with a Methodist Disaster Relief group. The most repeated statement from the 46 member team is: How can this happen in America?! Thank God folks are responding by saying: What can we do to help?! We love our southern neighbors & won't forget their plight. We're going back next year for another week and bringing a bigger team!
Traci Nikitaras (Sent May 2, 2007 9:03:43 AM)
I CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS COUNTRY HAS LET ONE OF IT'S OWN DOWN.IF WE HAVE LEARNED ANYTHING FEMA & THE GOVERMENT SHOWED IT'S INABILIY TO DEAL WITH A NATURAL DISASTER PROPERLY .I HOPE & PRAY FOR THIS COUNTRY TO GET IT'S ACT TOGETHER.WE THE PEOPLE DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS.COME TOGETHER !!
RICK YORKTOWN,VA (Sent May 2, 2007 9:11:02 AM)
It is a problem for people like Theresa James, someone in her elder years, just starting to look at life in a slower peaceful perspective. But I keep hearing in New Orleans (where I live) about the it is the puplics right to rebuild the public housing system. To me the public housing system was put in place to help families temporarily. Yes New Orleasns should rebuild some temp. housing, but the people here shouldn't look at it as their right. The government was always doing them a favor here and all over the region before the storm and after if they do decide to rebuild.
Greg, NOLA (Sent May 2, 2007 9:13:33 AM)
I'm with Linda. Another problem is that housing programs in both Mississippi and Louisiana will only give rebuilding grants minus anything they got back from their insurance companies to property owners. Those who own income properties naturally will spend it on rebuilding their own damaged homes before spending on rental properties. This leaves renters in the lurch at a time when rents are skyrocketing and affordable housing is very difficult to find. So many are stuck in FEMA trailers. And if they're evacuees, it keeps them from returning although they may wish to come back, and the communities they're from from repopulating.
This rental crunch is but one of a myriad of hardships affecting the storm zone 20 months later, which are why Katrina (and Rita, Wilma and other storm) recovery should be made much more of than it has been by the mainstream media and by the presidential candidates. Something is very, very wrong when in spite of the fact that these hardships are continuing and recovery is so slow, nothing was said during last week's Democratic debate except for Barack Obama's sentence mentioning New Orleans.
Olivia (Sent May 2, 2007 9:15:02 AM)
I am so glad someone is finally addressing the renters. I can really identify with Theresa James - I am in a similiar situation. My heart goes out to those, especially those with no renters insurance, who lost everything in Katrina and can't come home because there is no place to live and no jobs. Many of these people are blue collar people and people in service positions that the communities really need to get their towns up and running again. If you don't have these people, the businesses will not return. And please don't think that only the renters on the Gulf Coast are affected. New Orleans moved to Baton Rouge within 48 hours of Katrina and many are still here. There is a terrible apartment shortage here and in the surrounding area and my rent has gone up $200 per month since the storm and I am lucky. Some rents almost doubled. Moving is not an option - there is no place. I have to believe that there are other cities in Mississippi, north of the Gulf, who are having the same shortages. I was glad to hear that some renters at least were able to get FEMA trailers - those that had a place to put them, anyway. Most renters who qualified for one proably have no place to put them. The Mississippi Gulf Coast and South Louisian will forever be defined by Hurricanes Katrina, (and so far as So. LA is concerned) Rita. Nothing is the same but I have hope that one day it will all be better. Please get some rental properties going so the "worker bees" can come home. Hang in there.
Ann, Baton Rouge, LA (Sent May 2, 2007 9:18:02 AM)
This is the exact reason why I left the Mississippi Gulf Coast. My rent skyrocketed and I make too much money for any type of assistance. Landlords are taking advantage of the situation by overcharging for "rat trap" apartments and nothing is being done to remedy it. Some people making minimun wage are finding it rather difficult to pay $900 a month for a one bedroom apartment unless they forgo little luxuries like food and electricity. The leaders down there think the answer lies with condos, but who wants to buy an overpriced closet? It appears to me that renters in south Mississippi are considered second class citizens, and politicians are more concerned about getting the homeowners rebuilt. Hopefully, someone in the right postion will finally take a stand and find a remedy. The people down there are not looking for a hand out, they just want to have an affordable place to live that is in line with the wages they make. A rather fair expectation I think.
Jim, Washington D.C. (Sent May 2, 2007 9:19:48 AM)
So why don't these people just move, like the rest of us would if we couldn't find anyplace. After this much time, these people need to face reality and move on and stop waiting for the world to take care of them.
Chemby, Marietta, GA (Sent May 2, 2007 9:20:30 AM)
Everyone that has been living rent free for almost 2 years now - I'm assuming they've been saving what they would have spent on rent? That should mean they're ready with security and first/last. Does there hit a point in time where you decide to move elsewhere?
Lisa (Sent May 2, 2007 9:22:07 AM)
Renter or homeowner--all current assistance has fallen short. I owned a home, am now in a FEMA trailer, and am still awaiting the homeowners grant...the amount will allow me to rebuild a....bathroom! Of 20 neighbors on the street, only 2 have rebuilt. Its bad for everyone, certainly so for those who had invested heavily in ownership.
Jeff, Gulfport, MS (Sent May 2, 2007 9:24:40 AM)
Well I am too living in Mississippi and i am aware of the cost of living increase along with the shortage of rental property. I own my own house and i also have 2 vacant lots with city water and sewer. Both are a little over a half acre apiece. I am willing to help if i was able to put a house or 2 on those to rent out. But cost of living and cost to buy or set up a place is more then i or some can bare. I know more people like me have those but alot of hands are tied because the cost of living increse.. My heart goes out to the ones who struggle to still call the coast their home.
Raffe McLaughlin Saucier Mississippi (Sent May 2, 2007 9:25:04 AM)
The problem with this is they want to built some of these apartment complexes as low income housing to get tax benifits. These contractors and developers are not from the coast nor will they keep that money here. In addition they want to build in really nice neighborhoods where they don't fit in. We have a proposed low income housing reqeust for my neighborhood. They want to build it in a known flood zone. So this meens they would have to elevate it very high. This does not fit in at all and if built will bring our home values down without increasing the tax base. Which means more students for our schools with no additional income. Which means what? You guessed it increased taxes on the surrounding home owners which is me. Thanks but no thanks. I not even going to get into the increase crime and drug traffic that is prvelent in these type of developments.
Craig, Gulfport, Mississippi (Sent May 2, 2007 9:26:21 AM)
Why do renters expect the Government to provide them with a home. They can move inland or else where. I for one don't think anything should be built within a quarter mile of the water and turn that area into a state park or Federal park so every one can enjoy the gulf shores. It is foolish to build within the storm areas. I did not get a dime for my wind damages caused by the storm.
Earl Fincher, Brandon, Ms. (Sent May 2, 2007 9:26:47 AM)
Please let us know if Theresa James art is available. Wonderful artist. I have a small collection of folk art from another Bay Saint Louis artist and would love to my collection
martha bangor, me (Sent May 2, 2007 9:30:15 AM)
I just returned from BSL on 4/29, spending a wk there helping with rebldg. In so many cases I noted almost no change since my visit in Oct....especially the many rental properties that are ramshackled and need to be bulldozed and built again. I was lucky enough to actually meet Theresa at the senior center where we did acttive listening. Theresa was fully engrossed with her painting and we shared a few composition tips together because I had spent my professional career teaching art. I came home and am packing up my many reference books for the art dept there. Theresa and her fellow painters can't wait.
Anne, Doylestown, PA (Sent May 2, 2007 9:31:47 AM)
Real simple solution. Move! Live somewhere else!
Steven Osekowsky Cape Coral FL (Sent May 2, 2007 9:36:52 AM)
How pathetic that I am constantly asked to give to the needy in other countries but we have so many here the the GREAT USA that are suffering, equally. We need to help our own country. Why are the victims of Katrina so overlooked?
K. Howland, Grand Rapids MI (Sent May 2, 2007 9:38:22 AM)
I know down in galliano they are building a bridge that offers many jobs for people looking for work.unfourtunetly as has been stated there are no houses to rent.whats there is outragous.so the job is short handed because no one can find a place to stay.the goverment needs to step up their process.
tammy (Sent May 2, 2007 9:41:29 AM)
First of all i would like to thank the postal deptment for helping me located my boyfriend's family. The Harris's, i thank God for the angel that delivery the message to them. Now we must continue to pray that God will answer our prayers not man. Just remember to kept looking up he knows how broken hearted you are and how you have been treated.God will heal us all please keep your hand in his hand, he has a plan. I will continue to pray for all of the victims. May God Bless you all.
cynthia simmons houston tx (Sent May 2, 2007 9:41:38 AM)
In a business sense it it perfectly sound. Would you put your own money into something that is not financially viable but you will stand up and demand that I pay for you to live---HELL NO!!!! insurance companies should pay up for the damages done but as for rebuilding and not raising the hell out of their premiums ther is no way that is going to happen in a mostly capatalistic society. You want the state to take care of you, move to China or quit complaining.
God flushed!....I'm just waiting for a monsoon to take out Gary Indiana next.
Willie Washington (Sent May 2, 2007 9:41:39 AM)
This kind of thing is sad, but not what I would call heart-breaking. Quite a number of Americans have issues finding affordable housing, and this is to be expected in an area with a natural disaster and housing shortages. On the other hand, forgivable loans to rental property owners seem like an additional waste of our (not the government's) tax money. Plenty of folks that formerly lived in New Orleans are settled and happy in other areas. The US is still the land of opportunity, but there are no guarantees. There are sad stories in every city (not just New Orleans), but there are also opportunities for those who are willing to move or change their lifestyle. Besides, where are Ms James's (at least 12) relatives coming to her rescue?
Brian, Austin, TX (Sent May 2, 2007 9:43:38 AM)
Not only has the New Orleans area been depleated of rental property. Rita left the southwest parishes with little or NO property for rent. The cost of renting has become a nightmare. I am a 50ish female that has chosen to rent strictly for the convenience. Now it is almost more cost efficient to buy.
Barbara Bartlett (Sent May 2, 2007 9:44:19 AM)
What gets me is that renters have recieved nothing after the storm. I lost everything and State Farm gave me not a dime. Homeowners are bailed out with $150k grants and we get nothing. Someone needs to get together and form a group of renters to battle against State Farm. Barbour and Scruggs, you up for it? Probably not....I think we are the forgotten people in this mess.
M (Sent May 2, 2007 9:46:56 AM)
Huricane Katrina has created a large demand for housing and the government is giving great incentive's to help the reconstruction of the Gulf Coast. This is a great time for investors to do something positive and at the same time make a great investment. If you would like some more info on how to invest please email me at mbernhardt@bggulfcoastproperties.com
Matt Bernhardt, Jackson, Miss (Sent May 2, 2007 9:47:40 AM)
Since when is it Goverments responsibility to set up rental housing?
Mike Jones (Sent May 2, 2007 9:49:02 AM)
It's hard to convince the non Democratic nations of the world that democracy works if America is not willing do right by it's own citizens, let along asking for the poor, down trotten, huddled masses of other nations(i.e. cheap labor).
Or is it just Verticle Class Politics as usual - in black AND white.... and every thing in between.
Lorenzo Bancos (Sent May 2, 2007 9:49:55 AM)
It's almost inconceivable to me how this country has failed soooooo miserably in financing, utilizing the monies appropriated, and mobilizing the forces to rebuild.
How can the most powerful nation in the world fall so short in rebuilding ourselves from the inside? How can we neglect the needs of our citizens and allow such inner decay? This is a bureaucratic embarassment which just shows no one is accountable anymore and the only thing that promotes action in this country is greed.
Our fore fathers would be embarassed.
dave jones billings montana (Sent May 2, 2007 9:54:36 AM)
Love her art. Would love to buy one of her paintings.
How can I contact Theresa?
)
Cristina Fernandez, Miami, FL (Sent May 2, 2007 9:55:53 AM)
The market will determine what level of rental properties are feasible on the gulf coast. No one will invest in low income rentals other than state agencies and they should be built in areas where land prices are more reasonable. No one earns the right to live anywhere unless they can afford it. So welcome to beautiful McComb, Ms. and enjoy your stay.
Rick, Covington, LA (Sent May 2, 2007 9:56:01 AM)
Katrina was the worst disaster in our history, but New Orleans is the only costal city in America that is below sea level. I think we should focus on rebuilding the levies to the point where they could hold off another Katrina before we rebuild an entire city. If a solution is not found to make the city safe from another large storm I do not see the point in spending billions of dollars to rebuild it. We know another hurricane will happen again sooner or later, and if something is not done now we will be in the same position we are now 1 year or 15 years from now. I think we should take care of the residents but common sense needs to be used.
Mike, Baltimore, Maryland (Sent May 2, 2007 9:56:54 AM)
The lack of rental rebuilding also affects area property and rental prices outside of the hardest hit areas. I have been looking to buy a small home and cannot do so, in a good public school district, because of extreme property and insurance increases. I understand that contractors would profit greatly to rebuild homes/communities in harder hit areas as labor is cheap and government entities pay well. As a result, prices on everything rises and becomes unaffordable to average single parents. This is frustrating for a parent that just wants that type of stability for their child.
Shelley, Baton Rouge (Tiger Land), Louisiana (Sent May 2, 2007 9:58:17 AM)
Our church sent a couple of teams down to Pass Christian last summer to construct simple 8'x8' storage sheds to give away. One lady from Hancock County hitched a ride to us when she heard about it, wanting one of the sheds to live in. She was a renter, her apt complex had been condemned and it was going to cost her $1,000/mo to rent a one-bedroom apt. While FEMA was helping out the homeowners, renters qualified for no relief. She just couldn't afford it. I was overwhelmed by the plight of these people.
Brad Norris, Montgomery, Alabama (Sent May 2, 2007 9:58:34 AM)
In New Orleans, viable apartments and rental houses have reached new levels of stupidity, with landlords bumping up rents three to four times, making people who are trying to rebuild their lives impossible. How can anyone, in good conscience do this to their fellow New Orleanians, knowing how difficult life has been?
wendi (Sent May 2, 2007 10:00:31 AM)
It is time to move on and quit trying to play the Katrina card for all your troubles and woes.
Shane Migues, Gulfport, MS (Sent May 2, 2007 10:04:17 AM)
Interesting follow up to a story that has no end. Insurance companies and greed seem to rule in the aftermath of Katrina.
Robert Burst Garfield, Ar (Sent May 2, 2007 10:06:13 AM)
Louisiana decided after an audit that almost 31,000 people may not have been entitled to unemployment benefits- even after claimants sent in review materials and continued to receive benefits believing there were no problems w/ their claims- Now LA wants $$ back from people who haven't even recovered from Katrina!!!!!!! How long do we have to suffer? Why should we try to come home to LA? FEMA, Road Home, SBA.. It's all red tape & frustration. Help Us!!!!!!!!!!
jane doe (Sent May 2, 2007 10:06:21 AM)
This story applies to so many in hurricane stricken areas, not just from the Katrina aftermath. Ms James' story reflects my own-thank God for family willing to house me until a realtor in Idaho heard of my plight and sold me an older, drafty mobile home. The best I can do-and no help from FEMA when the duplex I was renting in Pensacola was severely damaged by hurricane Ivan. I returned to Pensacola last year to survey the situation and retrieve items in storage. There is still a severe lack of affordable rentals, although I could have chosen a $700 studio apartment to replace the $485 2 bedroom duplex that had a nice yard. This could be so much better.
Robin Burns (Sent May 2, 2007 10:09:28 AM)
CONGRESS SHOULD HAVE ATTACHED A KARTRINA STIPULATION TO THAT WAR MONGERING W BUSHES WAR CHEST...
YOMAMMA (Sent May 2, 2007 10:11:07 AM)
The Katrina disaster is nothing short of being disgusting, Once again it goes to show were the goverments priorities lie. Just like the poorest of the poor were left to die days after the Katrina event. Here we are 20 months later and the poor are still left to suffer. Katrrina is a great example of what exactly happens to the poor after a major disaster. This is nothing short of disgusting for a country that calls itself the greatest in the world. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to every indivdaul such as Theresa Hughes who has the courage and fortitude to continue to move forward in the wake of such a tragedy. The survivors of this tragedy are nothing short of all being hero's for having the courage and strength to carry on. Best wishes to each and everyone of you.
Yours Sincerely,
From British Columbia, Canada
Ken Jensen, Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada (Sent May 2, 2007 10:11:08 AM)
Try living in Pensacola. After Hurricanes Ivan and then Dennis, rent on a 3 bedroom 2 bath house went from about $500-550 a month up to $1000+ a month. Now, the beach is being rebuilt for millionaires and those of us who are of average income can barely survive without living with our families to defray costs. I wish people were aware that its not just Mississippi and Louisiana that were horribly affected by Hurricanes but, Florida and Alabama too. Almost 3 years later Fla and Ala. still aren't back up to where they should be.
Heather, Florida (Sent May 2, 2007 10:12:14 AM)
The reason affordable apartments are not being built is because not even the developers can afford the insurance!!!
Katrina Survivor, New Orleans, LA (Sent May 2, 2007 10:17:09 AM)
this is normal operation for anything to do with city, county, state or federal works in my 38 yrs. of doing work for above ,only big firms get work & inflate price money is gone & no work gets done
jim lavon tx (Sent May 2, 2007 10:18:34 AM)
I just return from a trip to Bilox, Ms. where my daughter live. I stay with her and her family in her apt. They are just starting to fix the apts. that were the worse damage by the storm. And she was telling me that the new landlord wants to put the rent up after fixing the apts. Half of these people who live there don't have places to move to. The condos at the Gulf are going to be beautiful, but the cost are sky high. (I check it out for my daughter). She can't afford it on a fix income. I imaged how the people fell who live in apts. I agree that something should be down with the aptartment that need fix up.
Ann Ruselle (Sent May 2, 2007 10:25:11 AM)
I was and still am a renter Post Katrina Louisiana. The house that I am renting received damage. I lost a room and have no cold running water in the kitchen(the plumbing has not been the same since the storm). The landlord did not put a tarp on the roof to prevent leakage (shingles were blown away by the storm). Nothing has been repaired or placed. The fridge hasn't worked since Katrina so I've been using an ice chest. Yet I cannot leave. Rents across the New Orleans area are 2-3 times higher. I am a single parent and make just over 26,000 a year. The landlord wanted to charge me 850 per month after the storm. I'm not doing it. I have to leave at the end of June. I wish someone would rebuild some decent rentals for decent prices. I want to stay, but how can I afford to. These landlords are shooting themselves in the foot. "Come back and rebuild" the politicians say, but they give the landlords all the rights and money.
Belinda in Metaire, Louisiana (Sent May 2, 2007 10:29:56 AM)
Cristina and others who have asked about buying Theresa's work: Contact the Behold Gallery in Bay St. Louis, Miss., 228-467-8480.
Mike Stuckey (Sent May 2, 2007 10:35:19 AM)
There is plenty of affordable housing here in Michigan. People are leaving in droves as our manufacturing jobs move south and the housing market, both rental and purchase, is saturated. I think we all have are problems and shouldn't reley on the government to fix them all.
Fred, MI (Sent May 2, 2007 10:35:42 AM)
If you want communism, go to China!!!
Native Texan (Sent May 2, 2007 10:36:40 AM)
The ineptitude and incompetence displayed by the Bush Administration in regards to Katrina will remain a permanent stain on the soul of Amerikkka.
Joe Hawkins, Ellenwood, GA (Sent May 2, 2007 10:38:08 AM)
Why doesn't the government reinstitute the CCC and WPA from the depression days? The environmentalists who want forests to be saved could help by cleaning the underbrush which causes most fires to go from small natural clearing events to huge, costly problems. Catastrophes like Katrina should be dealt with quickly, 2 years or less. Americans did great things during WWII, now we just let it slide until someone else fixes it. If the government wants to make us think they have a war on drugs/crime/poverty then they should act like it. Ration supplies and only let those industries that will effect change get the materials they need. We don't need more happy meal toys or disposable junk, we need housing and ways to get people employed, fed and affordable medicine.
David, Boise, Idaho (Sent May 2, 2007 10:38:20 AM)
It seems like it's been "every man for himself" these days, butsince Hurricane Katrina it has become more obvious that companies and individuals will make a lot of money. There is no more a middle man between the rich and the poor. The rich will always be there to eagerly lend a hand, for the right price. Without the poor, the rich go broke!
J Chiasson, Poplarville, MS (Sent May 2, 2007 10:39:09 AM)
It is the saddest situation I have ever seen. The federal government has just ignored this area of the country, almost like it has lepercy, but they had to hurry and get the casino and the superdome fixed right away, they just seem to have turned a deaf ear to the gulf coast. The media is only interested in the gulf a couple of times a year, or when the president makes a quick stop to shake a few hands ang get some pictures taken. They are all consumed with the 2008 election, which is utterly rediculous, since it is still a year and a half away. Have they forgot that people in the gulf vote too? By the way, what about the "Katrina Cottages" that they were all talking about during the one year aniversary of the storm. Lowes was supposed to have the plans and all the materials available sometime last year, but , other than the 3 houses that the president was interviewed in front of by Brian Williams, which we don't even know where these homes are, I haven't seen any yet. I don't live in the gulf, but I drive a truck and am down there on a very regular basis. As I said, it is the saddest thing I have ever seen, and I a m 51 years old. Everyone in congress, FEMA, and all of those red tape outfits need to be sent to New Orleans and given a treavel trailer to live in along the swamp and made to stay there for at least 6 months. Maybe, after a couple of months, they would figure out just how likeable it really is!
Bob Bailey, Imperial, MO (Sent May 2, 2007 10:41:01 AM)
This is a tought situation for most, But you must take avantage of the oppertunites given, and you may get a little help along the way .
Rodney Arnold, Miami, Fl. (Sent May 2, 2007 10:43:50 AM)
Landlords are rebuilding, but now they want beaucoup dollars. I suppose it is to cover insurance, but from what I can see, these places are not being rented. When I look for rentals, which is daily, and sometimes for hours on end, the same places are available. I love New Orleans and Louisiana. I really don't want to leave. I wish they would develop state insurance and make it affordable. My life is here - there must be a way.
Belinda in Metairie, Louisiana (Sent May 2, 2007 10:44:12 AM)
In a free enterprise system, who will build rentals when FEMA offers free rent? Try competing with FEMA! As long as FEMA trailers are free, they beat living in a storage shed as one lady suggested.
Bob, Largo Florida (Sent May 2, 2007 10:48:52 AM)
Why is it that the Government is responsible for you and your troubles the question to ask is what percentage of these renters had insurance I'm sure it is a stagering number that did not have any at all. If you cant find affordable housing do like many others have, move to either another state or area that you can afford not to mention they have been living in these FEMA trailers rent free where has all the money gone for 20 months. It kills when I hear "I cant afford 50 dollars a month for the FEMA trailer" get a job like every other law abiding american and quit leaching off the government and my tax dollars. I too was effected by the storm and lived in a fema trailer but I used my money wisely and was back in my home in less than a year. I worked 3 and 4 jobs while doing most of the repair work myself and this point my sympathy is wearing thin.
Ray. Gautier MS (Sent May 2, 2007 10:49:08 AM)
Who in their right mind would want to spend money on land that will be decimated again and again?? Why rebuild a city that is BELOW sea level, do people not understand what this means? It means New Orleans is a puddle, every time it storms its going to fill with water and erode further. These renters need to looks for housing in other states or further north. There is no reason to rebuild a city that will only be destroyed again. I agree with a previous comment made, quit playing the Katrina card. Its not like they haven'nt received enough charity already.
Point Blank, East Texas (Sent May 2, 2007 10:49:58 AM)
Rick, I understand your hard logic. The problem I have with it is that the government IS handing out money to rebuild single family homes. I see no reason why handouts should favor homeowners over renters.
Erik, Santa Clara CA (Sent May 2, 2007 10:51:07 AM)
"There is no such thing as a free lunch,You can't get ahead in the misery of other people" People who are taking advantage of people of these disasters,will be held accountable someday. We all will have to account to how we have treated others.
Ron Wood (Sent May 2, 2007 10:51:36 AM)
Here's something else to resent. I live in La., but am 300+ miles from New Orleans, and hardly got any wind or rain from Katrina. I just got my bill for homeowners insurance and it has been hiked up 50%. Everyone in the southeast will be paying for Katrina.
sherry, shreveport, la. (Sent May 2, 2007 10:52:49 AM)
Reading this, it's very puzzling why the USA doesn't cut and run from the Iraqi civil war which is costing it so much money. Cut and run, and take care of your own. Iraqis never attacked America. Now it's clear there are no WMD there. Take care of poor Americans and write Iraq off as a mistake due to bad intelligence. Let's move on.
John (Sent May 2, 2007 10:53:31 AM)
The reason that so little money has gone to MS and AL is because GWB needs the $$$ for his phoney war. He doesn't give a damn about the american voter so long as he can be King George.
Paul (Sent May 2, 2007 10:55:47 AM)
This may sound drastic, but I think that anyone who can should simply leave New Orleans, and any other Hurrican affected area where so much govt. waste of money and inefficiency is causing further harm to people who have already suffered more than they deserve.
I know you have emotional attachments to your home and where you grew up, but nobody should allow landlords, our government, or anyone else to treat them as poorly as you have been treated. If it were me, I would relocate to another state. Plain and simple. If you have family somewhere that can help you for a while, even better. If not, pick some place you would like to go that has a cost of living you can afford, start looking for a job (monster board, newspapers, etc..) pack what you have and hit the road.
I don't say this to be cold or insensative. I just think that you all deserve better. I have never had to live through a hurricane, but I have had to relocate to another state with my pregnant wife and kids in tow, in order to find suitable employment. I was eventually able to return home, but my point is, sometimes you have to move on.
We looked at it as an adventure. We got to learn about a new place, meet new people, and we learned that we can make it anywhere. Also, you will be surprised at how many people from your home town you will run into in any major metropolitan area. Just something to think about.
Brian, Chicago IL (Sent May 2, 2007 10:56:08 AM)
I own rental properties in the Midwest. These are "investment properties" which must pencil out. I literally couldn't afford to lower rent while assuming the incredibly high costs associated with owning these properties. Apparently, apartment developers have a very good reason NOT to develop investment properties in the Katrina stricken area. Otherwise, every investor in the country would be down there ready to build. If you want to live cheap, but very well......try moving on North to Missouri or Iowa.
chuck, mo (Sent May 2, 2007 10:57:24 AM)
I have been forced to relocate with my chidren to central MS from New Orleans because of the rental situation. Rent in and around New Orleans has more than doubled. I will miss my home and come back often but I cannot afford to live here anymore.
Mia, New Orleans, LA (Sent May 2, 2007 10:58:11 AM)
I am embarrassed to be an American. We can blame others but WE as a money-loving, conspicious consumption people all share in it. Our national Motto should be "In dollars we trust"
Mary, Boston, MA (Sent May 2, 2007 10:58:39 AM)
Welcome to George Bush's Amerika! Elections matter. What might have been but for 537 Florida votes in 2000......
"This is an impressive crowd, the haves -- and the have mores. Some people call you the elite. I call you my base."
George W. Bush, speaking a telling truth at Alfred E. Smith memorial dinner, New York, New York, Oct. 19, 2000
It's the ownership society, dontcha know. If you're not a property owner, preferably upper income, well, in George Bush's GOP world you're just SOL.
My advice: Forget that bug infested cracker barrel swamp. Get out of Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast in general and go West young man, to Phoenix, Arizona. Plenty of housing and jobs available here, no hurricanes, no tornados, no snow, no earthquakes, and no bugs. Annual rainfall is six inches a year, with clear skies, dry air, with awesome mountain and desert vistas.
Steve, Phoenix, AZ (Sent May 2, 2007 10:58:42 AM)
What is wrong with you People? Just move away from there. Here's a clue: They call it a flood plain for a reason. If you live below sealevel next to the Sea it's a problem. The Gulf Coast is Hurricane terrority, they will get hit again. Why would private industry build an apartment in a high risk area and then virtually give it to you?
I'm sick of the Katrina whinning, fix it yourself or move.
Tim in Florida (Sent May 2, 2007 10:58:51 AM)
To Shane Migues:
I didn't read one person's quote that said "Woe is me". All were just stating fact.
D Atlanta, Ga (Sent May 2, 2007 10:59:58 AM)
I'm a working, single parent with three children. We literally had the house we were renting sold out from underneath us. We had two days to find a new place and move out. My rent went from 695 to 900. I can barely afford this, but what choice do I have? The renters need help here!!
Kathy, Gulfport, MS (Sent May 2, 2007 11:00:48 AM)
Move...Try cleveland or wichita Oklahoma city or boise. The cost of living is cheeper and there is plenty of homes for rent
Joe Joe Tallahassee Fl (Sent May 2, 2007 11:01:05 AM)
It will never cease to amaze me...the utter greed and selfishness of man. People suck big time! why hasn't the government stepped in with a mandate to freeze insurance rate hikes and realestate values? These insurance companies are blood sucking idiots. How much do you bet they still make record profits at the end of the year even with payouts. And of course the land ownwers will take advantage of the situatiion and ask stupid amounts for rent because they know they can get away with it. What about the looting happening after the storm or the idiots shooting at people?...From the beginning of it and continuing today there are nothing but losers out there trying to better themselves... I'll say it again PEOPLE SUCK!!I wish God would hurry up and put and end to all of it!
Ken B., Ontario, Canada (Sent May 2, 2007 11:01:47 AM)
I was just in New Orleans, Metairie, and Kenner this last weekend. Some areas are making great progess and others are not. The ones doing well seem to be the ones who do not need govt help and are able to do things on their own steam. There is no lower income housing and nobody seems to care except the people who NEED that housing. The insurance companies, and all levels of govt. should be ashamed of themselves. Anybody taking advantage of this situation, whether its getting money they are not qualified for or jacking up rental prices should know one thing: what goes around, comes around.
J (Sent May 2, 2007 11:02:38 AM)
It is so very sad to see Americans struggling to make ends meet. The Katrina Survivors are facing such immense hardships even to find a roof over their heads; I have a question to ask the Republicans? What business do we have in Iraq, when we cant bloody well take care of our own citizens? We have destroyed their country for Contracts and Oil! And here we are with a Broke FEMA passing the buck on to others! Shame on you Republicans!
Mikael Lundgren, Dallas, TX (Sent May 2, 2007 11:02:42 AM)
Live by the nanny state, die by the nanny state. No other govt. on this earth would have the money or wherewithal to clean up after a mess like Katrina, why are you shocked our's cannot either? Greed, incompetence...duh. More hurricanes are coming. The fun has only just begun.
Humbert in NC (Sent May 2, 2007 11:03:11 AM)
Nothing saying she cannot move to an unaffected area where rentals are more available. The cost of living in hurricane areas needs to be borne by those living there. That living in those areas is expensive may preclude low income residents.
Mike (Sent May 2, 2007 11:04:53 AM)
Look at the underlying numbers. Who in their right minds thinks the government should be handing out $70,000 to families there for new housing in 'grants'. That simply means the other taxpayers in this country paid the bill. Gave someone a free house. Now if I choose not to have insurance and my house burns does anyone think the government is going to give me money for a new house? Not likely!!!
It's time for the people downt here to work, take care of themselves. Want rental housing? Don't tax the property for 5 years and watch the developers come. Everyone wants to 'bash' the rich, but who among you is willing to open a savings account and put your money in with NO INTEREST? Enough volunteers come along and you could build a place with that money. And if your tenants trash it? Well you certainly tried to do the right thing. Sorry you didn't earn any interest. Sorry you lost your principle.
Matters such as these should be dealt with by 'grown ups', not 'feel-gooders'. And just watch the feel-gooders comments too. They have great ideas ... always with someone else's money to support it. Not one of them would cash in their 401K and go down there and build a rental house for the poor suffering masses they claim to support.
Tom, Toledo, Ohio (Sent May 2, 2007 11:06:30 AM)
Whoever said New Orleans is the only coastal city that is below sea level needs to do some more homework.
Allie (Sent May 2, 2007 11:10:09 AM)
Hey all - Noone ANYWHERE is promised a roses garden!! If you can't afford to live there anymore than MOVE!! Get on with your life and stop waiting for handouts!! What happened to earning your living and not depending on others for your lifestyle!! I feel for these people but get on with it and stop waiting for something to happen! Set an example .........YOU take control of your life instead of sitting around waiting!!!
Laura (Sent May 2, 2007 11:10:52 AM)
Without a middle and lower class, there can't be an upper class.
Who will serve the needs of the rich? Who will work in the grocery stores, restaurants, malls, etc.? Average workers won't be able to afford to live in areas with high-priced housing.
That's what is happening in Florida. Where I live, housing costs have doubled or tripled in the last decade. Plus, insurance and property taxes together cost more than the mortgage payment. Rent for a "cheap" studio apartment is pushing $900.
Businesses are closing all over the place because (1) the business can't afford the rent and (2) employees can't afford to live in the area. At least one restaurant is closing every month.
So let the rich people have their overpriced homes -- but they'll have nowhere to shop and nowhere to eat out. Let's see how quickly the rich complain that it's their "right" to have all comforts and conveiences provided by the poor.
Melissa, Clearwater, Florida (Sent May 2, 2007 11:10:59 AM)
What most people don't understand is that it also cost the landlords money to maintain the apartments and to pay for insurance, etc. They have to charge enough rent to covere their costs as well as a little extra for unexpected expenses (I write from personal experience). I can tell you that the insurance rates have skyrocketed in the south and the landlords have had NO CHOICE but to raise the rents in order to cover that cost. Let's stop blaming the landlords and start focusing our attention on the insurance companies who are directly responsible for the rental costs being driven upwards!
Sourthern Maryland (Sent May 2, 2007 11:12:46 AM)
Well, in the aftermath of Katrina and Rita our lives will never be the same.Katrina was the worst Hurricane in history so everyone who is trying to sugarcoat other storms its not the same. And many of us have decided to move on from it all and live for today because in the end it's all you have.
Katrina Survior........
Charlotte St.Amand Dallas, Texas (Sent May 2, 2007 11:16:19 AM)
The federal government is not an open check book!
Where are the local and state governments? It has become very expensive to insure property in the affected areas, thus rents are increased to cover the added expenses. We need to stop relying on the federal government to take care of everything. Tax dollars should not be spent building and rebuilding in damaged areas (California, Florida, Missippi). If you choose to build in these areas then you should be responsible for your own foolishness.
Lois (Sent May 2, 2007 11:16:41 AM)
The greatest thing that could happen, and I know this may shock some the mandy pandy talk about fixing government/rebuild the dikes and city of New Orleans blah blah blah, but I truly believe that any idiot who lives below sea level gets EXACTLY what they deserve, I hope another more powerful hurricane finishes it off. Maybe then both the government and the fools who think there HAS to be a New Orleans will figure out just how stupid and ignorant they are to even dream of wasting billions of dollars on a rebuilding a bucket. If you live on a coast, or along a river, or on a known fault line, your on your own as far as I am concerned. You want to waste your own money and risk your lives to say "Hey, I live below sea level" do it without crying about the nation not "helping you rebuild your lives" I mean really, if they are gonna cry maybe the rest of us in this country should start acting like idiots, heck give me a million dollars and I will go build a house in the middle of a five lane interstate somewhere and cry that the government should give me more money to build another one when trucks or cars crash thru it. Thats right, sounds STUPID, dosn't it?!
Not Below Sea Level, USA (Sent May 2, 2007 11:18:32 AM)
I typically am a very sensitive and compassionate person, but Katrina was nearly 2 years ago! The government is NOT responsible for the fact that some people opted to rent, rather than buy, a home and are disappointed when their rental property is no longer available to them at the price they hoped for. The market determines prices of real estate in this country. This is the land of opportunity, not handouts. There is limitless opportunity elsewhere in this country. Find a new home, get a job, and accept responsibility for the situation YOU have put yourself in.
Cassandra B. Washington, DC (Sent May 2, 2007 11:19:35 AM)
This is an aspect I hadn't foreseen. I am a renter also. I was fortunate enough to have been living in the Seattle area when Katrina went through. To charge 4 times the normal rent just because of a natural disaster is terrible. Unfortunatly right now, I am not in a position to help or I would.
Tim H., Brooksville, Fl (Sent May 2, 2007 11:21:37 AM)
I actually stayed in New Orleans through Hurricane Katrina. The actually storm was scary but not as scary as the aftermath. I decided to leave New Orleans four days after the storm hit when my supplies were low and there was not sign of FEMA. I drove on the MS river levees to get to Baton Rouge. While driving out it looked like pictures from the old south after the civil war. People were walking out of the city carrying what ever they could carry. But I was lucky. My car had made it through the storm and I had a full tank of gas. Even after a week things were uncertain so I went to stay with family for a month in Colorado until I could return. When I did return I still did not have electricity and the landlord wanted the rent! The landlord didn't charge anyone for September but October he demanded rent. Since I hadn't worked in 5weeks funds were short. Plus my apartment landlord said up front rent would be going up. The living conditions are horrible and the landlords are unreasonable. It forced me to abandon my apartment, job, and school. I have now moved to Birmingham Alabama and things are well for me here. I have it a lot better than most, but the emotional scares will be there forever. My family is spread out. None of my family lives in this area. There are days I wake up and think I am still in New Orleans, my family only a few miles away, all of my friends, my old job, and everything the way it was before the storm. I think what people don't realize about hurricane victims is that not only do you have the financial problems but having to leave one life behind and find another. Unfortunately that is what many Katrina victims are having to do. Who can pay higher rent for not that great of conditions. Good Luck to all and God Bless. Kelly, Birmingham, AL
Kelly Munster (Sent May 2, 2007 11:22:23 AM)
IF you live in a area prone to flood, hurricanes, you take on that risk by moving there. I disagree with the gov't paying over and over for people to rebuild their homes. Sorry, I do not feel we should pay for housing indefinitely for people. And the amount of rent you quote is peanuts comapred to the North East where I live. When I moved I looked where I could afford, if prices doubled here, I would have to move! I do not expect the gov't to pay for me to stay.
Gayle. Baltimore, MD (Sent May 2, 2007 11:23:19 AM)
Folks, Here's the simple facts.
1) Single family homes occupied by an owner tend to have a much higher value. Higher value = more property taxes paid = more money "given" to people that is returned to the government.
2) Owners of single family homes are much, much, much more likely to be a regular voter. The money goes to the people who put our elected officials in power. Period.
The Solution (and it's very simple and easy)
--------------------------------------------
Poor people should vote in every election. Vote for people who will stand up for your rights, don't wait until catastrophe hits and question why a representative of big business is giving money to corporations and not people.
Protest, march in the streets, make your voices heard. Once upon a time the people ran this country and things worked pretty well then.
Reach out to people who are willing to help you. Be creative. Here's an example. Write Hugo Chavez (google him if you don't know him) a letter telling him you're a poor, homeless American citizen who hasn't been helped after Katrina. That will generate a media storm.
Bottomline stick up for yourself and demand results from the people in charge and don't be afraid to pursue results at any extreme.
Anonymous (Sent May 2, 2007 11:24:11 AM)
What's really important is that though Katrina truly is the worst disaster to hit the United States and will have devastating affects on all involved for years to come, Katrina is a part of the sign of the times we are living in and no one is paying attention, in Matthrew Jesus speaks of all the things were to come upon the earth at a particular time and natural disasters is listed as part of the sign, they are so many and they are every where that you can't deny that something really big is taking place and if this is happening as Jesus said it would and everything he said is taking place it surely leads us to believe that everything else he said will also come true! And in that case shouldn't we all be trying to find out what he said! The only way to do that is to get the truth of God's word. We don't want to be like the people Jesus speaks about in Matthrew 24:37-39, they didn't pay attention to the sign until it was upon them. As big as Katrina was, something much bigger is coming. Pay attention to world news it is everywhere, everywhere! Something is coming we need to prepare ourselves now!
M.N.W, New Orleans, LA 70113 (Sent May 2, 2007 11:24:32 AM)
Maybe they should move out of state where housing is more avaliable. And quit relying on the government for a free ride.
Bert, Dayton, OH (Sent May 2, 2007 11:25:55 AM)
Well, in the aftermath of Katrina and Rita our lives will never be the same.Katrina was the worst Hurricane in history so everyone who is trying to include other storms and disaters its not the same. You all make your judgments from the media you the know the heart of New Orleans what it really means to each individual and you will never know but I do. I have decided to move on to stick it out in Dallas for my family to have a better life it's not where I want to be is where I need to be so I'm going to take this time to better myself mentally,financially and spritually. But, just remember a Katrina can happen anywhere. We have to live for today because in the end it's all you have.Life is too short.And honestly we're leaving in hell on earth.
Katrina Survior........
Charlotte St.Amand Dallas, Texas (Sent May 2, 2007 11:26:57 AM)
This country was founded on a Faith base platform. But now the Country is in a mess. How can we as a Supposed to be Leading Country turn our back on our own. Then you wonder why other countries HATE us. I know the rich think that they won't need anyone but the will in the end. It is so sad the we say we are the LAND of the FREE and the HOME of the SLAVES to the POOR. Thanks to OUR GOVERMENT and YEA MR.GWB.
Audrey Davis Memphis, Tn (Sent May 2, 2007 11:27:36 AM)
I get a kick out of the morons here castigating those who want help rebuilding and a place to live and suggesting that they're Communists somehow for expecting something from the government of the richest country on earth. Yet, these same people say nothing about the fact that money that should be used in America to rebuild New Orleans, the Gulf Coast and our national infrastructure as a whole is being squandered by the billions in Iraq with no good coming of it. Whenever any of these people make a dollar, the government's there to tax its share, so why shouldn't the people expect help from their government? What are they, or any of us for that matter, getting out of our tax dollars being squandered in Iraq oe anywhere else in the world our government throws our money?
Chris, Chicago, IL (Sent May 2, 2007 11:29:25 AM)
Given the huge demand for construction materials, which caused great shortages and price increases for them, plus the unavailibility of workers in construction trades, such as electricians, sheetrock hangers, carpenters, roofers, and so forth, plus new construction codes and other factors, aftter both Ivan and Katrina, it is probably extremely unreasonable for someone who rented for $500-$750/mo EVER to find those kinds of rental units EVER again. So dont think it is just insurance rates or landlord greed. The fact is that a hurricane is NOT a poor person's event. If you were poor the day before a hurricane, you are going to be even poorer the day after a hurricane. The fact is that there are areas along the Gulf Coast where job shortages presently exist. People earnestly seeking work can probably find it and then not have to lament their situations. FEMA does what FEMA does, and then its job is done. People who understand the role that FEMA plays generally do not complain about what FEMA has not done. What is to be avoided is that a permanent FEMA-class of citizen emerges from Katrina; or Ivan; or any other hurricane.
P. A. B. Gulf Coast (Sent May 2, 2007 11:30:16 AM)
There are plenty of places where I'd like to live but can't afford. People have to make tough decisions all the time, and it's well past the point where these residents need to pack up & move! Quit whining, quit accepting free rent from taxpayers, and take some responsibility! Two years in, my sympathy has faded!
Brent, Richmond, VA (Sent May 2, 2007 11:31:11 AM)
I am so tired of hearing about the whiny katrina 'victims'- that is all they will ever be. Victim, victim, victim...me... me... me.. It's so unfair, It's the government's fault...give me a handout...I have 2 good arms and legs but I am a victim...waaaahhh waaahhhh.... How long are you people going to drag this out? Why don't you sell all the stuff stolen from looting and find a new place to live. I'm sure there is a government hand-out--
Atlanta, GA (Sent May 2, 2007 11:34:36 AM)
Well, the situation could be worse, be content that
at least we are alive and healthy and being able to do somthing about it, life isn't always easy.
Lets keep a positive attitude and move on...
James Vergara, Davie FL (Sent May 2, 2007 11:35:17 AM)
Move. Hitch a ride. I move every few years, depending on where the jobs are. Currently, I am in WV, with no economy. Soon I will be leaving here for a job out of state. Emotional attachments are irrelevant, and the government can't be trusted to "rescue" anyone, no matter who is in office. Sounds harsh, but so is life.
Mike, Charleston, WV (Sent May 2, 2007 11:36:31 AM)
Hey, Go George Bush!!!! Another gold star for his report card. Impeach that horses arse and maybe, oh wait, that would leave us Cheney. We are doomed until they and the repubs are out of office. I won't even mention the gas prices because we know they have nothing to do about that. Or the fact that the USA reputation is in the toilet. We are doomed. I think David from Boise has a good idea. Put people to work building housing for the folks. Just don't hire Halliburton.
wilted_rose61, Cleveland, OH (Sent May 2, 2007 11:36:55 AM)
My first question is why would anyone rebuild in the same, below sea level location? Do they really think this could never happen again?
I will also say that while I agree that everyone needs a place to call home, we live in capitalist nation that has provided the “American Dream” to countless numbers of people, so why would we blame someone for wanting to build condos that bring several times more profit then the base level apartment buildings?
What is the solution here? I don’t know. Possibly the state could set regulations in place mandating that for every X number of high cost luxury apartments or condos, there must also be a set number of low income apartments or houses built.
I also understand the fears of those who live in a neighborhood where agencies are looking to put in low income housing. I lived in a nice middle-class apartment complex near Richmond, VA about 15 years ago. It was close to the city line and during the last year we lived there we notice many folks from the city moved into the apartments wanting to leave behind the city problems of crime and bad schools.
At first I admired the families that tried to make things better for their children by moving out of the city. Then during our last 10 months of living in that apartment complex, we went from never having personally experienced any crime, to having one attempted break in (while my son and husband where home), one actual break in with several items stolen, our car stolen, and my 9 year old son was attacked (by a teenage drug dealer) because he had refused to leave the playground. It seemed the families that moved, in brought much of what they were trying to leave behind, with them. Lets face it, no one wants that in their neighborhood!
Donna, Chesterfield, VA (Sent May 2, 2007 11:36:56 AM)
Cry me a river. I am sickened that everyone is still complaining. Hey, your town got wiped out, that sucks. MOVE ON. There's nowhere to live? Then move to another state. There's plenty of homes all over the place but you want me and my government to build you a new home? So you rented and got NOTHING from the government? Good. I'm tired of paying for your sorry butt to live in a danger zone. You want your belongings covered. GET RENTERS INSURANCE. My government isn't an insurance company and I'm mad as he** that you guys even got one red cent. Help sure, money NO WAY. You want a handout, get in line buddy because the whole world does. You want some money? Get a job. There aren't no jobs to have? Move where the is a job. So you made a bad move and didn't insure your belongings and now I should somehow give you money? Why, for sympathy? No way, it'll be war long before it gets to that point.
Just imagine people, $200 billion in aid to those fools. There's less than 200 million tax payers. Do the math, that's over $1,000 from each tax paying citizen going to pay for this small little area. MOVE OUT YOU FOOLS, MY WALLET IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED TO YOU!!! Life is full of tragedy and I'm tired of paying for everyone elses. I have my own to deal with.
Joe B (Sent May 2, 2007 11:37:23 AM)
Hancock County is also where Diamondhead, a golf-course based community is located. A developer is trying to build low-income apartments down the road from them, and they are screaming bloody murder. They claim it is about traffic and sewage, but it is really about having poor people near them. They also stopped Habitat for Humanity for building on lots there, saying the lots were too small. Not everyone needs or can afford 1000 square foot or larger homes. Another case of Not In My Back Yard syndrome.
Chris Tate, Biloxi, Mississippi (Sent May 2, 2007 11:38:10 AM)
I have read these remarks made by others-- so here is my response. My rental home is in Biloxi. It made it though Katrina with very little damage. The insurance before the storm was $625 a year. Now, it is $4,275. Do you really think I would keep the rent at $450? If the state or federal government would "monitor" the insurance industry better; I would not have to charge $900 a month.
R. Liverett (Sent May 2, 2007 11:38:27 AM)
I am so tired of hearing people complain about all of the "poor" people that have no place to go and nobody to take care of them. Most of these "poor" people are receiving some type of assistance. Granted they may not be in their usual environment, but they are safe, have food and a place to live. What about the "other" people. Those who are not "poor" enough to recieve assistance, but yet found a way to survive with the same basic comforts of safety, food and a place to live. I am not without feeling for the "Poor", but I too lost everything that I owned. My daughter lost her school and we too have had to move out of the comfort of our lives. The saddest part is that the innocence of a simple life in Clermont Harbor, MS, was taken from my child and now she is thrown into a totally differnt lifestyle. What about her? There is no one doing anything to help the fact that she misses her life, as well as I miss mine. Everyday is still a struggle to get up for missing my life and all the hope and promise that it had. I am glad that I am not "poor" and unable to work. But how many of the "poor" can work and chose not to?????? From where I stand and some of the stories I have been told (from the "poor" mouths) it is too hard. People need to stop counting on the goverment to bail them out and start looking for ways to help themself. Family needs to help family. If people want the government to help them, perharps they should try to vote a little more. How come American Idol votes make Presidential Election votes look like a joke? Where are OUR priorities. And when the government fails us, why are we so surprised???? The government did not fail us, we failed ourself!!!! We failed to help each other!!! What about all of our Hollywood actors and athelets that make Millions and millions of dollars because we watch them, where are they??? Oh yeah, they are worrying about starving children in Africa!!! Hey, Oprah built a multi million dollar school in Africa, what about building one of those in MS, LA???? HELLOOO....wake up..stop blaming the goverment and start looking in your own back yard.
Sadie, formerly of Clermont Harbor, MS (Sent May 2, 2007 11:38:48 AM)
Moving is not always the solution. One can not move if they are unable to afford it. The majority of the people in FEMA trailers are former Homeowners not renters. In order for LA & MS to recover from Katrina, something must be done to provide apartments and affordable housing.
Shelly, Bainbridge Island, WA (Sent May 2, 2007 11:41:32 AM)
I know of renters in my neck of the woods (Pascagoula, MS) that made out and continue to make out like bandits. This is a town where 90% of the homes, apartments, etc. were flooded by storm surge (not a broken levee). Renters who had next to nothing before got thousands and thousands of dollars from FEMA to replace items they didn't have, but claimed; whereas, homeowners got a pittance from FEMA and if they were lucky, grant $$ to replace roofs, walls, floors, appliances, cabinets, etc. etc. along with their personal belongings -- but just as rent has gone up, so did building supplies and labor rates and it was not enough to go around to make repairs, let alone replace a TV or microwave -- while homeowners are also staying in FEMA trailers, provided rent-free, while repairing, just like the renters, but big difference is that we have to continue paying our mortgages, homeowners insurance that didn't pay for anything, taxes, utilities, etc.!!!! Can't just "start over", can't walk away from your HOME/INVESTMENT, and I guarantee you that we have jumped through hoops and a lot of perservance and patience to get what we have gotten to get back into our homes. I'm a single mom making under 30K and have worked hard for everything I have and I bought a house to combat high rent rates LONG BEFORE Hurricane Katrina to provide stability for my family and a budget that I could work with, and sometimes I am sorry I ever did ... but I've always known, you have got to WORK for what you want and you shouldn't expect it to be handed to you, and you have got to Bless Others to be Blessed!!! I am not complaining, I am so thankful what what I have received, and I have nothing against renters, I was one myself for a while, and I not trying to stereotype here, but just saying look at the big picture ... rich, poor, owner, renter ... we were all affected! Let's not sit and whine, but do something about it!
Anonymous, Pascagoula, Mississippi (Sent May 2, 2007 11:42:36 AM)
to all that thinks landlords are getting rich ! why not come to mississippi and get rich also.most of these rental property owners have spent there retirement savings on rental houses to use as retirement income. dont be quick to judge others , research why news medias only show the bad sides of everthing.the insurance companies and politicians rep & dem passed a tort reform against the people and for the insurance companies. now insurance companies are showing larger than ever profits and not paying the claims owed to policy holders. the rental property insurance rates have tripled, if you can find a company that will insure you. and the cost of repairs have 4 fold went up in prices. STATE FARM , ALSTATE, METROPOLITAN, would be worth a look at how they handled claims.
michael laurel mississippi (Sent May 2, 2007 11:43:03 AM)