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FinalCall.com News
National News
Post-Katrina survival: The struggle continues
By Jesse Muhammad
Staff Writer
Updated Aug 4, 2006 - 11:14:00 AM
HOUSTON (FinalCall.com) - With the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaching, displaced residents of New Orleans are again facing the threat of looming FEMA deadlines. One of those survivors caught in the whirlwind of timelines, frustration and heartaches is Banetta Adams, who is among the thousands who could end up homeless again due to the fact that the housing voucher program came to an end July 31.
Ms. Adams, a mother of two children, has been notified by FEMA that she has to vacate her apartment in Houston because she cannot provide the agency proof of her residency in New Orleans. Her mother, Marie Adams, contacted The Final Call to share her disgust.
“FEMA is going to put my child and her two children on the streets because she cannot prove that the vicious waters of Katrina ravished her and destroyed her property,” stated Ms. Adams’ mother. “Where is the justice in this?” she asked.
Ms. Adams’ children have been moved from school to school, her family has resided in four different hotels and she still has not received any federal assistance. Despite the fact that her landlord in Beaumont confirmed her New Orleans residency and provided a written statement to FEMA, her plight has fallen on deaf ears.
To make matters worse, an assailant stole her purse while she was walking up to her Houston apartment. In order to overcome this ordeal, she requested a few days from work. Instead of receiving sympathy, she was terminated.
“Do they think she just decided to give up her good paying job in New Orleans, relocate her kids from one school to another? Live in four different hotels and then move into an apartment complex in Houston, Texas where she was robbed, all for no reason?” stated Ms. Adams’ mother.
The original deadline across the country was May 30, but after pressure from city officials and re-elected Mayor Ray Nagin, the city of Houston was granted an extension to June 30. Later, Federal officials granted Houston’s Hurricane Katrina survivors until July 31 in the city and administered a housing voucher program while they reviewed determination files to see who is eligible for continued assistance under a different program.
Valley of Decision: Rebuild or remove?
Instead of being concerned with the hundreds of thousands that are still displaced, the council of St. Bernard Parish has chosen to focus on those that are back trying to rebuild, which is causing more trouble for those living in 44 states across the country. The council continues to apply pressure to thousands of property owners by demanding they make a decision to rebuild or have their homes demolished. Out of the 27,000 St. Bernard homeowners, about 65 percent of them have given the council a statement of their plans for their property. To date, nearly 5,000 people have signed up to have their homes destroyed by a contractor or a volunteer group. Over 6,000 of the residents have not given any indication of their plans. The council has ordered all owners to gut their homes, fix their roof, keep their grass cut and secure windows and doors.
A similar ordinance was passed in New Orleans but was heavily contended by city officials who stated that the Aug. 29 deadline is too soon. Areas such as the Lower 9th Ward have received certain exceptions due to receiving the heaviest damage during the flooding. The deadline is quickly approaching and a cloud of uncertainty leaves residents wondering if the law will be enforced. Mayor Nagin’s office released a statement addressing the issue, stating they would “try to enforce the law but would respect owners’ property rights and give special leniency to the elderly.” However, with the expected increase in class action lawsuits, Mayor Nagin believes it will prevent him from enforcing the law.
Homeowners in Jefferson and St. Tammany Parishes have until July 31 to sign up for government-financed demolition. Slidell Mayor Ben Morris recently announced that homeowners in his parish now have until Sept. 30. In Baton Rouge, the Louisiana Recovery Authority has begun to implement the state’s Road Home Program. With this program, homeowners will be allowed to sell their houses to the state, relocate within Louisiana, rebuild a lot from scratch or repair damaged structures. According to state officials, grant amounts will be awarded based upon the level of damage to the house.
Events planned for anniversary
Mayor Nagin, along with famed musician Wynton Marsalis, recently announced commemorative gatherings to take place to mark the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina from Aug 27-29. The three-day event will include silent auctions, gospel concerts, children’s programs, ringing of the bells to signify the first levee breach, prayer services, a funeral procession and fireworks.
In Houston, ACTION CDC will be hosting a Katrina Commemorative Health Fair, Walkathon and Resource festival. The highly anticipated event will provide valuable information to survivors in regards to utility assistance, school supplies and medical benefits. Entertainment, food and a Hurricane Katrina reenactment play will be some of the highlights and all funds that are raised will be given to those who still are in need of help.
