Where's the national focus?

[mommyoeo]

We just returned about an hour ago from Gulfport MS. The damage is unreal. Houses 2 miles and more form the coast are completely destroyed. I was totally surprised at how little new coverage really shows. We met kind people who got their FEMA trailer last week, who lived in tents with their whole neighborhood, each camping in their front yards this whole time. There were still tents because some don't have a trailer yet. "Tent City" is going up fast. I just wish the news showed more. There are so many good people around, I believe, who just don't know how bad it is and would help if they did know. There are too many good Americans out there for people to still be suffering so much. I can only make sense of it by saying that they just don't know how bad things are and how much they are needed.

 

[LMC]

I can't understand why the mobile units are not being set up faster. The only conclusion I can come up with is that FEMA did not want to have "tent cities" or mobile home cities this time around so they are setting them up on individual properties which means that units must be towed to an individual site then a crew must go to that isolated site to do the set up (sewer, water, electric set ups). Then I am sure they have another crew go back and hook the trailers up to the connections. I have literally seen hundreds of travel trailers being shipped on rail cars (they must be heading to MS and LA, where else would the "generic white units" be going) on two different occasions in the last few weeks.

So the units are there it's just a matter of getting them installed. If they had an area (a mobile home city) established close by to those areas where the people lived (I am sure there are alot of wooded areas around they could clear for this) then they could set up communities in one place and establish basic services faster and get these people in the units faster. Then they would not have a travel trailer sitting on their property (possibly in the way) when it comes time to re-build their home. My idea is to hire the plumbers and electricians from that area that are out of work to do the service set ups, then hire able bodied people to tow the units to the property and hook them up (the gov't would have to supply appropriate tow vehicles of course since most people lost their vehicles).

They need to do something fast though since hotel funding is ending soon. The people will need places to go.

 

[Zurealsoon]

From all the articles I've been reading, most of those in these remote trailer cities lack transportation for these people-most lacking a car for buying groceries, not near any stores or fast food, not near laundramats-earth to Fema!!!!

 

[mommyoeo]

Whatever the cause, it really is heartbreaking! I saw people who were very sad about their Thanksgiving holiday (as if they were being forgotten and didn't matter to anyone) and I can only imagine what Christmas will hold!

Speaking of FEMA trailers, some people were actually fixing the trailers, which were faulty, instead of working on their houses. Imagine the trailer actually making things worse!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

While it is sad--I saw several stories over the holidays and continually since Katrina happened.

News shows are only 30 minutes long and local shows that having multiple half-hours are busy showing what's going on around them.

I like keeping updated on stuff like that.

However I disagree that they are forgotten. Have you thought that not all want the attentiojn focused on them and that their local news stations (local to the state anyway) would be responsible for that news coverage. (trust me--I watched a station in New Olreans for WEEKS on the internet).

It is national news--and not the Gulfport/New Orleans/Biloxi network--there are many things happening naiton wide that appeal or otherwise are important for national dissemination. The shootings in Tacoma and wild fires in Washington come to mind.

It is important--but it isn't the only newsworthy event occuring.

Hey--I recall something positive even--some where in Mississippi on the gulf coast--they were handing out FREE thanksgiving turkeys to all the residents so that they could try to celebrate their holiday. Life must go on--even if everything is in shambles.

Local news stations, congress persons, local officials--it is THEIR responsibilitiy. Not CBS/ABC/NBC or CNN etc. to keep abreast of what is going on and taking care of the problem.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

From all the articles I've been reading, most of those in these remote trailer cities lack transportation for these people-most lacking a car for buying groceries, not near any stores or fast food, not near laundramats-earth to Fema!!!!

FEMA puts them where local governments tell them too. They can't walk in and say--"here's a trailer--let's set it up in that cow pasture right there."

FEMA stinks at times--but they do some pretty wonderful things....logistically it can't be an easy undertaking.

There is no magical pixie dust in real life.

 

[arminnie]

I saw a LOT of trailers in Kenner, LA last week when I was there.

Kenner is a suburb to the west of New Orleans - that's where the N.O. airport is. Lots of Kenner got flooded, but it wasn't as high nor did it stand as long as it did in Eastern New Orleans.

Kenner has a Sam's and a SuperWalmart that are extremely busy these days. I was shopping there a lot. I noticed that many, many homes had trailers.

Some of the trailers were parked across front yards because the driveways were not big enough. They look pretty utilitarian, but I am sure that it is pretty great to have something on your property with running water and electricity while you renovate your home.

Also before they can put in a trailer they are supposed to have electricity, water and sewer hookups available and working, so you can't just put them in a field.

I do think that Mississippi's devastation is in some ways worse than some of the New Orleans damage. It's one thing to pull out the sheetrock and start repairs and a totally different situation when there is literally nothing left.

 

[lulu71]

I do think that Mississippi's devastation is in some ways worse than some of the New Orleans damage. It's one thing to pull out the sheetrock and start repairs and a totally different situation when there is literally nothing left.

Tell that to the people of St. Bernard, New Orleans East, Gentilly, Mid City, Broadmoor, the lower 9th ward, Lakeview. Things aren't as nearly as neat and tidy there as they are Uptown. Have you seen the city's home inspections map? For thousands of us, we won't have the luxury of just pulling out the sheetrock, arminnie. We have to apply to FEMA to get the house demolished or raised. And for most of these neighborhoods, we're not talking houses that are worth a whole lot so the trouble and expense of getting them raised is just not going to make sense. The cost of raising is expensive and even with FEMA help, it's still a 3-1 match (you pay $10,000 and they pay $30,000, which is supposed to be the average cost to raise). Add in the environmental issues in some these areas and you've got thousands of homes that are in no way better than those in Mississippi.

 

[LMC]

I am in no way familiar with New Orleans but was wondering about something. I was under the impression that alot of the areas (that were in the flood zone) were low income areas and that most of those people probably rented and did not own their own homes. Is that for the most part correct? What are the provisions for the people who rented? Do they only get temporary housing assistance (which is being terminated soon) and then that is it or did they even get much assistance at all? I know that there were some neighborhoods that were more affluent that flooded too (perhaps not to the rafters but 4-5 feet of water) so I am guessing that most of those homes will probably be gutted and then repaired so that is where the FEMA insurance or whatever it is called helps.
I was just curious as to what happens to people who rented and lost all of their belongings too.

 

[LaLa]

I can't speak for New Orleans, I can only speak for Mississippi, since that is where I am from. From what I have gathered, whether you owned or rented makes no difference to FEMA. A friend of ours (a renter) whose house was flooded and lost everything actually came out better than some of our other friends who lost everything and owned their home. He got a total of about $11,000.00 from different organizations, including FEMA. Granted, he did lose everything, but did not have to rebuild his home and still pay the mortgage on a home that was unliveable. He was given a FEMA trailer to live in and has 18 months to vacate it. He will still have to replace everything and I don't think $11,000.00 will even come close to having everything replaced, but at least he doesn't have to worry about rebuilding/cleaning up a home on top of all of that.

By comparison, another friend's house was flooded, lost everything, they got $10,000.00 from FEMA and still have to pay the mortgage on the home, replace everything in their home, rebuild the home, etc. Now of course, the ones who had flood insurance on their home should be okay. I don't know many who did carry it though, and FEMA won't even look at you unless you give them a letter stating that your insurance won't cover any damage you sustained.

From what I have gathered, the less income you have, the more money you are eligible for from the government. If you do not qualify for FEMA assistance, (and yes, you can make too much to qualify for FEMA), then you can always apply for a low interest SBA loan, which you still must qualify for. I don't know a single person who has been approved for an SBA loan yet. And I know lots and lots of people who have applied for it. Most have been told their income is too high to qualify. Believe me, I don't know any rich people either, if you know what I mean. So I think if it's the same over there as it is here, the renters should eventually be okay.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Tell that to the people of St. Bernard, New Orleans East, Gentilly, Mid City, Broadmoor, the lower 9th ward, Lakeview. Things aren't as nearly as neat and tidy there as they are Uptown. Have you seen the city's home inspections map? For thousands of us, we won't have the luxury of just pulling out the sheetrock, arminnie. We have to apply to FEMA to get the house demolished or raised. And for most of these neighborhoods, we're not talking houses that are worth a whole lot so the trouble and expense of getting them raised is just not going to make sense. The cost of raising is expensive and even with FEMA help, it's still a 3-1 match (you pay $10,000 and they pay $30,000, which is supposed to be the average cost to raise). Add in the environmental issues in some these areas and you've got thousands of homes that are in no way better than those in Mississippi.

Not knocking New Orleans--I feel your pain!!! But Mississippi is just as awful...I don't think you can really compare the two. One place you've got homes standing that will have to be demo'd and in the other--you just have leftover debris.

However--New Orleans is trying to rise again. The last story I heard specifically about the gulfport/biloxi area...was that the mail system would take many many years to catch up and that there just isn't places to deliver mail to--so some people who are waiting for their paperwork for insurance/fema/unemployment and what not--can't get it b/c there is no post office with a box for them.....it cannot get delivered unless there is a home that is proven to occupied and who knows where they can go get it.

The damage is incomprehensible to most of the public and it really isn't fair to do a comparision by any residents to say one is worse than the other--b/c in reality--it was just about as bad as it could get (let's not think of what could have been worse) in all those locations. What was it on the gulf coast--like 90% of the buildings destroyed?

Same hurricane--but apples and oranges destruction--which in the end....breaks about even since a resident with a destroyed home in either location is in about the same circumstance.

As far as FEMA--God love them....shame to them for screwing up...but it isn't insurance..it is to bail out those most in need. If you had opportunity/ability to protect your assets and did so--then you are in fine shape....if you chose not too....FEMA is not secondary insurance. It is to assist, but not make all better. That is not what they are there for. (I hope that makes sense--not intended to be insulting in any way shape or form). They do what they can to guide you if necessary. Flood damage is just a whole different ball game--and I remember getting it drilled into my head last year--that they aren't there for that either. Meaning--your home gets flooded, they can help you temporarily--but they sure as heck aren't fixing your home--so the fact that they are providing financial assistance to help raze (Sp?) homes--is a whole heck of a lot more than what I was told last year that FEMA would be doing.

 

[arminnie]

Tell that to the people of St. Bernard, New Orleans East, Gentilly, Mid City, Broadmoor, the lower 9th ward, Lakeview. Things aren't as nearly as neat and tidy there as they are Uptown. Have you seen the city's home inspections map? For thousands of us, we won't have the luxury of just pulling out the sheetrock, arminnie. We have to apply to FEMA to get the house demolished or raised. And for most of these neighborhoods, we're not talking houses that are worth a whole lot so the trouble and expense of getting them raised is just not going to make sense. The cost of raising is expensive and even with FEMA help, it's still a 3-1 match (you pay $10,000 and they pay $30,000, which is supposed to be the average cost to raise). Add in the environmental issues in some these areas and you've got thousands of homes that are in no way better than those in Mississippi.

Read my post again -
I do think that Mississippi's devastation is in some ways worse than some of the New Orleans damage. It's one thing to pull out the sheetrock and start repairs and a totally different situation when there is literally nothing left.

I put that word some in there on purpose. Some does not mean all. Obviously there are huge portions of the greater New Orleans area that are just wiped out too.

 

[dixipixi]

I live north of NO and the gulf coast. I can tell you that the thought NEVER crosses my mind that the American people have lost their focus and should do more.

I'll never forget those first few days when the first relief supplies arrived around here. They were brought in by individuals, companies, churches, etc. from all over the country. We saw those things long before the govt. showed up! There were actually people who drove trucks loaded with supplies down here and were stuck until they could get fuel to return home.

We had insurance so we didn't qualify for FEMA assistance. We didn't flood, just wind and tree damage. We didn't qualify for any other assistance b/cause DH was only out of work for 2 weeks. Thank goodness we had emergency savings to carry us through. We stayed w/ my parents, so we didn't have to pay for lodging.

I know Katrina is not the big story in the national news anymore, but it will be the big story around here for a long time to come. If you were to watch the NO news, you would see how much help we are receiving. It is overwhelming. There are so many people from all over the country that have given up vacations and holidays to come down here and help out.

As in any situation, you have people that care and are willing to give up some small part of themselves to do for others. You also have people that wouldn't be inconvenienced for one second on another person's behalf. I'm so grateful that the power of the good always outweighs the negative. For anyone out there that gave even one cent to send relief this way, just know that it was received and appreciated more than you'll ever know!!!!

 

[LMC]

....I'll never forget those first few days when the first relief supplies arrived around here. They were brought in by individuals, companies, churches, etc. from all over the country. We saw those things long before the govt. showed up! There were actually people who drove trucks loaded with supplies down here and were stuck until they could get fuel to return home.

My husband went down to MS with a friend and took a huge amount of supplies. However, I made them take their own fuel AND food and water so they wouldn't be a drain on an already stressed relief system. They went "packin" just in case they got hijacked (but didn't thank goodness). They took an SUV and a closed in trailer so no one could see what all they had (genie, fuel, lots of food/water, diapers, formula, etc) I wasn't too worried about anyone trying to rob them of anything except the genie and fuel. Desperate times, call for desperate measures ya know.....

I am hoping that we can go back with a building group (habitat for humanity or carpenters for Christ) when they start. We will take our own travel trailer and supplies so we will be totally self sufficient and I certainly would not expect anyone to "take" care of me while I'm there.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Just saw a story on Foxnews today while at the gym. As I suspected--the news agencies are still keeping abreast of what has happened on the gulf coast. It isn't hidden news.

Prior to Katrina the population of NOLA was 475K (I think that was the number)...it is now 125K in the daytime and 75K at night when all the commuters leave. They were talking about the preciese Catch-22 on the rebuild--businesses want to reopen, but they can't b/c their employees wouldn't have places to live and you can't have places to live without power. They are suggesting that it could be a decade in rebuilding the city to even close to what it was .

 

[LMC]

Well they can't re-populate until they do something about those levees so they should buy up all the ruined houses around the levees and build new levees equivalent to the Hoover Dam and then they can move in trailers and start rebuilding houses.
It is pointless to start doing anything until they have assurances it won't flood again come next hurricane season.
And, I think the gov't (whether it be local, state, federal) should purchase the properties at pre-Katrina values as they are obviously worthless now but would not have been if the levees had not failed.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Well they can't re-populate until they do something about those levees so they should buy up all the ruined houses around the levees and build new levees equivalent to the Hoover Dam and then they can move in trailers and start rebuilding houses.
It is pointless to start doing anything until they have assurances it won't flood again come next hurricane season.
And, I think the gov't (whether it be local, state, federal) should purchase the properties at pre-Katrina values as they are obviously worthless now but would not have been if the levees had not failed.

The story they had was actually a sad one and they did speak about the levees...geesh!!!

The point was--it still makes headlines as it should.

Good grief. No need to jump on me--lived there for 2 years and it was very much my home when I did.

 

[LMC]

Good grief. No need to jump on me--lived there for 2 years and it was very much my home when I did.

Was that directed to me? I wasn't jumping on anyone. I was just stating that the gov't can't expect anyone to move back into NO until they "know" it won't flood again.
If you took it as me jumping on you then I apologize. I speak matter of factly and don't flower my words to much but I was not criticizing anyone. I didn't see the news report you saw so perhaps all of this was covered. If it wasn't, it's just common sense that someone with the re-building program should be thinking in these terms.
As far as MS, I would think that there would be some areas of empty land they could set up very quickly into mobile home cities to house everyone who still does not have a home and lives in a tent.
It just strikes me odd that we can go half way around the world and set up small communities (whether for military or humanitarian reasons) but can't seem to come up with anything here.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Yes I perceived you as jumping---obviously the levees are a problem. The OP was about lack of national focus and that is why I added that it is still there.

As for what they can and cannot do to help people--humanitarian aid seems to work differently around the world where govts are ready and willing to accept anything and everything and poof--tent city established (or whatever).

Here we have government red tape--we have state govts and local govts--it just gets really hard.

As someone said--perhaps power and water are required..so if you set up in a field--while people may have a bed to sleep in--they would have no way to light their campers, cook their food, take a shower or go to the bathroom. In helping--I expect the help would need to be complete and if basic necessities cannot be provided in the shelter offering, then that would probably not be a good solution.

Also--the problems cover widespread areas which complicates the recovery efforts.

I did see a story last night the the Army Corps--or somebody calling the shots (I have forgotten the specifics) is focusing on just repairing the levees for now--and not making htem stronger at this time. I can kind of see it--but would expect that residents will be less likely to return at all given that new information.

 

[LMC]

As someone said--perhaps power and water are required..so if you set up in a field--while people may have a bed to sleep in--they would have no way to light their campers, cook their food, take a shower or go to the bathroom. In helping--I expect the help would need to be complete and if basic necessities cannot be provided in the shelter offering, then that would probably not be a good solution.
.

I guess I am just thinking that any land they find would border an established roadway which would probably already have some type of water system running along it. I know around here, land is off of road ways with water (unless you are landlocked and then that's another story and wouldn't work anyway). I know when we built our home 1 mile from the main road, we had to put in 6" and 3" water lines ourselves. It was no big deal and was done in less than 1 day. Then if there is no public sewer system available, they can use massive septic systems. I guess I am just thinking that with all the work it takes to dispatch a person to each individual home that was flooded (MS) and reconnect the fresh water, then replace, or repair, or empty the existing septic tanks that were flooded (I know they septics flooded as my friends parents live there and they were under 4' of water and had sewage in their home) that they could go to one location and do the same efforts. And I'm not talking about moving these people to very remote locations. Where I grew up in the FL panhandle there was empty land (some of it gov't) everywhere.

Now back to the original OP, I wish there were news updates on the major networks. If anyone hears of any news specials coming on TV, please post, I would like to see the progress being made.