If you know someone who should be on this list - please share with them or post for them.

Angel Tree Guidelines  |  Care Package Ideas  |  Home

The following families we adopted for the Hurricane Katrina Angel Tree for the past 5 years.


Singleton Family of 7
ID # 0808-101

Mother - age 41
6 girls - age 11, 13, 16, 21, 20, 19, 7 months

Originally from Westwego, LA
Presently living in
O'Fallon, Missouri

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my ExperienceWe were in la when the storm hit we did not have a way out think god a friend gave us her van it was 13 of us in one van we had no money for food or a place to stay we slept in a gas station cause we could not make it far the weather was unbearable but we kept traveling to we made it out the state we had a new born baby with us at the time a friend of ours who was staying with us it was horrible no food milk or pampers for the baby.

Items Needed:  beds, food, sheets, towel, clothes, cleaning supplies, yard tools, lawnmower, van fixed ,new tires, brakes,

Lawson Family of 2
ID # 0808-102

Daughter - age 32
Mother - age 59 (heart problems)

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in
Houston, Texas

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my ExperienceI am requesting help because I feel we are stuck. My fiancé just was laid off from his job which isn't the problem we were stranded here in Texas by someone that I had staying in my home. Her family made plans to bring some gas so we can fill up there car so they could get out of the disaster. But instead to different cars came rushed us off and we could not even leave a number or tell them what was going on we had to just leave. My fiancé and I was going to stay with his sister in Shreveport until we figured out what to do. One of the other passengers who did not have anything to do with the plans we had set up with the person driving us. She decided that she didn't want to drive to Shreveport so we agreed to just ride to Texas to keep confusion down. I assumed that we would be able to go to there houses because here family was here. Little did we know we were being put out of the vehicle and was told this is as far as we can take you and we had to get out. We didn't know where we were but I was able to get in touch with a friend and he was able to find us. After finally getting an apartment and waiting on the money from my loss from the storm and unknown to me the person that I had living with me who only had some clothes for her and her kids and a few nick nack items used my address and collected the money on my apartment and received over 8000 dollars that should have come to me. I have been fighting this with no results.

Items Needed:  My family is truly in need of a big break. We would like to relocate to Cleveland, Ohio to restart our life. I am grateful to everything that Houston has done so far but this is just like the area we were uprooted from. I would love to have someone get us into an apartment and help my husband find a good job. He has his Class C CDL license and it never takes him long to get money coming in. We just need that break so we can finally start trying to get our life together.

Additional Comments:  I would appreciate any information towards helping me get to Cleveland, Ohio. Thank You God Bless

Bauer Family of 5
ID # 0808-103

Mother - age 37
Father - age 38
2 girl - 17, 5
1 boy - 11 (asthma, dyslexia, learning disorder)

Originally from Kiln, Mississippi
Presently living in FEMA Trailer!

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience:   Katrina damaged our Home I had all of the material to fix it with but now some of the material has gone bad because my husband works six and seven days a week and I can only due so much by myself I need help repairing my home mostly labor help and some material. I will help do any labor that needs to be done and I will help buy all of the material that I can. I would just like to get home out of this FEMA trailer PLEASE HELP US GET HOME!

Items Needed:  LABOR HELP! And Some building materials like rafters and plywood. I have everything else including the tools PLEASE SEND HELP!

Additional Comments:  PLEASE HELP US GET HOME! I WILL HELP EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!

Bennett Family of 3
ID # 0808-10
4

Grandmother - age 78
(Diabetic, Aortic Aneurysm)
Grandfather - age 78
(Heart Condition, Quad Bypass)
Grandson - age 34
(asthma, diabetic, blind in right eye)

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living with grandson in Tampa, Florida!

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience:  Mr and Mrs Bennett Lost Everything in Hurricane Katrina and Rita. They currently are living with their grandson John Burke in Tampa, Florida. Mr Burke is their caregiver and has provided them with everything they needed to start over. He really deserves a vacation and an award.

Items Needed:  The Bennett's could use anything. Clothes, Pots and Pans, Hobby Materials, Etc. Their Grandson could use a vacation and/or something for his relaxation.

Additional Comments:  Thank you for your help.

This was submitted by the Bennett's son.  What a special story.

Sampson Family of 3
ID # 0808-10
5

Mother - age 32
1 girl - age 10
1 boy - age 3

Originally from Biloxi, MS
Presently living in Biloxi, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience:  During Hurricane Katrina, I worked during the storm at my job in a hospital. I stuck with my duties of my job, helping people in need. During this time, I assisted my family with what resources I could spare. Driving my mother, who has an adopted child and whom is disabled, around to places she need to go, my car was in need of repair and maintenance. Upon returning to my home I found that my home had suffered damage. Running low on available funds I have found it hard to stand on my feet financially. After Federal Agencies inspected my house I received little funds to properly repair my home. Currently I work two jobs while raising my two children Amari and Jaylon as a single mother without the support form others. The damages to my home included a badly mangled roof, out of date appliances, cracked windows, and poorly running car. I struggle to make ends meet month to month and now am currently seeking a third job and have enrolled in college for the first time. I hope this experience and the challenge from forces not in my control can help me to make a better life for me and my children.

Items Needed:  reliable transportation, new windows, a few newer appliances

Dings Family of 1
ID # 0808-10
6

Young Man - age 20

From - Syracuse, New York

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

The mother of this young man wrote this and submitted it to us - we feel like this family needs some answers - thought we should post it to see if there is help or medical advice someone could give.

Details of my Experience:  My son Robert went to Katrina to help out after hurricane . he went with a friend and his family he was there 3 to 4 weeks .He did roofing and picked up debris on side of road. He slept in a tent on ground. When he came home he had 2nd & 3rd degree sun burns. He healed from burns about 3to4 weeks after being home. Then one day he went looking for a job on his bike next thing a man was at my door he brought my son home. He said Robert was in middle of the street trying to get him self and his bike out of road. That was first time this happened. After that it started happening more& more . WE went to doctor after doctor . No one had a clue what was going on and they still don't.  For almost 3 years i have been watching my son basically desinagrate. About 3 weeks ago they told me he was going to DIE!. There is still no diagnoses .I have been trying to contact talk shows news papers and other hospital.  I cant get any help. IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE SOMEONE IS HIDING SOMETHING .Not fair to go help out and become a victim and no one wants to know anything.  There's much more but I am going to the hospital .Thank you for listening.

Items Needed:  I would like to find other doctors. PLEASE HELP!

Scott Family of 1
ID # 0808-10
7

Young man - age 33

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Dallas, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience:  I am not able to afford my Bills and is in Desperate need of help finically

Items Needed:  A bedroom set Dinette set and house hold items

Additional Comments:  I do work I am trying to continue the purchase of my vehicle and pay my water bill, gas bill carnite,  medical bills any many other bills.

Waltman Family of 5
ID # 0808-10
8

Mother - age 40
3 girls - 14, 12, 8
1 boy - 16

Originally from Biloxi, MS
Presently living in Biloxi, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience:  

Well, right now, we are homeless.  We are up here at St. Jude's Children's Hospital.  My oldest daughter is battling cancer.  My other children are in Mississippi with family and friends.  I have applied for a Habitat Home and was denied due to the increase of insurance rates.  So we are seeking different housing options.

Items Needed:  clothing, linens, cookware, household items.

Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Chaney Family of 5
ID # 0808-10
9

Mother - age 29
Father - age 28
2 girls - ages 3, 1

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Clinton, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience: My daughter is in need of assistance with child care. She is a hard working individual working to help others. The program in which she has both of her children is about to close on 7/25/08 without any notice until today.  If you can assist this family with either some resources for child assistance or monetary donations to help this family I would really appreciate it. Our major concern is the 1 year old because at some point very soon we are in the process of trying to enroll the 3 year old into a Pre-K school program. Any assistance will help.

Thanking you in advance

Items Needed:  Assistance with child care funding so that the parents can continue to work. This a new couple trying ensure a proper living and family environment to support these two beautiful children. The family has struggled to get back on their feet since Katrina and up until now they were beginning to see the light. Please help this family if only for a short time. May God Bless All of You.

Submitted by mother

Ross Family of 4
ID # 0808-110

Mother - age 47
Father - age 52
1 girl - age 11
1 boy - age 3 weeks

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Irving, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience:  MY DISASTER EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN VERY STRESSFUL. I WAS EMPLOYED FOR THE STATE OF LA AT THE TIME OF THE HURRICANES BUT NOW I SETTLED FOR A WAREHOUSE JOB. I AM UNDER DEEP DEPRESSION DUE TO ALL OF THIS. MY FAMILY MEMBERS WERE ALL SCATTERED AND I DO MAKE VISITS BUT I AM UNABLE TO GO NOW. EVEN THOUGH I MADE VISITS IT IS SO DEPRESS TO GO THERE. I WAS ABLE TO GET AROUND, ASSIST MY CHILDREN, WORK AT A BETTER ENVIRONMENT BUT NOW I AM BLESS TO BE WORKING BUT THE BILLS ARE OVERWHELMING TO WHERE I CANNOT BUY FOR ME NOR MY GRAND DAUGHTER.

Items Needed:  I AM IN NEED OF FOOD, CLOTHING, SCHOOL CLOTHING, MEDICAL ATTENTION IN WHICH I MAY NEED SURGERY. I ALSO NEED HOUSEHOLD ITEMS WHAT EVERY THERE IS TO ASSIST US WITH IS A BLESSING. I am being honest, I do work but with the full rental payments kicking in, it is getting hard. I need surgery but I am scared, I am asking for prayers. I need assistance with my new grandson whom was born on August 8, 2008 which has a hole in his heart but by the great works of GOD he is fine right now. He is not in the hospital but the doctors want to monitor him for six months to see if the whole will close hopefully not a surgery. I am trying in all my might to assist my son with that situation. I need food items and clothing, linen and cookware. I also needs some cleaning items. I am still struggling but getting by and hope that you can assist me. I have taken my grandchild due to the mother, my daughter not handling her business in New Orleans. She has three more that I would dearly love to get her but not financially able. I really hope you can assist me.

Additional Comments:  I am thankful for this website and hope that someone understand what is going on with me. I really do need the assistance, and is trying hard to keep on focusing for good. Please someone assist me. Thank you very much in advance.

Henderson Family of 5
ID # 0808-111

Mother - age 21
Father - age 22
2 girls - ages 1, 2
1 boy - age 3 weeks

Originally from Harvey, LA
Presently living in Dallas, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience:  This family is in need of assistance with everything right now. She and her boyfriend lives together and just had a 3 week old baby boy whom has a hole in his heart. He is fine, not in the hospital but is monitored for 6 months hopefully it closes and not needing an operation. She works at Wal-Mart but is on maternity leave and her baby father is trying very hard to assist her. It is hard for him to get a job without a diploma and is seeking for employment everyday. I the baby grandmother is assisting in everyway that I can. I send my son resume online to different companies for employment. He fixes on automobiles to help in everyway that he can. My daughter has been to the doctor for depression and was prescribed some depression medication.

Items Needed: They need everything, clothing, baby food, milk, pampers, household furniture, bedding clothes (linens), household items. They are really trying and with the grace of GOD I assist them in all ways that I can. I cannot afford to lose my apartment but went to a program that needed me to be present for 4 weeks twice a week and completed in for the assistance with rental. Whatever you can do for me and my family we will be grateful for it.

Submitted by the Mother in Law - (They are truly in need)

Pacely Family of 4
ID # 0808-112

Mother - age 30
Father - age 26
1 girl - age 8
1 boy - age 2 months

Originally from Harvey, LA
Presently living Balch Springs, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience: I am a survivor and have been trying to adjust to living in a city where I feel not wanted and so far away from home.  I would love to go home but facing reality it would not be smart look at the cost of living and schools and jobs, the list goes on. I don't need much assistance just a little bit. I am not trying to get much but things such as a job after I give birth to my son or a reliable stay at home job that will enable me to watch my baby myself. I don't really trust anyone in Texas to watch him because their are so many individuals that hurt babies and I just can't take that chance. I have a eight year old daughter and being doing my best with my husband that has been discriminated against and for that reason he has been between jobs and we have been struggling for far too long. I have faith in God and really believe we are coming threw a break threw it just seems as if we keep moving backwards and not forwards. I appreciate whatever can be assisted with but since I am 8 moths pregnant I can't exactly go get a job but I would be glad to have a job not to mention help with work on my vehicle last a reliable babysitter that when I do go to work I will not have that to worry about getting a phone call that will say he has been harmed. My daughter is old enough to tell me if someone hurts her but my son won't be therefore I am just worried. Thank You for any assistance.

Items Needed: clothing, linen, cookware, yard tools, baby clothing, and job assistance, child care.

Additional Comments: I appreciate any and everything that is given too me and my family. May God bless You!

Sommerville Family of 2
ID # 0808-113

Mother - age 51
Father - age 50

Originally from Chalmette, LA
Presently living Austin, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience:  Louisiana Couple Finds Shelter with Cancer Society Staffer 

Debbie and Tom Sommerville lost their seven-year-old daughter to cancer less than two years ago, lost their home to Hurricane Cindy last month and lost everything else to Hurricane Katrina just three weeks ago. They joined staffer La. Tonya King's church, a refuge in the aftermath of the storm. Tonya has most certainly Outdone herself. After working Labor Day weekend at an Austin shelter for Hurricane Katrina evacuees, La. Tonya and her mother, Jean King, decided to open their home to a Louisiana couple who had lost Everything in one horrific night.

In a tragic prelude to their own Hurricane Katrina story, Tom and Debbie Sommerville lost their seven-year-old daughter Clair, to an inoperable brain tumor in January of 2003.Clair endured a series of surgeries and treatments, and was the youngest person to ever undergo Gamma Knife surgery. Debbie says the American Cancer Society volunteers at the hospital held her together. "I don't know how we would have made it without their support." At the time of Clair's diagnosis, Tom and Debbie were dating. "Tom first proposed to Clair and asked her if he could marry me," says Debbie.

Clair's challenging request for the Make-A-Wish Foundation was to ride Shamu, the whale. "I almost passed out," Debbie recalls. The family was picked up in a limo and driven to the airport where Clair was allowed to sit in the cockpit on the flight to Sea World in San Diego. Clair swam in the tank with the dolphins and actually did get to ride Shamu. Following the trip to San Diego, the tumor came back aggressively. With the help of a hospice organization, Tom and Debbie tried to make the most of Clair's last days. "Clair was a giving, loving, unselfish child," says Debbie. "She was always worried about somebody else." Clair had three main questions. If something happened to her, who would take care of her mother would she need to take off her roller blades at the gates of St. Peter and was there a McDonald's in heaven. "Tom promised her before she took her last breath that he would take care of me and she didn't have to worry about Me," says Debbie. "With that, she smiled and closed her eyes and passed away." That spring, Clair's friends carried a banner with her name on it at a local Relay for Life event.

Tale of two hurricanes

In August, Hurricane Cindy destroyed Tom and Debbie Sommerville's 250- year-old home near New Orleans. The couple was temporarily living with a relative when Hurricane Katrina arrived a few weeks later. When it looked like everyone needed to evacuate, Debbie's father refused to leave and Tom was working at a truck stop to help others get gasoline for their travel away from the area. Finally, Tom returned home, but it was too late to evacuate. When the hurricane hit, it was catastrophic.

"We had no idea of the force of the tidal surge," says Debbie.

Within 15 minutes, the water was already up to the attic in the two- story home. "When the eye came, everything just stopped dead and things just fell to the ground. All night, it had been pounding, pounding, pounding -- and then all of a sudden, silence. Then I noticed the water coming up through the floor." The Sommerville's, Debbie's father, and her father's girlfriend had fled to the attic and were now trapped there. Tom tried a crow bar, a hammer, a screwdriver, even a bed railing, but could not ram through the wall in the attic to get to the outside. "I promised God that if he got us of this, the first dry land, the first church I came to, I'd get on my knees and thank him," says Debbie. Then Tom remembered there was a sledge hammer on the porch. A former Navy diver, Tom swam downward into the house, past the floating furniture in the living room, and onto the porch to retrieve the five- pound mallet. Arriving back in the attic, he knocked a hole in the wall and the four climbed out onto the roof. Several boats drove by while Tom yelled and tried to flag them down. Finally, a neighbor stopped and took them aboard. Sadly, the Sommerville's dog, a large shepherd mix, had to be left behind. "He started swimming after us, and I told him to go back on the roof and stay, and he did. He got back on the roof and sat there and watched us go."

What would you take in your duffle bag at a time like this?

In a small duffle bag, the Sommerville's had placed a few of the items most precious to them, including family photos, a large family bible, and the urn with Clair's ashes in it. The couple was taken to the partially submerged four-story court house. The boat just drove right into the first floor. Debbie stayed in an upper floor of the court house that night while Tom returned in a boat to help retrieve people from rooftops. "The bravest woman I ever saw was having a baby and had to have a C-section right there in the hallway," Debbie recalls. "There were no medical supplies, no anesthesia. The woman named her baby Katrina." With only the duffle bag in tow, Tom and Debbie Sommerville were taken to several temporary different shelters and ultimately ended up at an Austin shelter where they met our staffer, Patient Advocate La. Tonya King, who spent all of Labor Day weekend volunteering at the shelter. When La. Tonya and members of her church arrived Sunday morning at the shelter to ask if anyone wanted to go to church, the Sommerville's were among the first to volunteer. A promise was a promise you know. When that particular Austin shelter was going to be shut down and the Sommerville's were told they would be moved to a larger shelter, they were tearful and told La.Tonya's mother that they just couldn't stand another relocation. Jean King did not hesitate. "I was brought up that if someone needs help, you do what you can. I just didn't give it a thought." And so, it was how the Somerville's came to live with Jean and La. Tonya King. Since Labor Day. Tom found a maintenance job and the couple moved into their own apartment last Thursday. Of La. Tonya and Jean King's generosity, Debbie says, "It's nothing I'll ever forget, I'll tell you that. They're remarkable people." She adds, "You know, they say everything's big in Texas and the people in Texas sure do have the biggest hearts in the world.

Items Needed:  mostly we need a car and some financial help and a dentist.  we are deeply thankful for the blessings GOD has given us and we would be in better shape If we weren't all disabled because of Katrina. My back was hurt real bad while helping rescue other people during the storm and I and my wife and my brother all have PTSD and suffer from depression. though we are getting better.

Additional Comments:  I try to give my testimony on how GOD saved us and still protects us as long as we all have FAITH.

Lynch Family of 7
ID # 0808-114

Mother - age 36 
3 girls - ages 11, 10, 10 months
3 boys - ages 15, 9, 3

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living Houston, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience:  When I decided I should leave because the hurricane was going to be worse than I had thought was Sunday morning at 3 am. I got up and started pacing things for 3days which was all I thought I would be gone. I had no idea that early morning that the next morning my whole life would change forever. We stayed in a hotel for three days and then found out we could not go home for another 6weeks so me and my kids, (my mom and step dad came with us) we all went to a shelter in northern Mississippi and stayed there for a month with about 300 other people. It is hard to think back at how horrible it was at that time, one day you are going to work and the next day you think you will be home in 3 or 4 days and your life has been altered forever.

I have had a hard time since then, but have tried my best to put the pieces back together. I recently got a job about a month ago and I am trying to put everything back together. We just moved out of a fema trailer 3 months ago into an apartment and I am still trying to replace things I lost 3years ago. I have a fear of going to live back in my home town, cause just like now they are preparing for another storm and I can never go through that again. I have to be strong because I have children and you have to hold it together for them but it is hard sometimes. I am signing up for the Angel Tree because it is hard to keep a home and everything going, (especially with the economy costs rising) and then to think of Christmas is very stressful, I am really just keeping my head above the water now. My goal is to pursue a higher education at night that way I will not have to be concerned in life if there is ever a catastrophe of any kind where I live now, I would not have to have that pressure on me of starting over again and how could I do it. I appreciate this site and what it does for those in need and hopefully next year I can be someone adopting a family in need instead of needing someone to help me.

God bless you all and I pray for those still living in the gulf areas for these future storms that are coming in the next week.

Items Needed:  Clothes for my kids, I still have not gotten cookware yet, I have a big pot and a fry pan deep cooker, also plates and bowls and cups, and utensils, I have gotten some plastic ones from Wal-Mart for the time being. those things are very much in need at my house. I pretty much keep the supplies up for my home like cleaning supplies with the budget I am on from my income at work, its just those other essentials that we are getting by with the very minimum.

Additional Comments:  thank you and God bless you to anyone who is trying to help other in need, I pray that God's favor and blessings will be upon you and never leave.

Williams Family of 6
ID # 0808-115

Mother - age 29 
2 girls - ages 8, 13
2 boys - ages 3, 12

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living Houston, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience: MOTHER OF 4 SCHOOL AGE KIDS AND CURRENTLY NOT WORKING. TRYING TO GET BACK ON MY FEET. AS A SINGLE MOTHER ITS VERY HARD. ANYTHING WILL HELP.

Items Needed: CLOTHING,  SHOES,  HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES,  FURNITURE

Additional Comments: GOD BLESS YOU

Milton Family of 4
ID # 0808-116

Mother - age 31 
Father - age 43
2 girls - ages 6, 13

Originally from Pascagoula, MS
Presently Pascagoula, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience: We are still repairing our home, FEMA trailer out front. The house is not in my husbands name so no grant money. We were at home during the storm. I had to put a life jacket on my youngest. we got 3ft in the house and our house is 3ft off the ground. Others on the same street got up to 8ft. We lost all home furnishings and lots of memories. We Have one room finished. We our under a mandatory evacuation as of now. I have no money or way to go. please pry we don't get any rising water.

Items Needed: I need small office clothes and size 6 shoes and I a car that does break down more than it goes. It was all I could afford after the storm. The boys need bedroom furniture and fixtures. They have clothes and toys. They are so ready to have their own rooms. My sister gave me and my husband a bedroom suit and coverings. At least that's one less thing. What I rally need is a steady job and a way to get there on time. Lately I just feel so hopeless.

Bradley Family of 1
ID # 0808-117

Mother - age 47

Originally from Long Beach, MS
Presently Cleveland, Ohio

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience: 3 years after Katrina where I lost my apartment, vehicle and job where I was employed with MR/DD-South MS Regional Center; I still do not have a permanent job nor a home or vehicle. I do have the comfort that the Lord will make a way but it still gets hard sometime especially around this time of year.

Currently I'm living with friends in a home that is about to be foreclosed; so I do not know how long I will be here. Both my friend are currently seeking SSI, and workmen compensation but who knows how long that will take.

Items Needed: I could use some winter clothing like coat, office attire, winter boots etc. I currently have some sort of medical with Metro Health systems. Any other financial assistance would be appreciate. I am currently collecting unemployment but only receive $10.00 food stamps.

Taylor Family of 2
ID # 0808-118

Mother - age 37
1 girl - ages 14

Originally from Long Beach, MS
Presently Long Beach, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience: We went through a traumatic experience with Katrina and now Gustav.  We lived in a FEMA trailer which has caused me extreme breathing problems and chronic bronchitis because of the high levels fumes in it. I am a single parent and have job but it is very hard being a single parent.  Every month we are getting disconnect notices for water or electricity. I have a wonderful daughter and would like to help her have a nice Christmas and we also need household items. Thank you and God bless.

Items Needed: Clothes, household items, we are not picky anything is greatly appreciated.

Additional Comments: We have applied twice but did not get selected. Please consider us. Thanks

Richard Family of 7
ID # 0808-119

Mother - age 33
Father - age 41
4 girls - ages 2, 7, 12, 13
1 boy - age 10

Originally from Biloxi, MS
Presently Perkinston, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience: When we were visiting my husband's parents in St. Martin MS in July of 2005 I went into pre-term labor and lost a baby 5 months into my pregnancy. We buried her in a cemetery on the coast. We returned to north Louisiana, gave up our house, and moved down there to be near his parents and our baby's gravesite. He was about to start Casino school and his parents were letting us stay with them while we got on our feet. Katrina hit about 6 weeks later and we all stayed together in a shelter in DIBERVILLE. When it was over, everything was gone. 22 feet of water overtook the neighborhood and collapsed the house. The whole neighborhood was wiped out. The kids and I had to go back to north Louisiana while Michael figured out what to do for us. We stayed with an elderly friend who took us in and I enrolled the kids in a school there. He got his retirement check from previous job early and bought a camper for us to stay in. Fema at the time couldn't help us much because though we were part of the household, we were a separate family and we were forced to go our separate ways. There was no room at his brother's house for the kids and I, and he took in his parents. We were the first ones back on the property with our camper. We helped his parents recover, Michael did the wiring of power poles, and cleaning out the sewer grinder pumps and rewiring those and we all helped to make the land livable. Fema did help us some about 5 months later which enabled us to move a camper up to some land his parents bought in Stone county. We didn't get anymore help after that and we purchased a ratty double wide with a tax return and had it moved up here. It's got a lot of potential and we thought we could fix it up sooner than it has been. It was in bad shape so we gutted it and stayed in our camper the next 2.5 years with 5 kids. We finally couldn't take it anymore and moved our stuff into the gutted out doublewide and hung blankets up for walls and did some quick plumbing to make it functional to live in. 

Items Needed: I would just really like to get insulation, wiring, ductwork and sheetrock up before winter comes. The rest of the stuff will come in time and isn't necessary for being comfortable in here. Michael does all the work himself. Everything from plumbing to wiring, to replacing the floors and putting on the roof.

Additional Comments: I am just grateful to see a site like this, even if we can't find help I'm very happy that some Katrina victims have found help. It's been 3 years, but some of us are still living Katrina every day of our lives.

Feaster  Family of 6
ID # 0808-120

Mother - age 31
Father - age 36
2 girls - ages 9, 15
1 boy - age 7
1 niece - age 10

Originally from Picayune, MS
Presently Picayune, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience: After being evicted from my home when Katrina hit. I located to my brother in laws, then to a rental unit. While renting I was saving for a down payment on a new home, in which we managed to buy in aug 2006. We went through a lot when we returned home from Katrina, from moving our 4bd/rm 3 ba hm to 3 different locations (60 mile radius) by using 2 reg size 1500 Chevy trucks, due to no storage and truck rentals. My husband has an hour commute to and from work to New Orleans, since there are no jobs were we live that will support our family we commute to where the pay is decent. With the gas prices rising and the low economy, My work has slowed down tremendously, from cleaning 5-7 homes weekly to 1 home a week. My husband is a very hard devoted working man, likes to stay busy at work, he can manage 4-6 cars at the same time, unfortunately his employer seems to keep him at 30 hrs a week, so he will be applying for a second job as soon as he can get back to work. GUSTAV isn't helping matters, we are now spending money on evacuating yet another storm. We are barely living paycheck to paycheck plus my husbands out of work this week, we were suppose to pay our mortgage this week. This is extremely upsetting when you have honest willing capable hard working people who want to work and love what they do and the work is just not there...... what do I do? Just keep moving forward, However is Wells Fargo going to care that we had to evacuate and cant pay our mortgage? they are about to foreclose on us, I'm sure.  I am asking you and reaching out for a hand up in our time in need. I don't know where to go from here and I am struggling for the words to get through this. I am pleading with you that if you are capable and will please open your hearts to help us through this. I am humbled, and beaten and don't have any where else to turn. Please help me save our home and our family. I can't imagine how devastating it would be to lose our home and what we have made together. I am seriously not asking for cash, but that you can help in any way, with our mortgage. We have never had much money, but we have managed to provide for our children.

Items Needed: mortgage note, food

Brewer Family of 2
ID # 0808-121

Mother - age 43
1 girl - age 16

Originally from Pass Christian, MS
Presently Saucier, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience: SINCE HURRICANE KATRINA EVERYTHING IS SO DIFFERENT. I SOMETIMES FEEL LIKE THERE IS ONLY SURVIVAL MODE, AND LIFE AS I KNEW IT WILL NEVER BE A REALITY. I AM FAR FROM HOPELESS BUT I DO HAVE MY DAYS WHEN I ASK GOD TO LET ME UNDERSTAND THE LESSON HE MUST BE TRYING TO TEACH ME. I DO BELIEVE IN GODS PLAN FOR ME AND MY DAUGHTER, I FEEL THIS HAS BEEN A TEST OF FAITH.

WE LIVED WITH MY EX-SISTER-IN-LAW AFTER THE STORM THEN A FEMA TRAILER UNTIL FEB. 2006. I THE SIGNED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A LEGAL CONTRACT TO BUY A HOUSE FROM A LADY. THIS HOME HAD NO HEAT AND AIR, MISSING WINDOWS, JUST A LOT OF DAMAGE I THOUGHT I COULD FIX. I KEPT TELLING MYSELF IT WOULD TAKE TIME BUT I COULD DO IT. THEN ON JUNE 15,2007, I FOUND OUT I HAD THE EARLY STAGES OF CERVICAL CANCER AND NEEDED SURGERY. I HAD BEEN WORKING TWO JOBS TO SUPPORT MY DAUGHTER AND FIX THE HOUSE. I WAS OUT OF WORK FOR ELEVEN WEEKS. DURING THIS TIME I MET THE FAMILY OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF GULFPORT, I LOVE THIS CHURCH AND THE PEACE I FELT WHEN I STARTED ATTENDING WAS AWESOME!!! MY GRANDSON AND MY DAUGHTER LOVE FBC ALSO.

I HAVE SINCE WENT BACK TO WORK, BUT NOW WE ARE HOMELESS AGAIN. THE HOUSE AND LAND WERE SOLD TO ME ILLEGALLY. I PAID NOTES AND DID REPAIRS FOR TWO YEARS BEFORE I FOUND OUT THIS PERSON WAS TOLD SHE COULD NOT SEPERATE THE PROPERTY AND SELL IT. I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT I WILL DO NEXT. WE ARE STAYING WITH MY DAUGHTER FOR NOW BUT I CAN'T STAY HERE FOREVER.

Items Needed: WHAT I NEED MOST IS PRAYER. PRAYER THAT I WILL FIND A PLACE WE CAN CALL HOME AND BE ABLE TO RELAX ONCE IN A WHILE.

Griffin Family of 7
ID # 0808-122

Mother - age 32 (deaf)
5 girls - ages 10, 8, 3 year old twins and 2
Grandmother - age 54

Originally from Lake Charles, LA
Presently Lake Charles, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience: We were staying in New Orleans when we was hit, then came to Lake Charles Louisiana to stay with my mother in her 2 bedroom house and then we were hit again and my mothers house got damages and it was no living conditions for us to stay there because we have kids and mother and daughter have heart conditon.3 years later they were suppose to be finishing rebuilding the house but they didn't so we are stuck in the hotel till Fema find us a temp. place

Items Needed: Clothing, liens and school uniforms and a lot of household item.

 

James Family of 6
ID # 0808-123

Mother - age 51
Father - age 52
3 girls - ages 6, 4, 2
1 boy - age 20

Originally from Theodore, AL
Presently Theodore,AL

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here!

Details of my Experience: I need help with medical and food

Items Needed: bed clothing book pack shoe and food

Additional Comments: any help especially food will be greatly appreciated

Shadrick Family of 6
ID # 0808-124

Mother - age 31
Father - age 29
1 girl - age 8
1 boy - age 3

Originally from Kiln,MS
Presently Kiln,MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: Stayed in a shelter in Lyman. Ms. We were hit by tornadoes during our stay at shelter. We were asked to leave shelter after storm due to damage. We went back home with no where else to go. We lived off MRE's for food. My children were the ages 5 & 3 months, and I was unable to provide food to my baby. Some family members from Tennessee brought formula and gas, so we could get out of here. We lived there for about a year, but I let my daughter stay another year with my brother since she was to scared to come back to Mississippi. We now live back home with a leaky roof, black mold and many other problems. We still struggle with putting our lives back together.

Items Needed: clothes, linen,

Westbrook Family of 7
ID # 0808-125

Mother - age 43
3 girls - ages 15, 6, 5
2 boys - ages 16,17
Grandfather - age 69

Originally from Picayune, MS
Presently Picayune, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: In the disaster we lost everything. We evacuated and the building we went to collapsed on us. We were very lucky to escape with our lives. I am putting all extra money into the rebuild. Almost done with that. We are living in a Fema cottage in the back yard so I can do work on house every day. My dad has one room, the boys have one and me and the three girl have the other.  They are very cramped but glad to have a roof over our heads. We had two contractors ran off with money to fix the house now we are doing the work ourselves. Me and the kids are learning a lot about building a house. It is very hard.

Items Needed: beds, all furniture, pots, dishes, eating utensils, clothing, uniforms for school, food about everything we have nothing for when we return to the house. Would be happy to get any help possible.

Additional Comments: I am a single disabled parent. The kids have not had a birthday or Christmas since Katrina since all money goes into getting the house finished before they take the cottage. We would appreciate any help that is out there. I have always helped others and now I am hoping to get some for us.

McNair Family of 3
ID # 0808-126

Mother - age 44
2 boys - ages 17,19

Originally from DIBERVILLE, MS
Presently DIBERVILLE, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: It's all gone... The house, the car, furniture, clothes, and prized possessions. All Gone. Trying to recover from any natural disaster is the hardest thing that anyone could imagine. Losing everything that you worked for for so long to "Katrina" was a nightmare that we are still trying to overcome. The housing crunch, the economy crisis, and the recession that we are all facing makes things ten times harder when one is having to start over. We managed to escape the fema trailer and are now into a rental home. I went back to work in the casino industry in the latter part of 2006 but just recently I was laid off due to the slow economy. Nevertheless, once again it is holiday time. It is so depressing to me. I have been looking for work but it is so hard to find. I feel like this is a huge nightmare that has lasted too, too, too long. I hope things get better soon. I just do not know how much longer I can deal with this situation. I feel so bad for my neighbors in Texas getting hit by Gustav. The recovery process is so long. My son is in high school and works a little here and there in a local restaurant bussing tables. My nephew works in a restaurant also but is struggling to get full time. Employers do not want to hire full time because they have to pay insurance. They want you to be available for any shift and they do not want to pay anything. It is impossible to hold 2 jobs when you have to be avail. all day for 1. The cost of living here has risen but the wages have not which is why most people find themselves in this crunch. Help with utilities, clothes, car maint. groceries, basic living necessities would help us out so much. Thank-you kindly from my family to yours and may God Bless you.

Items Needed: We could use curtains, maybe some blow-up air mattresses that would make sleeping so much more comfortable than the floor. Sheets would help as well as comforters. A complete set of matching dishes or even pots and pans would be so wonderful. Toilet paper, tooth paste, garbage bags, paper towels, and shampoo are items we can never keep enough of. School clothes would also be of great help. My son wears a Lge. in shirts, and depending the way jeans are made a 34/34. My nephew wears about a 29/32 and a large shirt I think. Gift cards would probably be better to give them rather than for me to try and guess their sizes. All three of us could probably use a haircut. I have a Chevy cavalier 1997 and it is in need of maintenance something to do with the fuel pump. I cannot fix it right now but if you know of anyone in the area who could look at it for me that would be great. Any of your help would be so greatly appreciated. If your family were in need or anyone else for that fact my family and I would definitely PAY IT FORWARD. Thank-you so much....

Additional Comments: Thank-you so much from our family to yours and God Bless

Moreau Family of 3
ID # 0808-127

Father - age 41
1 girl - age 17
1 boy - age 13

Originally from Meraux, LA
Presently Meraux, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: Just as we were getting ahead from Katrina here comes Hurricanes Gustave and Ike. I moved from St.Bernard, Louisiana after Katrina to get away from the Hurricanes. I THOUGHT! Well at least the damage wasn't as severe as Katrina but it did enough. In Baton Rouge, La. where I moved after Katrina all we had was wind damage BUT my Electricity went out for three weeks. This doesn't sound too bad but believe me it cost me plenty of monies I didn't have because of this and you guessed it FEMA did nothing AGAIN! They say because I am a renter not owner of the apartment and are not reimbursing for hotel expenses! I was told to claim it on my Homeowners Insurance, but im a renter and dont have insurance so what now. Well let see I spent over $500 in hotel fees after fleeing to the Houston area because of the loss of electricity. Fuel cost was about $150 and I had to empty my refrigerator and freezer of meats and perishables also. I applied for food stamps but was only given $365 which only covered a portion of the lost foods and to put the cherry on the top, I lost my job because of an unrelated company problem which forced me to file for unemployment benefits. Just when things were looking up I took a blow to the gut again from these latest storms. Will it ever get better? Oh by the way FEMA stated I should ask charitable organizations for help but cant seem to find anything but this web site as usual. Thanks Katrina Blankenship you are the best! Who would have ever thought we would still be asking for help especially from a Web Site called Katrina.com .

Items Needed: Well I have can goods, but could use perishable foods so Gift Cards would help or Gift Certificates. We have learned a whole lot since Katrina and one of those things is that Gift Cards from places like Wal-Mart which offer everything from food to clothing to fuel is the best. Target is also another which offers everything but fuel.

Anything would help we aren't choosy those are the easiest and best for us.

Additional Comments: This Web Site has been such a BIG Help! Thanks to Katrina Blankenship for all of your dedication and hard work you have devoted for many of us who need the help.

Who would have guessed I would be asking for help again BUT we cant control Mother Nature. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Katrina Blankenship your my/our Hero!

 

Wyble Family of 6
ID # 0808-128

Mother - age 30
Father - age 45
4 boys - ages 7, 9, 13, 15

Originally from Kaplan, LA
Presently Kaplan,LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: we was hit by gustav and ike after we moved back and rebuilt ike took our home and everything we need help bad fema is dragging there feet and we have nothing we need help we are currently looking for work i need help for my babies please help we are living with family in a 2 bedroom apartment so there are 10 living in this one apartment i also have a 65%blockaged in my heart so i am not really able to work

Items Needed: any items would be appreciated

Additional Comments: please help us we are truly needy

Ross Family of 2
ID # 0808-129

Mother - age 26
1 boys - age 5

Originally from Harvey, LA
Presently Irving, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: my son Walter and I lost our home to Katrina. When we went back to our home, our roof was sitting on the curb in the street. Now we are residing with my mother in Irving, TX.

Items Needed: we both are in need of clothing, cookware, school clothes, and some cleaning supplies

 

Trybulski Family of 5
ID # 0808-1
30

Mother - age 38
Father - age 38
1 girl - age 18
2 boys - ages 2, 20

Originally from Bay St. Louis, MS
Presently Long beach, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: I was 7 mo. pregnant when Katrina hit. We only left because the hospital closed. We drove up 2 days to come back to no home. Our house was on pylons and it went over the roof, where I was going to make my teenagers stay . Thank God I had labor pains and they stopped. Our entire neighborhood was gone. We lived in a tool trailer for 5 mo. The 3rd night in our fema trailer we woke to our 5 lb baby completely blue. we rushed him where our hospital was the army tent od ed him. I gave him mouth to mouth while driving 40 miles to La.  Where he stayed the next 9 weeks on life support and my teenagers slept in the car. While in Northshore PICU, FEMA took back our trailer and gave our belongings to in laws that don't exist. Churches helped rebuild some houses on our block and the Amish unfortunately we missed them because we had no where to stay someone even stole my husbands tool trailer we lived in with our children off a job which was our lively hood.  so not only did our kids loose their thing, home school, neighborhood and every thing that was normal. My daughter was in a autowreck had plates, pins screws ect. and my son fell 20 plus feet working on a 2 story house on the beach and has the same in his right arm.   last mo we have no insurance and was DENIED THE GRANT BECAUSE we didn't file it at the court house even though we went through a lawyer who we paid since 1993 but he has no paper work. I don't know where to go from here. My 3 year old has never had a home but I think it is worse for my older 2 to know what they don't have any more. But I thank God every day I still have them. The baby has spent a lot of time in the hospital for his breathing his meds are 800.00 a month sometimes and his breathing machine was one of the things fema gave away even though I called them every time I could from the hospital. When I asked them for help with his medicine they gave me 12 churches to call. we are now staying for 2 months with my brother there are 10 people in a 3 bedroom trailer but it is better than the shed we were in.

Items Needed: home, clothes baby things medical help cookware food tools household items food linins cleaning supplies yard tools any type

Additional Comments: we appreciate any help. God Bless

Lee Family of 3
ID # 0808-1
31

Mother - age 45
1 girl - age 10
1 boy - age 13

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently New Orleans, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: We lost everything in Hurricane Katrina in 2005.We are still in need of help. Just when I think I'm getting back on my feet we had to leave for Hurricane Gustav. It was mandatory that we leave the city. That made it very hard I had to pay for gas and food, etc to travel to another city .I am living day to day trying to make it with everything going up sky high it is so hard. I want to thank you in advance.

Items Needed: I need help finically, clothing ,shoes, school uniforms, winter coats

Additional Comments: please email me if my phone number is still disconnected.

Dimes Family of 5
ID # 0808-1
32

Mother - age 32
2 girls - age 11, 2
2 boys - age 16, 7

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently New Orleans, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: I'm a Katrina survivor and currently working things just get a little hard sometimes. I could use help with clothing &toys since its Christmas time. My living conditions are fine my light bill is a little behind because the kids were out for the summer time and it was real hot this summer the air needed to be on.

Items Needed: clothing, linens, cookware & toys.

Additional Comments: I would very much appreciate if someone looked out for my kids during my time of need.

 

Derrick Family of 6
ID # 0808-1
33

Mother - age 33
Father - age 36
2 girls - ages 4, 3
2 boys - ages 18, 6

Originally from Wichita, KA
Presently New Wichita, KA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: We just relocated from Michigan to Kansas for employment and it totally fell though .So now we are struggling. We were staying in hotels until the money ran out and now we are in a 2 bdrm townhouse with nothing but some clothes and a few toys.

Living conditions are horrible.

The lights don't always work in the bathroom and the outside light is broke and there are `bugs.

Items Needed: Clothing , cooking pans, food , beds , cleaning supplies, toys, yard tool rake , broom , descent mop for kitchen, couch or loveseat , desk , dressers traps for bugs...

Wilson Family of 4
ID # 0808-1
34

Mother - age 37
3 girls - ages 15, 10, 9

Originally from Atlanta, GA
Presently Atlanta, GA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: i went through Katrina and have moved several times since, but i have yet to really get back to being settled. i feel like i am always trying to catch up. i work and I'm making minimum wage which is now enough to support a family of four. my girls are in need of underwear and shoes and socks. with winter coming they need coats. we are still working with limited dishes and beds. i feel like a failure for not being further along in our recovery, but i cant save anything because there is nothing to save.

Items Needed: school clothes, coats, dishes, sheets and blankets, shoes and underwear

Additional Comments: thank you be blessed

DeHarde Family of 3
ID # 0808-1
35

Mother - age 33
Father - age 34
1 girls - age 5

Originally from Chalmette, LA
Presently Chalmette, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: Hurricane Katrina. We were in Chalmette Louisiana and it was a total loss. We relocated to Southaven Mississippi. We came home two years ago and was surprised by how bad it was still down here. Homes are still being demolished and it just takes a lot out of a person seeing that all around you. We did move back like I said 2 years ago. Hubby works at the airport and it was a 45 minute to an hour drive to work each day. With the prices of gas it was killing us. So we borrowed money to move to Kenner Louisiana. He is now 5 minutes from work. A month ago I started with Kidney Stones and still dealing with that cause the stone is too big to pass. They want me to go to the hospital but that is very hard with a 5 year old who is in school. Then I had a wisdom tooth go abscess on me. Also in that same week our one car broke down. Yeah when it rains it pours. We were late with rent and have yet to catch up with the bills yet. Right now we are just struggling and need a hand up. Nothing for myself or husband. My daughter is really in need of clothing BAD. I am only worried about her. She is growing like a weed and we just can't keep her in clothes. We bought her two uniforms sets for school when it started and she is already growing out of the pants.

Items Needed: Clothing for daughter she is 5 ad in size 8 shoes for her in size children's 13

Additional Comments: This site and the people on it have been God sent to us in the past and no one can ever thank you all enough for the love hope and prayers you give us all.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Chambley Family of 1
ID # 0808-1
36

Mother - age 40

Originally from Winona, MS
Presently Winona, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: I am a 40 yr old 6 month pregnant lady who lives alone. I own my own house, but just recently lost my emergency unemployment and have zero income. I receive $10.00 in food stamps but recently got recertified and hope to get more starting in November. I do not have money for anything. I need gas in my car and money for my phone bill. A friend recently bought me a prepaid Net10 phone that I listed, but if she doesn't get me more minutes, I will not have any communication via phone. My refrigerator has gone out. I had a 25 cu ft fridge that was my mothers and it has been the best, but I guess it has seen better days. Also, my washer is not working. I would say that not having a refrigerator and washer is the worst. I do not have money to go to a laundry to clean my clothes. Because of lack of refrigeration, I do not have the appropriate foods for me to eat and my blood sugar is out of whack because of it. I am being forced to eat too many carbohydrates and not enough protein. CMI, Central Mississippi Inc., paid my electricity bill and I had paid my last gas bill with my last partial unemployment check. I wrote a hot check for my water because no agencies help with water. A friend went to my bank and covered that check for me. I have about $4.00 in my checking account. I have gotten some baby clothes from Mission Hope and received clothes from Cornerstone Ministries. Mission Hope has given me yams and string beans, for this is the only food items that they have. I also received frozen food from Cornerstone, but then turned around and lost it when the refrigerator when out. I am also a manic depressant and this situation and being pregnant doesn't help, but I am also strong or try to be. I am stronger and better than this and I know that things will be better. I am just going through some growing pains. Literally! If anyone could help me, I would be extremely grateful. I actually need lots more help with my house, but I feel as though I need a refrigerator and washer more right now.

Items Needed: I need a refrigerator and a washer. A gas card would also be nice. I also need to be able to get supplies at Wal-Mart such as toilet paper, paper towels, soap, detergent, etc. If you know of an agency that could help with my water bill that would be great. It's $36.50 a month and due on the 15th.

Additional Comments: I have not lost my home, I simply need some help during this rough time in my life and I would be grateful for help. I don't want to take away from someone who is also worse off than me, so please consider that. Thank you.

Baxter Family of 3
ID # 0808-1
37

Mother - age 48
2 girls- ages 8, 14

Originally from Lucedale, MS
Presently Lucedale, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: Hurricane Katrina. Right now, the children and I are living at mother's even though the mold here is still growing. Although, we are still here, I am doing the best I know how to too get me and the children back on our feet. It is not so easy being a single mother trying to make things right again after Katrina. I work from home online and am a freelance writer. I have been working for over a year with the same online company. It just seems that things are so much harder than before. I am open to any online writing assignments, so keep me in mind if you need some good quality content. Where are we now? Still struggling to make ends meet, keep a roof over our heads and doing our best to make sure the kids can eat.

Items Needed: Food and clothing would be useful.

The children grow so fast. Both children could use some really warm clothes this winter and it would be nice if they had something to entertain themselves with. They both like music and movies and would be thrilled over any type of snack goodies for Christmas. It hasn't got to be anything grand, since Christmas's have been a bit shy the past few years. It would just be nice for them to know that Santa hasn't forgotten them. Cleaning supplies would be helpful too and toilet paper.

Additional Comments: I would like to take this time to thank you for your time. I would just like for my children to have a nice Christmas. Thank you

Quinsey Family of 8
ID # 0808-1
38

Mother - age 44
Father- age 41
3 girls- ages 10, 12, 15
3 boys- ages 5, 12, 14

Originally from Westwego, LA
Presently Forest Park, GA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: wow the disaster period... well I have been under the Dr,s care since I have been here I suffer from depressions and rumthoid arthritis my family has lost so much I try not to think about it to often because so much of it can not be replaced for weeks because I had made it to atl and my other family members went further out into Louisiana we did not here from each other we did know who was dead or alive it took months for use to get together again by phone as soon as I was able to .I drove to new Orleans to see my mother because I went there to live with her for a year and a half or so because she wanted me there for a little while to help her out and I wanted to be with her and when this took place I could no longer due for her are be there for her because I am now 500 miles away

Items Needed: clothing, cookware, food. general household, linen, school/winter cloths

Smith Family of 6
ID # 0808-1
39

Mother - age 40
Father - age 37
3 girls - ages 4, 10, 13
1 boy - age 17

Originally from Laurel, MS
Presently Laurel, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: We lost our home, all home furnishing, and all clothes. We have started buying some stuff and have had some stuff given to us. We still have to build onto the old part of our house - a kitchen, dining room, bedroom and bath. We still need to redo part of the living room area that was damage to the floor and walls. We do not have the money to do this and we have been told we have to be out of this trailer by February 2009.

Items Needed: We really need all building supplies, food and some cookware, and general household items. The children need more school clothes.

Additional Comments: Please help my sister and her family.

Manning Family of 5
ID # 0808-1
40

Father - age 53
2 girls - ages 19, 29
2 boys - age 22, 26

Originally from Rio Rancho, NM
Presently Te Awamtu, New Zealand

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience:  working delivering food to the stricken area ,in the Katrina aftermath i fell with a hand cart of 400-500lbs of frozen food landing on me . Causing spinal column injuries ,neck injuries and broken teeth . I have aplyed for workers comp and Social Security . Both are pending . For now i have no income ,and am low on possessions to sell . Court is on the horizon for my Workers Comp case , and i have just learned my airfare ticket is almost worthless . We can not borrow any more from the bank , because we have low low income ,it is difficult to pay utilities. my wife gets a small dissability . We may be forced to sell her house . I take high doses of codine and other pain management medications and cannot afford physical therapy or to have my teeth repaired . We are indoors in a modest home , but not for long . My goal is to get to New Orleans for court in District 7 for my rightfull workers Comp payments and backpay . Court is pending . My Lawyer is W.Chad Stelly

Items Needed:  I need airfare to New Orleans for court , and enough to stay and apply for benefits for the state of Louisiana . I have found St Vincents at $20 a night . My lawyer may help me with transportation within New Orleans for court, as i can only walk briefly and for short distances . W/C owes me aprox $80K in back wages ,not to mention out of pocket medical expenses . i calculate my needs to travel to New Orleans and a weeks stay and food @ $1200.00 hopefully food stamps etc. come into play after that.

Additional Comments:  This is not a joke . I have serrious injuries and we are in very bad financial condition . I have been waiting almost 3 years to get into New Orleans district 7 court . Now that that day is upon us. I can no longer afford to go , Air Pacific say my ticket has gone down in value by %75 . I am too injured to work and my wifes income is minimal . If you are able to help my family and myself ,we will repay ALL when the money i am due from Workers Comp comes .

Pat Family of 5
ID # 0808-1
41

Mother - age 34
Father - age 39
3 girls- ages 6, 7, 14

Originally from Magee, MS
Presently Magee, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: they are in need of getting Christmas for there kids they are barely paying there bills husband only gets disability anything would be greatly appreciated thank you very much

Items Needed: need cooking ware school clothes for kids

Additional Comments: please help this family

Submitted by neighbour.

 

Breaux Family of 4
ID # 0808-1
42

Mother - age 78
1 girl - age 25
2 boys - ages 17, 21

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in New Orleans in FEMA trailer

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: I been working on my house for 3 years, I'm living a FEMA trailer that I must be out of by the end of the year. I have lost over 30,000 between three differ contactors for not completing the work or doing the work wrong. So I'm force to move back into my house incomplete. Without a working kitchen, with one working bathroom there are a few exterior things that still need to be done. I do work a fulltime job as a office Manager. But I fall short on getting the things I need to get back in the house, after paying my bills. 20,000 of the money I lose was the money I need to replace the household items.

Items Needed: Linens, cookware, general household items, furniture

Salter Family of 4
ID # 0808-1
43

Mother - age 21
Father - age 20
1 girl - age 5
1 boy - age 8 weeks

Originally from Waveland, MS
Presently Bay St. Louis, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: we went to a church in Picayune, MS to try to run from the storm. we didn't have much money to go farther so that is where we were. while there a tornado took off the roof of our church and we got rained on. my daughter was 1 1/2 years old and she was so scared. after the storm we went home to find nothing. I have pictures of what my home used to look like and what it done to it.

Items Needed: clothes, sheets, pots and pans

Additional Comments: we will greatly appreciate anything. I do try to work to provide for my family but with all our bills we barely make it day to day.

Huff Family of 4
ID # 0808-1
44

Mother - age 48
3 boys - ages 20, 17, 11

Originally from Waveland, MS
Presently Waveland, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: we left to go to Jackson where we thought would be better than were we lived. while there I couldn't contact my daughter who stayed in a church in picayune. I was devastated when I couldn't find out how her or my grand-daughter were doing. Well when I got home, or should I say when I go to my disaster there was nothing left but pollins. my sons couldn't stop crying. we lived in a warehouse for a month then in a tent until fema finally gave us a trailer.

Items Needed: clothes, sheets, anything would help

Additional Comments: I try to do the best I can to take care of my boys but there is no jobs out here. my oldest son takes care of me and I would like to do something nice for him.

Newman Family of 12
ID # 0808-1
45

Mother - age 50
3 girls - ages 10, 11, 12
6 boys - ages 8, 12, 14, 14, 16, 17

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently New Orleans, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: It was a long 23 hour drive. Which we had at least 20 people with us. The drive was very hot, long and exhausting. 

Items Needed: clothes, shoes, cookware, food, coats

 

Jenkins Family of 5
ID # 0808-1
46

Mother - age 33
2 girls - ages 6, 15
2 boys - ages 12, 20

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently New Orleans, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: I have been trying to save money to get the thing my kids need but some how I cant I have bills I've been struggling to pay since after Katrina I have a student loan with Sallie mea, truck note from a vehicle red cross purchased for me and its hard with 4 kids on a single mother. I been tying to get a job but their hours are not meeting up I have to be here for my kids I have no family out here my 15year old she's still a baby you know so this is where I am now and I want to do better that's why I went to school but now I'm about to be in debt.

Items Needed: clothing, cookware, medical needs for myself, toys living room furniture, help with student loans and truck payments

Additional Comments: GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hall Family of 6
ID # 0808-1
47

Mother - age 33
Father - age 36
3 girls - ages 3, 4, 8

Originally from Biloxi, MS
Presently Lucedale, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: my daughter, son-in-law and I lost everything we owned in Katrina, we have finally moved into a Katrina cottage, we were in a fema trailer, my son-in-law is in construction work and has been out of work three months, my daughter cant work as her she takes care of me as I'm disabled and also her youngest has severe lung problems, these two people are my angels if I hadn't had them i would be in a nursing home by now....they have the sweetest little girls,mackayla8,riley4 and losila3 that wont have much of a Christmas as the only money coming in is my 628.oo social security and it only pays the bills...so we would appreciate anything anyone could do for them.. try and god bless ,hopefully we will be able to buy this Katrina cottage next year

Items Needed: we are still in need of clothing.  We are still short on linens especially twin bed sheets, double bed sheet and especially towels and washcloths

Additional Comments: WE HAVE NEVER USED THIS SERVICE BEFORE BUT REALLY NEED IT THIS YEAR.. THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Ross Family of 3
ID # 0808-1
48

Mother - age 47
Father - age 52
1 girl - age 11

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently Irving, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: We are in time of some much heartaches and troubles. I am working and is still struggling trying to keep bills paid, keep grandchild in school. I am also trying very hard to assist my daughter which submitted a form also, name is Adonica Ross. She is struggling since Hurricane Gustavo which came down in Irving, TX also with her son which is 5 years old in which we found out today, that he is needing to see a doctor for ADHD. It is so hard in running back and forth. We all need clothing assist with personal items. The eleven year old needs clothing in which is a female, my granddaughter. I, myself had surgery but is trying to stay healthy to maintain my job for us all. My fiancé is still fighting for his Road to Home in which is very much disgusting. We are needing assistance with clothing and food, some personal items. If you can assist all of us in anyway, please contact us. We are not looking for any handouts, we was just put out on a limb and feel like the end of the world is tomorrow. My daughter is working a McDonald's job in which pays a little but the cost of living is very high. Whatever information is needed you can contact me. Also, we really know that the crisis right now is rough for everyone, but please take and believe that we are in need.

Items Needed: Clothing, food, general household items, school clothing, cookware and some help with medication for my grandson with ADHD. We are also needing assistance bills if possible. At least one month of rental/utility assistance. Anything would help, we are tired or running back and forth. It is a total life change and starting over is rough even though it has been 2005.

Additional Comments: I really hope that someone can reach out to us, once again, it is not easy asking for help, but we are still trying very hard to move forward. It gets a little harder around Thanksgiving and Christmas being somewhere trying hard to adjust. 

Dorsey Family of 3
ID # 0808-1
49

Mother - age 26
1 girl - age 8
2 boys - ages 4, 5

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently Houston, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: This is the time in my life where it hurts the most. The holidays. I know this is the time to be thankful for everything, and I am, for getting this far. 3years after Katrina and I'm still struggling. Well we didn't get adopted last year and I come back in faith. I'm doing ok, I attend Houston Community College and I'm on the Dean's List. I have custody of my sisters 2kids age 4,8. I get no help from her and their father is unknown. It is hard. Hard not to have anyone to hear your cries when you do. Hard taking care of 2 kids when you don't have no one. I took responsibility for them so they wouldn't go to foster care. My family is poor, so I cannot turn to them for help. Sometimes it is a struggle just getting by day to day mentally just dealing with stress, but I keep on for the kids sake. I 'm trying. I m in college to provide them with a better life. I'm on disability and we barley get by on a month to month basis. I don't want anyone to feel sorry for us, we just need a helping hand. This is the life God has chosen for me, so I have to live it and do the best I can for the kids. I m not asking for anything for myself, just the 2 kids. I'll be more than thankful for that. We are still living in the same apartment as last year. We are rebuilding our lives, but just need a little help.

Items Need: I Would be thankful for Christmas gifts for the kids. I cannot ask for more.

Additional Comments: Thank you Katrina for another year of hope and posting our stories. 

Ross Family of 5
ID # 0808-1
50

Mother - age 21
Father - age 22
2 girls - ages 1, 2
1 boy - age 3 months

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently Dallas, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: Scattered from place to place since Hurricane Katrina, finally found a way to get an apartment with the assistance of my mother. Since then, I Trikee have been trying to find employment in which causes for a G.E.D or Diploma but cannot get to it. My son has a whole in his heart in which the doctor said he needs surgery by six months, but afraid to do so. The mother of my child has medical problems but also is working with hardly no hours but we are still trying very hard. We are in great need of household items, furniture. The cold weather is here but we are blessed with what we have. We needs furniture badly. We sleeps on the floor which causes allergies. We are trying to find stability without running here and there but with hardly any tools to work with.

Items Needed: Clothing for all of us, specifically the three children. Furniture, household items, personal hygiene items, blankets, medical attention, linens, blankets/quilts, coats, shoes and at least one month of rental payment so that I can continue to seek the employment which causes deep anxiety and stress. Whatever anyone can do to help me and my family will help.

Additional Comments: I am truly blessed to still be alive and I thank GOD for this website. We have not been notified of assistance as of yet, but I believe GOD will send one of his angels to assist me and my family. We are not looking for handouts, but we are just needing some assistance right now so that we can go on to find and keep stability so we can raise these 3 children. Whatever anyone can do for us will be a truly blessing. Please give us a helping hand. Giante had signed us up once but don't remember the number, so I went on and signed up. Thank you very much in advance and GOD BLESS.

Green Family of 7
ID # 0808-1
51

Mother - age 32
Father - age 33
4 girls - ages 11, 7, 5, 3
1 boy - age 10

Originally from Marrero, LA
Presently Marrero, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: My "Katrina" experience was a disaster. I lost everything I owned and some. My husband was a musician and that's how he made his living. The keyboards he played with went under water. We just didn't think that it would've been as bad as it was. He ripped his pinky finger literally so it hung to the side of his wrist at his job pre-Katrina at Avondale (Northrop Grumman) and since then workman's comp has run out. He tried to go back there post-Katrina but they declined him because he didn't want to leave his family and come back to work and all while the aftermaths were going on we didn't think it was possible at the time for him to be one place and us another. We were displaced in Dallas, TX where they helped in every way they could. They placed us on the Angel Tree and the families that received my name for the 2 1/2 years we were they were a blessing to my children and they filled the gap tremendously they really went above and beyond the call of duty and for them I'm thankful. Since being back in New Orleans the debt has increased and I am a full-time student at Delgado Community College. Please help in any way you can to make my children happy that's all I want is for them to be happy. I don't like for them to know we're struggling and this is the only way I know to continue the process in asking for help and they would never know if I did it this way. Thanks so much!!!

Items Needed: coats, shoes & tennis shoes, clothing girls (skirts or dresses and shirts, boy (pants and shirts), (full size) bedding comforter sets, pots, bathroom set (children) (rugs shower curtain etc...), backpacks (they have holes in them), jackets for when it's not too cold, hats and glove sets, tights and socks (girls), socks (boy), iron and ironing board, house decorations (to make it feel more homely), cleaning supplies (anything), lawn mower

Additional Comments: I really appreciate you and for everything that you have done for people in need. I ask that God richly bless you and that you receive it double-fold. God Bless!!! 

Torregano Family of 4
ID # 0808-1
52

Mother - age 25
Father - age 33
1 girl - age 16
(diabetic, blind)
1 boy - age 20

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently North Dallas, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience:  My husband and I were in Hurricane Katrina. Still to this day, we're struggling. We barely have enough to pay our light bill and other utilities. My mother is blind and she is on a very low income. My brother and mother does not have any clothing. My brother, mother, husband and myself do not have a jacket for the winter. We are in need of clothing. We are still rebuilding our lives.

Items Needed:  We are in need of clothing, cookware, food, general household items and help with bills.

Taylor Family of 3
ID # 0808-1
53

Mother- age 28
2 boys- ages 2, 12

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently New Orleans, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: I WAS 5 MONTHS PREGNANT AND MY OLDEST SON 9 YRS OLD WE STOOD IN THE MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER WHERE WE SAW PEOPLE GET KILLED, RAPED AND JUST DIE. FIRST WE WERE ON THE BRIDGE FOR TWO DAYS RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE SUPERDOME THEN WE WENT TO THE CONVENTION CENTER. IT WAS HORRIBLE I ALMOST STARVE TO DEATH BECAUSE I REFUSE TO EAT WHAT THEY WAS GIVING DUE TO ME BEING PREGNANT. MY MOTHER WAS GONE ITS WAS ME AND MY SON. TRYING TO GET THOUGHT THAT TRAGIC MOMENT.

Items Needed: CLOTHING, CLEANING SUPPLIES, LINENS SCHOOL CLOTHES & SUPPLIES.

Additional Comments: THANK YOU ALL AND GOD BLESS YOU. 

Claiborne Family of 5
ID # 0808-1
54

Mother - age 35
2 girls - ages 16, 14
2 boys - ages 5, 12

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently Baton Rouge, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopt this family ... click here

Details of my Experience: I've been through hurricane Katrina put my life back together then came gusto took away my job I'm looking for another right now I'm fighting to receive my unemployment that has been at least 12 weeks that they owe me a can't afford to buy my kids anything for Christmas my bills are behind so if i try to pay them next month my kids will not have a good Christmas I'm currently living in baton rouge, a trying to make a good holiday for my kids

Items Needed: winter clothing, cookware, school clothing, linens.

Additional Comments: if there is someone that can help me I'll be thankful

Thomas Family of 3
ID # 0707-101

date posted
July 11, 2007

Mother - age 34
Father - age 35
1 girl - age 12

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in
New Orleans, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  my family and I evacuated to Gainesville Georgia, stayed with family but later had to move in a church shelter which helped us greatly in Georgia due to my husband and my past mistakes we were unable to find a job I later got sick hospitalized then we moved back to new Orleans in a trailer with my mother

Items Needed:  We have no hot water, stove, refrigerator, my daughter has no bed, no furniture, now washer no dryer

Additional Comments:  we are working it's just barely enough to pay the bills not enough to get our water on or appliance I'm not trying to get over I just need help I need no money I'll accept the appliances.

Elliott Family of 1
ID # 0707-102

date posted
July 12, 2007

1 male - age 21

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Toledo, OH with a friend

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  I was in my home on the roof top waiting for help that i never had gotten

Items Needed:  Some where to stay find a job.

Deharde Family of 3
ID # 0707-103

date posted
July 13, 2007

Mother - age 31
Father - age 32
1 girl - age 4

Originally from Chalmette, LA
Presently living in an apartment in Chalmette, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

ADOPTED BY THE ROGERS FAMILY IN CAMERON PARK, CALIFORNIA 08/30/07

THANK YOU!!!

 

Details of my Experience:  Well we lost everything in hurricane Katrina and Rita. We relocated to Southaven ms. My husbands job just transferred us home to Chalmette Louisiana. We had only two weeks to pack find a place and move. Rent here is HORRIBLE!!!!! We went from paying 350 when we lived here before the hurricane to paying 650 in Southaven ms NOW paying 800! and that was one of the cheapest places to move into... So all the money we had saved had to go to the move. The rental truck we had to pay last months first months AND a deposit. We just moved back a month ago and I lost my income due to the move. we only have one car here and there is no public transportation here so I am home bound with our 4 year old daughter. My husband is looking for a second job and I am trying to find children in the area to watch but not having much luck with either... We are barley paying bills right now and bills are stacking up again... My daughter who is 4 is growing like a weed and most of her clothing is getting tight and right now we just cant buy any more for her. Also we need help with food if at all possible we only have two stores here and they are not cheap... the nearest Wal-Mart is a good ways a way from us and since we only have one car it is hard to get to it. just seems as soon as we think we are getting on our feet we are being knocked back down. its wearing us out we are just getting so tired.

Items Needed:  clothing for 4 year old daughter and food

Grant Family of 4
ID # 0707-104

date posted
July 14, 2007

Mother - age 24
2 boys - ages 6,3
1 girl - age 4

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living with family member in New Orleans

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

ADOPTED BY THE LOEL FAMILY IN GALLIPOLIS, OHIO 08/29/07

THANK YOU!!!

Details of my Experience:  WE LEFT OUR HOME AND STAY AT A HOTEL AND THEN AFTER THE STORM WAS OVER AND THE WATER WAS RISE AND MY BROTHER TAKE A BOAT AND GOT TO A BRIDGE AND THE FIRE TRUCK BROUGHT US TO THE SUPERDOME AND WE STAY THERE FOR 5 DAYS AFTER THAT WE WERE BUSSED TO DALLAS TEXAS.

Items Needed:  CLOTHING,  HOUSING,  COOKWARE,  GENERAL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Moreau Family of 3
ID # 0707-105

date posted
July 15, 2007

Father - age 40
1 boy - age 12
1 girl - age 16

Originally from Meraux, LA
Presently living in an apartment in Baton Rouge, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

ADOPTED BY THE ROBINSON FAMILY IN WALDORF, MARYLAND
08/29/07

THANK YOU!!!

 

Details of my Experience:  We lost everything like most people from Katrina. As most of you know St. Bernard Parish was one of the Hardest Hit Areas. Our house was under 25 feet of water for two weeks (see photos at Katrina.com) as you can guess there was nothing left to salvage. Not even a photo! Since then we have moved about 90 miles away to Baton Rouge, La in a small two bedroom apartment. We are very grateful! Its been a very slow recovery and we still have a long way to go. I am employed and commute to New Orleans everyday 180 miles roundtrip, but I am working. Its just not enough! I picked up a second job to provide for my children, and some nights I don't sleep because of work. The State and Federal Government HAS NOT helped because we were renting and not owners of the house. There are no programs for renters. So at this point I am in debt and anything will help our family. Last year because of the volume of people on the Angel Tree we were not adopted but are hoping that will change this year. Thank You and God Bless All of us!

Items Needed:  I've learned the best thing to receive is Gift Cards from anywhere but the best places are like Wal-Mart and Target because they have everything from Gas for the vehicle to food. But clothes, shoes or light jackets for the fast not to cold winter we have here.

Additional Comments:  This is our third year, we were adopted the 1st year but not last year. I hope we are this year! Thanks Katrina!

  Battaglia Family of 7
ID # 0707-106

date posted
July 15, 2007

Mother - age 33
Father - age 35
4 boys - ages 15, 10, 6, 1
1 girl - age 12

Originally from Long Beach, MS
Presently living in Corinth, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

ADOPTED BY THE AYLOUCHE FAMILY IN MARBLEHEAD, MA
AUGUST 24, 2007

THANK YOU!!!

 

Details of my Experience:  I was watching TV and playing games on the internet w/my daughter. Boys were running wild round the house as usual. My husband was working preparing for the storm that 'will not hit here'. My friend, Karen, kept calling me. All I could think was for her to LEAVE ME ALONE!! She wanted me to pack up and evacuate with her. Told her 'no' every time she called. She was beginning to irritate me pretty badly. I knew that storm was not headed our way. I knew!! It was not only going to hit TX but was going to lose all the strength that it had accumulated. Then she showed up at our house.......She packed up my trunk with whatever food items she could find in there and 2 outfits for my kids - while I was watching TV - my gosh would they stop talking bout that storm at put on some type of program - it is not coming here! I was pregnant and irritated. So when she finished packing up the car she began asking where my husband was - she drove to his employment and asked what he needed to do to finish up to be able to leave. Then proceeded to help him do so. We were on the road by noon. The traffic was awful - the air went out. We ended up in North Alabama - we found 1 available motel room but the lady wouldn't give it to us because there 'was not enough room in there' for all of us. We ended up in a rest area - guess there was more room in that little we came in than the room we had previously found. Who knows. We slept in the car for two days. Then decided to go back. We had already heard of all the destruction that Katrina made - you know the one that didn't hit the MS Gulf Coast. When we arrived back on the coast we couldn't even determine what streets to use. The ones that were drivable we couldn't recognize. I had lived there for over 10 yrs and my husband 15yrs. We knew those streets like the back of our hand. We went to Karen's house first - had some damage but not too bad. A tree fell on her house but didn't make it all the way through her attic. The we set out to find our own. We drove in the

Items Needed:  furniture, clothing, kitchenware, bedding, linens, self, husband & 10 year old son needs glasses

Additional Comments:  Anything at all you can do to help will be so greatly appreciated. This is my third time registering - but still have received no help.

  Hess Family of 2
ID # 0707-107

date posted
July 15, 2007

Wife - age 48
(has ulcer on leg & awaiting fusion on back)
Husband - age 46

Originally from Pass Christian, MS
Presently living in Clearview, Kansas (brother-in-law lent us the money to move in this apartment just last month)

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

 

Details of my Experience:  My husband and I were in the attic of our apt. at the time of hurricane Katrina with water up to our necks for several hours. We lost everything we owned, including our car. After spending several days in a shelter, my husband and i hitch-hiked to Glasgow Ky. We did receive help thru fema, but we were unable to apply for help for a car because the title was in the car under water.

Items Needed:  We need a car for my husband to get back and forth from work. Also I have not been to a doctor for my health problems since the end of March. My sister and her husband was helping us get around, until her husbands sister had emergency surgery. My husband is currently riding a bike for almost 6 miles to and from work. because of my back, I am unable to get around much. We also need a little help with food, for my husband will not be receiving a pay check for 2weeks.

Additional Comments:  I normally do not ask for help, but we're in between a rock and a hard place now. We are paying 525. a month rent, and my SSI is only 398. per month.

  Wheeler Family of 2
ID # 0707-108

date posted
July 15, 2007

Mother - age 46
1 girl - age 21

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living with a family member in New Orleans, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

ADOPTED BY THE JAIMES FAMILY IN MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 08/29/07

THANK YOU!!!

Details of my Experience:  Me and my family was in the Sheraton hotel I work there before hurricane I work in the banquet kitchen we guest in the hotel we the hurricane hit we had to cook with flash light and generator in the dark five hundred guest five hundred employees and they family. If was a experience of my life. but with the strong of the good lord I had to get my family to safe so we left the hotel Thursday after hurricane and ended up in Oklahoma city. 

Items Needed:  Back home in New Orleans live with a good friend try to get start to work own my house .general household cookware sheetrock pants stuff to work in the house

Additional Comments:  I try to get back in my house. with the help of the Lord.

  Battaglia Family of 3
ID # 0707-109

date posted
July 15, 2007

Mother - age 56
(diabetic, back & heart condition, hearing impaired)
Father - age 56
(diabetic, breathing difficulties)
1 girl - age 19
(diabetic, mental condition)

Originally from Bay St. Louis, MS
Presently living in Bay St. Louis, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Details of my Experience:  We had lost everything due to the water we had in our home during Katrina. We also lost our beloved potbelly pig. We felt lucky because we still had a house standing. It took so long to get it repaired. It wasn't until December 22 of 2006 it was repaired enough to move back in. We still need minor repairs.

Items Needed:  We still need cookware, clothes and linens.

Additional Comments:  God Bless for Help Given

  Smith Family of 3 
ID # 0707-110

date posted
July 14, 2007

Wife - age 28
(diabetic, heart patient, thyroid obesity)
Husband - age 38
Mother - age 48
(diabetic, heart patient, on oxygen)

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in FEMA trailer in Baton Rouge, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

 

Details of my Experience:  My family and I evacuated to Hammond Indiana Stayed there for almost a year but had to relocate again due to some money issues and lack of affordable housing. We lost a family member My husbands Grandfather Nathaniel Kingston in the flood. I cant write too much about our experience anymore because I am in transition of regaining my strength and normal abilities. But I can say we are staying in a FEMA trailer and we are struggling still especially with transportation and our basic daily needs.

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS THOSE THAT STILL CARE TO HELP

Items Needed:  We are still in need of clothing It is hard to find clothing in the larger size and not having enough income we cant afford to buy clothing We are also in need of beds (preferably a queen bed for my mom and a king for my husband and I due to my size) and general household items for the kitchen and bedrooms we can also use some general household supplies and personal hygiene items for as I stated we are on a real tight budget I (Charlotte) am in need of help of obtaining my medicine which I cant afford yet.  We also need help with transportation Its hard to get to take care of business and grocery store without transportation and the area we live in.

Additional Comments:  If anyone can help us with any of this it would be gratefully appreciated

  Smith Family of 6 
ID # 0707-111

date posted
July 14, 2007

Mother - age 32
Father - age 26
2 girls - ages 16, 9
1 boy - age 7
sister in-law - age 23

Originally from Kenner, LA
Presently living in Marrero, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  we relocated back to Louisiana in Dec. 2006. we have had to move twice since we've been back here. the first time it was because the owner sold the property. we have not been able to get a fresh start, and get our feet back on the ground.

Items Needed:  school supplies, clothing

  Wyble Family of 7
ID # 0707-112

date posted
July 14, 2007

Mother - age 28
Father - age 44
4 boys - ages 8, 6, 13, 14
Male cousin - age 20

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Keithville, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

wyble.jpg (66544 bytes)
photo of mom and 2 younger children

 

ADOPTED BY THE BOARMAN FAMILY IN MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRIGNIA 11/27/07

THANK YOU!!!

Details of my Experience:  Well because of God we are here today we are in a struggle right now our lease is about to be up and my husband just got a new job we lost a lot of our stuff in a fire in our storage unit just 2 weeks ago.  Ours and 4 others were destroyed because we did not have renters insurance we could not do anything we could use help now as well as during the holidays we are a God fearing family we just need some help I pray God will send us some one.  The boys are sad because all of their toys and books and things was destroyed but our clothes was at home with us so we have clothing and shoes and things please help us we would be glad to verify any thing you need we are not trying to fraud anyone we just need a little help.

Items Needed:  general household items linens kids toys any thing you would like to send if it would make things easier gift cards are helpful not to tell anyone or be picky just so we don't get any thing more than once God bless you all and God bless the USA

Additional Comments:  please help we are truly in need

  Bickham Family of 1
ID # 0707-113

date posted
July 14, 2007

Female - age 52

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in a shelter

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  I experience lot of stress during Katrina, I had to live in 5 different house hold and i wasn't too nice, it took a lot out of me having to go from place to place. now I am living back in a shelter.

Items Needed:  clothing, linens, food, cookware.

  Holden Family of 5
ID # 0707-114

date posted
July 14, 2007

Mother - age 41
Father - age 38
1 girl - age 18
2 boys - ages 1, 6

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living New Orleans, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  On August 25,2005 My Family An I Evacuated To A Hotel Went The Water Started Rising My Son, Son-In-Law, Husband Got A Boat An brought Us To A Bridge Where Their Were Firemen Bring People To The Superdome We Stayed Their For Three Days We Left An Started Walking Over The Gretna Bridge Someone In A Pick Up Truck Gave Us A Ride To Houston TX,  We Were Joined With Their Family On The Truck It WAS 15 Of Us I Take It Day By Day Trying To Fix My House Up I Pray To The Lord An He Answers my Prayers Thank You For Your LOVE An SUPPORT

Items Needed:  clothes, cookware, bedding, general household items

  Shadrick Family of 3
ID # 0707-115

date posted
July 14, 2007

Mother - age 30
1 girl - age 7
1 boy - ages 2

Originally from Kiln, MS
Presently living with family member

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

ADOPTED BY THE BUTCHER FAMILY IN MISSION VIEJO, CALIFORNIA 11/24/07

THANK YOU!!!

Details of my Experience:  stayed in shelter and was hit by tornadoes lost car lived in TN for about a year after storm daughter lived there for 2 yrs with my brother she is now home she was to scared to come home unable to work due to a cervical disk disease and transportation only have my parents car trailer was damaged but are in the process of fixing while we live there

Items Needed:  School uniforms for Caitlin, clothes, shoes, linens, pajamas

Additional Comments:  Would appreciate any help we can receive

  Collins Family of 3
ID # 0707-116

date posted
July 14, 2007

Mother - age 24
1 girl - age 6
1 boy - ages 2

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in apartment at Simmesport, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  My disaster experience was devastating and still now to this day I am trying to get back on my feet. As a single mother it hasn't been easy.

Items Needed:  clothing, general household items

Additional Comments:  I am grateful and thankful that there are people out there that still care and think about us and where and what we are doing 2 years after the storm

**** THIS FAMILY IS UNAVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION - PHONE HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED AND ADOPTEE GAVE P.O. BOX FOR MAILING ***

  Williams Family of 5
ID # 0707-117

date posted
July 14, 2007

Mother - age 24
1 girl - age 6
1 boy - ages 2

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in apartment at Simmesport, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

ADOPTED BY BLOOMFIELD HIGH SCHOOL IN BLOOMFIELD, CONNECTICUT 11/27/07

THANK YOU!!!

Details of my Experience:  TWO YEARS AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA I AM STRUGGLING DAY BY DAY TO MAKE ENDS MEET. WE LOST EVERYTHING BECAUSE OF THE HURRICANE. I HAVE FOUR KIDS AGES FROM 2-12 AND ITS HARD KNOWING THAT I CAN'T BUY THEM THE THINGS THEY NEED. I DON'T HAVE A CAR TO GET AROUND AND ITS HARD BECAUSE THERE'S NO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND SOMETIMES I CAN'T EVEN GET TO THE STORE. AFTER LIVING IN A HOTEL ROOM FOR SEVEN MONTHS WE LEFT TO COME HERE TO TEXAS HOPING THERE WOULD BE BETTER OPTIONS HERE. BUT ITS EVEN HARDING THAN I EXPECTED.

Items Needed:  WE ARE IN NEED FOR  CLOTHING, SHOES, COOKWARE, TOYS, HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES ANYTHING WILL BE GLADLY APPRECIATED.

Additional Comments:  GOD BLESS YOU

  Dimes Family of 5
ID # 0707-118

date posted
July 14, 2007

Mother - age 31
2 boys - ages 15, 5
2 girls - ages 16, 1

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Dallas, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

ADOPTED BY THE KARP FAMILY IN ROSEBURG, OREGON 08/29/07

THANK YOU!!!

Details of my Experience:  Well its been almost 2 years since that terrible day invaded our lives (HURRICANE KATRINA) and its still hard I have a job but when I finish paying bills its hardly enough to get things that the kids need. School is almost her and I need help getting uniforms, shoes and supplies. I thank God for providing me with this job so that I could at least keep us with shelter I know he won't let me down with other things we need.

Items Needed:  clothing and general household items.

Additional Comments:  I would like to thank you all for thinking of me and my family in our times of need God Bless You.

  Taylor Family of 5
ID # 0707-119

date posted
July 14, 2007

Mother - age 36
1 girl - age 13

Originally from Long Beach, MS
Presently living in Long Beach, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  On August 29, 2005, 70% of our roof came off. The second floor started caving in. Everything was ruined.  We ran out of gas and couldn't go anywhere to get food. I lost my job. I am a single parent so I had no one but my daughter to help me. Life changed as we knew it. My daughter had to go live in Texas without me for 5 weeks. That was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Our town still hasn't recovered. We still need volunteers. Someone please help us. It has almost been 2 years.

Items Needed:  clothing, ice trays, vacuum cleaner, and food.

Additional Comments:  Please help us recover and God bless all!

  Smith Family of 9
ID # 0707-120

date posted
July 14, 2007

Mother - age 27
Father - age 21
3 boys - ages 7, 5, 3 months
2 girls - ages 5, 3
Mother-in-law - age 44
Father-in-law - age 44

Originally from Saucier, MS
Presently living with family member in Gulfport, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

ADOPTED BY ROSA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY 11/14/07

THANK YOU!!!

Details of my Experience:  I lost my trailer when the inspector from fema came out he told me it was unlivable and demolished but filed a different report and they told me I had insufficient damages so they didn't give me a camper or put me up in a trailer. We have bounced around living with friends and family for a while now we got on our feet in a bad neighborhood but there was mold growing in that trailer we told our landlord and he was going to take care of it but then he passed away so we got evicted when his brother took over now we are living with my fiancées parents and his siblings there are 12 people living in a 4 bedroom house so we sleep in their camper at night so we can have a bed for each person we love each other but its cramped and we're starting to annoy each other a lot Howard is trying but he only makes 300.00 a week an we give his parents 800.00 a month to help with the bills and that leaves us with 400.00 a month to pay our bills and we don't even have a running vehicle he has to catch a ride with a friend to work everyday

Items Needed:  A van, clothing, food, and most of all our own place to live.

Additional Comments:  Thank you so much for giving me this chance to register again God bless all of you. Thanks The Smith Family

  Viosin Family of 3
ID # 0707-121

date posted
July 14, 2007

Grandmother - age 50
1 boy - age 9
1 girl - age 10

Originally from Pride, LA
Presently living with family member in Kentwood, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

ADOPTED BY BLOOMFIELD HIGH SCHOOL IN BLOOMFIELD, CONNECTICUT 11/19/07

ALSO FAMILY # 117

THANK YOU!!!

Details of my Experience:  We had a tree go through our mobile home we we're renting and the land lord said he wasn't going to fix it we had to move and he sold the property. We have lived in 6 different places since the hurricane. We are now staying with my friend Cathy Wyatt in Kentwood LA.

Items Needed:  Paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo, etc.

Additional Comments:  I am trying to get it all back together but it is so hard I am raising my grandchildren I have had them for the last 7 years.

  Melerine Family of 1
ID # 0707-122

date posted
July 14, 2007

Male - age 23
(mentally disabled - registered by a family member)

Originally from Carriere, MS
Presently living with family member in Carriere, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  I stood in a near by in a shelter during the storm. A tree fell on my house trailer and totally damaged it. I never had much, but I lost everything I did have. I am now staying in a garage apartment. I am mentally disabled and on a fixed income.

Items Needed:  shoes, clothes, every day personal needs.

Additional Comments:  My SSI income is $427.00 a month. I appreciate any help I get.

  Roy Family of 3
ID # 0707-123

date posted
July 15, 2007

Mother - age 31
1 boy - age 10
1 girl - age 9

Originally from New Orleans, LC
Presently living in Dallas, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

ADOPTED BY ROSA INTERNATION SCHOOL IN CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY 11/26/07

THANK YOU!!!

 

Details of my Experience:  I worked for the New Orleans Police Department as a clerical worker and was advise of my time to evacuate. I followed orders from my supervisor but really didn't want to evacuate and evacuated to Buffalo, Texas where I learned that my place of resident had 15ft of water. To make a long story short I have two kids and didn't know how to explain to them that our house had been completely destroyed and we had nowhere to go. But the look on my face just told it all. Once my son ask a question of when can we go home with tears in my eyes I answered baby we have no home. I just cried and held my kids tight wondering what in the world just happen. where am I to start and what to do. I gotten a phone call from my ex in law stating that she has an apartment and they were taking more applicants. Mind you I have no money, no job, and my husband at the time sent me off with my kids and his dad with nothing but three days of clothing. my father in law at the time drove us to Dallas where we started our lives over. Now I went to Housing Authority of Dallas and they issued me a section 8 voucher and was able to get the apartment. 3 months later fema finally awarded me with 10 thousand dollars, which was a blessing but a that time of need no money when you have to furnish a house a buy everything from q tips to furniture. I was broke. within that time frame I am job hunting no one wants to hire me because I was from New Orleans and they thought I might have moved back home. But finally a temp agency called me. I finally gotten a job after 1 year of searching thru a temp agency and couldn't believe it with all the clerical experience i have. struggling with making only 600 monthly going thru a divorce, and with my mom passing the same year as the hurricane it. I was demanding to stay strong and focus. Now i am working permanently for Dallas county making a little more but still struggling. My kids father pay child support thru the courts but of course raising two kids without the father support they need is really hard to keep going.

Items Needed: clothing, monetary, food, general household items

  Jones Family of 2
ID # 0707-124

date posted
July 15, 2007

Wife - age 55
Husband - age 57

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in New Orleans, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  We are in a house/rent is kind of high//utilities along with gas and medicine make money tight. water bill is behind

Items Needed:  Linen//cookware//dishes//toaster/can opener

Additional Comments:  Assistance with utilities

  Taylor Family of 4
ID # 0707-125

date posted
July 15, 2007

Mother - age 27
1 boy - age 7
2 girls - ages 2 & 2

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Dallas, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

ADOPTED BY THE HINES FAMILY IN CLEVELAND, OHIO 08/29/07

THANK YOU!!!

Details of my Experience:  It was a bad experience because I could not find my son and my family and I was stuck at the convention center for four day's without my family. And all my family are still a great distance from one another.

Items Needed:  clothes, food, and household items

  Prieto Family of 4
ID # 0707-126

date posted
July 15, 2007

Mother - age 28
3 boys - ages 11, 8, & 5

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Baton Rouge, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  WELL IT'S REALLY HARD BEING A SINGLE MOTHER W/ 3 KIDS AND LOOSING EVERYTHING ESPECIALLY HAVING NO FAMILY AND TRYING TO MAKE ENDS MEET...

Items Needed:  CLOTHING BASICALLY AND SOME GENERAL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Additional Comments:  I'M HOPING THAT THIS YEAR IF MY FAMILY GETS ADOPTED AGAIN THAT THE FAMILY WHOM WHICH ADOPTED US WILL NOT FORGET ABOUT US AS THE LAST FAMILY DID...

  Alexander Family of 4
ID # 0707-127

date posted
July 16, 2007

Mother - age 40
Father - age 47
2 girls - ages 18 & 11

Originally from Biloxi, MS
Presently living in Biloxi, MS

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  We lost everything in the storm, me and my husband is both employed, but we are having a hard time with our child.

Items Needed:  The items we are in need of is for my children, my old daughter is enter her second year of college pursing a degree in Nursing, it has been hard she need supplies for her room, like a comforter and linen. My second child need cloth.

  Johnson Family of 3
ID # 0707-128

date posted
July 16, 2007

Mother - age 36
2 girls - ages 15, 9

Originally from Harvey, LA
Presently living in an apartment in Dallas, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

Adopted by a Family in Lakeland, Florida

07/21/07

THANK YOU!

Details of my Experience:  Katrina was not a great experience. The devastation of returning home...at least to what you remembered as home is disheartening.  I don't have many words but to say that we are thankful to be alive and that we continue to pray everyday and take it one day at a time.  Some folks have forgotten about Katrina and the fact that we still need help.

Items Needed:  We have some clothing......would like some better clothing. We are appreciative for any help we can get. We are in need of clothing, cookware, bath towels and toiletries.

Additional Comments:  Again, my children and I would like to thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

  Claiborne Family of 5
ID # 0707-129

date posted
July 16, 2007

Mother - age 34
2 girls - ages 14, 12
1 boys - ages 10, 3

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living with family member in Baton Rouge, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

ADOPTED BY TIME WARNER CABLE IN GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA 11/07/07

THANK YOU!!!

Details of my Experience:  I am struggling to make ends meet I am I single parent trying to make it

Items Needed:  clothing, cookware, food and general housing needs

Additional Comments:  I just need some help

  Edwards Family of 9
ID # 0707-130

date posted
July 16, 2007

Mother - age 36
Father - age 34
3 girls - ages 17, 17, 20
2 boys - ages 15, 2
Grandmother - age 51
Sister-in-law - age 22

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Dallas, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  WE ARE STILL TRYING TO GET BEDS FOR S0ME OF THE FAMILY BECAUSE WHEN FEMA DID MY APPLICATION THEY DID NOT GIVE ME MONEY FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY WE HAVING BEEN DOING THE BEST WE CAN ON OUR OWN TAKING CARE OF OUR BILLS AND KEEPING THINGS TOGETHER THE BEST WE CAN

Items Needed:  BEDS, BEDDING, CLOTHING, HELP WITH GETTING TRANSPORTATION

Additional Comments:  ANY HELP WILL BE GREATLY WELCOMED THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP.

  Smith Family of 4
ID # 0707-131

date posted
July 15, 2007

Mother - age 51
Father - age 51
1 girl - age 13
1 boy - age 8

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Zachary, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  WE WHERE IN THE DOME AND IT HURT ME TO SEE OUR PEOPLE HURT THE WE HURT IT WAS UGLY BUT I WAS STILL PRAYING THAT GOD WELL HELP US AND OUR KIDS. RIGHT NOW WE ARE HAVE A HARD TIME TRYING TO PAY OUR BILL. FEMA IS PAYING OUR RENT BUT IT' STILL HARD MY HUSBAND IS NOT WORK LIKE HE NEED TO BE HE WORK IN NEW ORLEANS AS A ELE. BUT IT'S HARD.

Items Needed:  CLOTHES. AND LINENS, FOOD

Additional Comments:  THINK YOU FOR YOUR HELP AND MY GOD KEEP BLESS YOU AND YOU SITE. YOU ARE A TRUE ANGLE FOR GOD. WE NEED PEOPLE LIKE YOU IN OUR THAT WE CAN BELIEVE IN WE ARE TRULY HAVING A HARD TIME. OUR KIDS NEEDS YOU SO AGAIN THINK YOU FORM MY HEART.

  Ross Family of 3
ID # 0707-132

date posted
July 16, 2007

Mother - age 46
Father - age 51
1 boy - age 20

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in an apartment with FEMA assistance in Irving, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  Hurricane Katrina caused displacement from my State Job which was with Department of Health and Hospitals, lost of wages, caused me to take Zoloft, caused me to need medical attention that I cannot afford.

Items Needed:  clothing, linens, cookware, food, general household items, doctor care

Additional Comments:  I hope that I can get assistance with the little that I am requesting. It have been a good struggle and I do have god in my life.

  Howard Family of 5
ID # 0707-133

date posted
July 16, 2007

Mother - age 30
Father - age 34
2 boys - ages 10, 3
1 girl - age 5

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Norman, OK

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

ADOPTED BY THE KELLER FAMILY IN QUEENS, NEW YORK 11/15/07

THANK YOU!!!

Details of my Experience:  WE WHERE IN THE SUPERDOME IN NEW ORLEANS, IT WAS LIKE A NIGHT MARE THEN TO THE ASTRODOME IN HOUSTON. FROM THE EXPERIENCE IN THE HURRICANE MY KIDS DADDY WAS NOT THE SAME FOR MONTHS HE DID NOT EAT OR SLEEP FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS. THAT IS SOMETHING I WILL NEVER FOR GET.

Items Needed:  CLOTHING FOR KIDS TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL AND SUPPLY AND BEDDING FOR THERE BED

Additional Comments:  I JUST NEED ANY HELP THAT I CAN GET

  Lashawn Family of 5
ID # 0707-134

date posted
July 16, 2007

Mother - age 32
1 girl - age 11
1 boy - age 7

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living with family member

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  EVACUATED FROM NEW ORLEANS AND RELOCATED TO TEXAS ALSO IN NEED OF TRANSPORTATION TO TRANSPORT KIP TO AND FROM MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS AND SPEECH THERAPY.

Items Needed:  EVERYTHING

Additional Comments:  THANK YOU

  Every Family of 6
ID # 0707-135

date posted
July 16, 2007

Mother - age 27
1 girl - age 7
4 boys - ages 11, 7, Twins 6

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in public housing Dallas, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

ADOPTED BY THE HOOKS FAMILY IN WASHINGTON, DC  08/27/07

THANK YOU!

Details of my Experience:  My disaster experience was not so bad until I started loosing family members. I am still at a financial stand still with my bills and my living arrangements. I am not where I need in life because I do not have a job and I want to better myself. I do not have transportation to get around with my children. I do not have any help with my kids.

Items Needed:  I am in need of clothes for myself and my children, school clothes for my children, general household things such as tissue, washing detergent, cookware, transportation, school supplies for my children.

Additional Comments:  Thanks for any help rendered to myself or my kids. The help is greatly appreciated.

  Dolison Family of 
ID # 0707-136

date posted
July 17, 2007

Mother - age 44
1 girl - age 16

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living Bossier City, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  My daughter and I left the day before the hurricane. Not thinking it would hit, because of so many close calls before. This time was the real deal. The day of our leaving my neighbor asked me to take her son, not sure how we were going to make it, I decided to take the young man with us to bring him out to safety. We travel for 12 hours on the road for a trip that would normally take us 2 1/2 hours to get there.

Not sure if we were going to run out of gas, or be able to purchase food we took that chance. Any other time traveling to Lake Charles would take one tank of gas, but because of the length of time we filled up about 4 times. The skies were turning dark and the rain had started before we get got to Baton Rouge. Not wanting to turn on the AC because of the shortage of gas, we got wet for a few minutes. When it started to rain harder, I had no choice but to roll the windows up and turn on the AC. We finally got to Baton Rouge, I knew the kids were tired, I informed them that we had to press on. We stop out side Baton Rouge for a quick strength of the body, for being cramped in the car all those hours.

We finally arrived in Lake Charles. After being there for a couple of days we heard of the Levee breakage after Katrina had hit New Orleans. I knew that I lived in that area and that my home would have been flooded out. I stayed there for a few days, and then drove to Houston Texas to find help because no one was giving any assistance to Hurricane Katrina Victims. Driving all over Texas, we were turned down due to no rooms at the hotels or inns, we traveled back to Lake Charles.

I went back by my friend's home, but we moved into the Baymont Hotel in Lake Charles. Red Cross sent me a check, I cashed it and purchased some things we needed to have right then and there. I was purchasing for myself, my daughter and the family friend that came with us. I knew the money was not going to go far, but we managed with what we had.

We were notified by the hotel management that we had to evacuate again, because of Hurricane Rita. We lost it all again...so we had double trouble....and now we are on the road again with no where to go. We traveled to Mississippi and found a room, but by now I had my son and his room mate from McNeese University...so now we had 5 people in one room. We had to purchase air mattress for us to sleep while the boys made pallets on the floor. We had 4 different families living in a 3 bedroom house with one bath. I cried so much....because I just knew my life was over, and that I was not a good supplier for my kids at this time. I called FEMA and to my surprise they deposited some money in my account...and I went out to try and find an hotel that would be more comfortable for us.

Well, after staying there for several weeks, we traveled to Baton Rouge to see if we could get closer to family...with the hotels prices out of control....we were stuck between a rock and an hard place. Determined to find a hotel for me and the kids...I got up early daily and with determination...I found one at the Executive Plaza in Mississippi. It felt like heaven....and no one would understand the way we felt. My son's college buddies contacted his parents and they were safe, and drove out to pick up their son. Still with another member, he contacted his family and they came got him also. So now it is just the kids and I, and I informed my kids that we will recover from this...just be patient. I really don't know why I was telling them that...because they were my inspiration to keep me going through out all this ordeal.

Items Needed:  I was able to purchase a bedroom set for my daughter and I. We now have a living room and dining room set. If we are able to receive help I would like it to be in a financial gift, so that we are not limited to specific items.

Additional Comments:  I would like to take this time to thank you in advance for all the help you are giving me and my daughter and other victims. This is my first time applying, because I always thought that there was always someone worst off than me...but after losing everything in both hurricanes, I feel the need also to be helped.  Thank you!!!!

  James Family of 7
ID # 0707-137

date posted
July 16, 2007

Mother - age 50
Father - age 51
4 girls - ages 5, 4, 3, 6 months
1 boy - age 19

Presently living in Theodore, Alabama

TRAGEDY - Medical/Illness/Accident ***

 

Details of my Experience:  I only get limited amount of money and it hard trying to make ends meet sometime

Items Needed: food general household cleaning need and pots and pans and school clothes

 
  Lee  Family of 3
ID # 0707-138

date posted
July 17, 2007

Mother - age 44
1 girl - age 9
1 boy - age 10

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living Jefferson, LA

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  KATRINA CAME AND DESTROYED EVERYTHING ME AND MY KIDS HAD. IT'S BEEN ALMOST TWO YEARS AND I AM STILL STRUGGLING TO GET BACK OWN MY FEET SO WE CAN HAVE A HAPPY LIFE .I AM BLESSED TO HAD FOUND AN APARTMENT FOR ME AND MY KIDS TO STAY. THE JOB THAT I HAVE NOW WE ARE LIVING PAY CHECK TO PAY CHECK. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A PART TIME JOB BUT AT THE TIME I DO NOT HAVE ANYONE I CAN TRUST TO KEEP MY KIDS .EVERYONE I KNOW IS STILL DISPLACE FROM THEIR HOME.

Items Needed:  MONEY FOR SCHOOL CLOTHES MY KIDS WEARS UNIFORMS TO SCHOOL. CLOTHING, LINENS, QUEEN SIZE, SOCKS, UNDER SHIRTS FOR MY SON ,SCHOOL SUPPLIES, LARGE SCHOOL BAGS, SEE THEW OF SON. GENERAL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS./IF YOU CHOSE SCHOOL ITEMS SCHOOL OPENS ON 081307. THANK YOU.

Additional Comments:  THAN YOU VERY MUCH

  Lampton  Family of 2
ID # 0707-139

date posted
July 17, 2007

Mother - age 20
1 boy - age 16 months

Originally from Westwego, LA
Presently living in Houston, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  Since we lost our home in Katrina I have been trying to live on my own.. my bills are behind I have this ticket in libery co. Texas for writing a check for gas when we came for Katrina.. now the fees are like 600+ I didn't deserve that I didn't commit a crime my bank was open.. they don't and they are prejudice i have to drive about 150 miles a month to go there MORE gas and money that I cant pay.. its beginning to be over whelming I don't know what else to do...

Items Needed:  food, help with my fees; cookware; gas; it doesn't matter any thing to help

Additional Comments:  I just want something positive for myself and my son... if I would have know about the site sooner I would have been got in touch... I think its great what this stands for...

  Hill Family of 2
ID # 0707-140

date posted
July 17, 2007

Mother - age 25
1 boy - age 2

Originally from River Ridge, LA
Presently living in Houston, TX

TRAGEDY - HURRICANE KATRINA

 

Details of my Experience:  I have been staying with friends since the beginning of march me and my son had to move back to new Orleans because the lack of hiring in Houston Texas was working a part time job in Houston but where I was working the boss did not want to give me any more hours or days and I only got paid 7.50 an hour. between all my bills and my sons daycare it wasn't enough. SO WHEN I MOVED BACK HOME THE ONLY THINGS I WAS ABLE TO BRING WERE ME AND MY SONS CLOTHES. ALL THE FURNITURE THAT WAS GIVEN TO ME WHEN I MOVED INTO THE APARTMENT AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA, I GAVE IT AWAY TO A FAMILY THAT DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO SLEEP ON. the FURNITURE WAS GIVEN TO ME AND MY SON BRAND NEW OUT THE STORE AND I DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY FOR AN UHAUL SO I GAVE IT TO SOME ONE THAT NEEDED IT. NOW I AM IN A SITUATION WHERE I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING. I AM STRUGGLING TO GET MY DEPOSIT FOR A 2 BEDROOM HOUSE THAT I AM UNDER THE CLC PROGRAM WITH FEMA THE RENT IS PAID BUT I AM NIT IN THE HOUSE AS OF YET BECAUSE I HAVEN'T GOTTEN THE DEPOSIT FOR THE HOUSE WHICH IS 900 DOLLARS. WHICH IS THE CHEAPEST I COULD FIND OUT HERE IN NEW ORLEANS THAT IS TAKING THE CLC PROGRAM. i HAVE BEEN DOING EXTRA WORK TO TRY TO GET THE MONEY ITS HARD CAUSE I HAVE OTHER BILLS TO PAY LIKE MY SONS DAYCARE, CAR NOTE, CAR INSURANCE, PULL UPS, GAS AND GIVING MONEY TO MY FRIEND FOR LETTING ME AND MY SON STAY THERE UNTIL I GET MY OWN AND ALSO FOOD.

Items Needed: furniture, house hold items ,linens, etc.

  Demery  Family of 4
ID # 0707-141

date posted
July 18, 2007

Mother - age 25
2 girls - ages 6, 4
1 boy - age 3

Originally from New Orleans, LA

TRAGEDY - Low Income & Struggling***  Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I am a mother of three, my two daughters have been staying with a family member of there dad in Kentucky I have no way to visit with my girls, my son is living here in La. I am able to see him often, I am a working mom I try several times to rent a place for my kids and my self each time I was turned down because I need to make three times the amount of the rent. I miss my kids and all I ask for is help for a place to call home my girls have been apart from me since two mos. after Hurricane Katrina. Please help!

Items Needed:  I am In need of a place to call home, My kids are small they can sleep in the same bed I can use a bed for them and I can sleep on the floor as long as we are together.

Additional Comments:  Please help!

  Priest  Family of 2
ID # 0707-142

date posted
July 18, 2007

Mother - age 42
1 girl - age 15

Originally from Pass Christian, MS
 

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  Well I went through Hurricane Katrina and lost everything. But because Of the storm I became homeless and was given the opportunity to buy a house but the house is in very bad condition and I was working to jobs to get on my feet and to make a place for me and my youngest daughter. I recently got sick and had to have an emergency hysterectomy. So I lost one job due to the fact that I did not work there long enough to get sick time and my other job does not have short term disability. At this time I was getting back on tract and now everything has went down hill again due to me being sick. If there is any way that someone could help me and my daughter out it would be greatly appreciated it. We are barely making it living with out a/c and bare essentials.

Items Needed:  I would greatly appreciate anything anyone could help me out with. Times are tough right now.

Additional Comments:  I greatly appreciate anything anyone can due for me right now.

  Fleming Family of 3
ID # 0707-143

date posted
July 18, 2007

Mother - age 26
2 boys - ages 8, 6

Originally from New Orleans, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  MY DAUGHTER LOST EVERYTHING IN HURRICANE KATRINA. HER AND HER TWO CHILDREN HAVE NO BEDS OR FURNITURE IN THEIR APARTMENT SHE JUST GOT THE APT

Items Needed:  TV BEDS FOR HER AND HER TWO SONS SHE GET NO HELP FROM THEIR FATHER. UNIFORMS FOR SCHOOLS LINENS COOKWARE FOOD SHE DO NOT GET FOOD STAMPS CLEANING SUPPLIES SHE IS A SINGLE PARENT WORKING VERY HARD WITH HER TWO BOYS. I PRAY AND WISH THAT SHE CAN GET SOME FURNITURE FOR HER APT ESPECIALLY BEDS FOR HER AND HER BOYS THANK YOU

Additional Comments:  she needs the help. the boys wants to go home but they don't have anything to sleep on .THEY WERE IN A TRAILER

  Martin Family of 3
I
D # 0707-144
date posted
July 19, 2007

Grandmother - age 60
Mother - age 39
1 girl - age 13

Originally from Violet, LA
Presently living in Metairie, LA 

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  I lived in St Bernard Parish. I lost 2 homes. I lived in the mother in law quarters and my daughter with her family lived in the family home. I have used my insurance money to help get us through the last 2 years. I am now down to 4000.00 and am bringing home less than I did 3 years ago. I received a raise in pay but with insurance cost my take home pay is much less and there is no overtime. Gas prices are still at 3.00 a gallon. I had to purchase a car last year.

Items Needed:  We have all the clothes we need thanks to good people. I am in need of a better job are a less expensive apartment are house. I work on Veterans Mem blvd. Just 6 miles from my job. Love my job just not enough money to make ends meet.

Additional Comments:  I have applied for the road home back in Dec,06. I have a empty lot but don't know if I can sell it since I have applied for the road home grant.

  Blake Family of 5
ID # 0707-145
date posted
July 19, 2007

Mother - age 30
4 girls - ages 14, 12, 5, 4

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Atlanta, GA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I am a single parent and i need help its hard starting all over with 4 kids i go through depression I have a mentally ill child please somebody help me

Items Needed:  clothing, general household items, school clothes for all of 4 of my girls, cleaning supplies, and shoes please somebody help us if u can

Additional Comments:  please help us

  Toney Family of 2
I
D # 0707-146
date posted
July 19, 2007

Mother - age 34
1 girl - age 14

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Houston, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  It has been a rough 2 years since hurricane Katrina getting established in a new place. Even though things are going fair there are still a lot of things that could be better. Being a single mother with no outside help it is quite challenging.

Items Needed:  help with paying bills, Clothing , food .clothes dryer, medical needs.

 

  McGee Family of 2
ID # 0707-147
date posted
July 19, 2007

Female - age 50
Male - age 53

Originally from Gretna, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  SHE ONLY GET A CHECK 1 TIME A MONTH AND SHE PAYS PHONE LIGHT WATER AND BUYS FOOD WITH THE LITTLE SHE HAS SHE DOESN'T GET FOOD STAMP SHE HAS NO FURNITURE SHE SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR HER AND HER HUSBAND IF U CAN PLEASE HELP HER

Items Needed:  FURNITURE BED MATTRESS LIVING ROOM SET, WASHER DRYER/ N FINANCIAL HELP WITH HER BILLS

  St. Romain Family of 3
ID # 0707-148
date posted
July 19, 2007

Mother - age 29
2 boys - ages 11

Originally from Violet, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I am currently trying my hardest to replace 29 years of my life, one day at a time. It's taking a long time...

Items Needed:  Bath Towels, Kitchen supplies, school supplies, school clothes, comforter sets for boys, Winter clothes, home decor

Additional Comments:  I am been a single mom of twin boys for 11 years now. I have done pretty good for my family until this storm erased all my material and emotional belongings

  McGee Family of 2
ID # 0707-149
date posted
July 19, 2007

Mother - age 41
1 boy - age 14

Originally from Harvey, LA
Presently living in Gretna, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  SHE'S LIVES IN AN APARTMENT SHE HAVE TO PAY ALL BILLS AND STRUGGLE WHILE SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR WITH VERY FEW CLOTHES WITHOUT A DRYER OR WASHER

Items Needed:  FURNITURE LIVING ROOM SET DINET SET BED ROOM SET MATTRESS WASHER AND DRYER AND SHE ALSO NEED FINANCIAL HELP WITH HER BILLS

Additional Comments:  IF U CAN HELP MI AUNT PLEASE HELP HER

  Davis Family of 5
ID # 0707-150
date posted
July 19, 2007

Mother - age 32
2 boys - ages 11, 34
2 girls - ages 12, 8

Originally from Harvey, LA
Presently living in Gretna, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I lived with my cousin for 2 week then went to the shelter for 2 months, and i hope not to go thought that again it's kind of hard to explain and to be honest after the hurricane i never got back on my feet and I been having problems ever since and nobody is trying to help.

Items Needed:  I need cloths, school supplies, food, medical, and general

Additional Comments:  I don't think what they doing is right every time you call for help they give you a run around.

  Davis Family of 5
ID # 0707-151
date posted
July 19, 2007

Mother - age 31
2 girls - ages 16, 15
2 boys - ages 14, 8

Originally from Harvey, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  When we left my children and me still had to worry about the hurricane, because the hurricane hit in Mississippi also. Right now both my children and I still are in need of a house, clothes, and personal belongings.

Items Needed:  We are in need of clothes like I said before to get everything for the house, we need a home.

  McGee Family of 7
ID # 0707-152
date posted
July 19, 2007

Mother - age 32
Father - age 34
3 girls - ages 16, 14, 10
2 boys - ages 13, 12

Originally from Marrero, LA
Presently living in Gretna, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I'M IN AN3 BED ROOM APARTMENT WITH 6 OTHERS IN MY HOUSE HOLD I PAY ALL BILLS AND SOMETIMES STRUGGLE TO BY FOOD I DON'T GET FOOD STAMPS AND I JUST REALLY NEED HELP SCHOOL IS COMING IF YALL COULD PLEASE HELP ME

Items Needed:  I REALLY NEED CLOTHES FOR ME AND MY KIDS I NED SCHOOL CLOTHES FOR THEM I NEED BEDROOM SETS AND WASHER DRYER AND COOK WARE FOOD AND HELP WITH PAYING MY BILLS

Additional Comments:  could yall please help me with my kids school clothes and shoes

  Carter  Family of 2
ID # 0707-153
date posted
July 19, 2007

Mother - age 22
1 girl - age 2

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Baton Rouge, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  10 months before the storm she got her first apartment, she had a baby, Serenity on 7/10/05. Destiny had purchase all of her baby's furniture, baby bady bed, stroller, clothes and pampers, not to mention she had a year's supply of pamper purchased by me and her aunt. She had purchased furniture and clothing for herself and was on maternity leave and about to return to work in 3 weeks. It took Destiny 2 years of salary to get own apartment. After living with me, her mom, Destiny cut every curve and corner saving every dime, and believe me Destiny can make a dollar howler. After founding out she was pregnant and not married, I knew it was time for her to leave the nest. I know within she's depressed, all she says now is I want to go home, but I can't afford it. I want to go home!!! Destiny can come home, but she wants her own.

Items Needed:  Financial Necessities For: Auto insurance, Life insurance, pampers, household cleaning products and clothing. I really believe she needs some therapy she never cried after losing so much, so young.

Additional Comments:  Destiny is a wonderful mom, but she hides within herself and needs help. I can only do so much for my child. Please help.

  Bachtel Family of 5
ID # 0707-154
date posted
July 19, 2007

Mother - age 36
Father - age 32
1 girl - age 5
2 boys - ages 11, 4

Presently living in Saucier, MS

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  Hurricane Katrina destroyed our mobile home and all of our belongings, unfortunately we did not have insurance and because of the way our property deed reads we were unable to receive any help from the government or FEMA. We have moved from family member to family member trying to get back on our feet, but have had no success. We struggle everyday to look into the eyes of our children in hopes that one day they will once again have a home of their own.

Items Needed:  School clothes, and general household item for our children

Additional Comments:  Thank You for thinking of others.

  Pierce Family of 3
ID # 0707-155
date posted
July 19, 2007

Mother - age 38
2 girls - ages 19, 18

Originally from Gretna, LA
Presently living in Austin, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I am living in apartment sleeping on the floor. no blanket, pillows, no bed supplies. no furniture

Items Needed:  school clothing, linens, washer, dryer, ice box, eye glass, cookware, general house items,

  Merrell Family of 2
ID # 0707-156
date posted
July 20, 2007

Female - age 25
Male - age 29

Originally from Gulfport, MS
Presently living in Marietta, GA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  My husband and I lost all we had, we are having to start over by stretch. We have been in Atlanta for almost 2 years (since the storm), but it has not been easy. My husband is trying to find the job in his field that will make the income where we can live comfortably, right now we are living by nickels and pennies with the both of us working. We are both attending school trying to get jobs that will make us more money. We never have any money (gas, clothes, food and misc.) because of the bills and medical bills. We give our tithes to the church in spite of our financial status, but it is tough. We still have not gotten our feet off the ground since the storm.

Items Needed:  Clothes, food, linens, money to pay medical bills (they are turned over to collection agencies) or money for utilities or rent so that we can pay our medical bills. We never have enough money left over to pay our bills when we are trying to by food, clothes, and gas and pay misc. bills.

  Wilson Family of 4
ID # 0707-157
date posted
July 21, 2007

Mother - age 35
2 girls - ages 13, 8
1 boy - age 9

Originally from Mobile, AL
Presently living in Prichard, AL

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  we have been very blessed since Katrina and we are so thankful for all the lord has blessed us with but with three girls we are still behind on a lot of household items that makes every day living bearable. if you lose everything your mind goes to the big items not thinking about the small things that get you through the day or week or month. but we are still doing better than we were so we are thankful.

Items Needed:  school supplies and school clothes, sheets and towels, dishes, household items, socks and underwear

Additional Comments:  thank you God bless

  Sullivan Family of 2
ID # 0707-158
date posted
July 21, 2007

Mother - age 68
Daughter - age 43

Originally from Violet, LA
Presently living in Picayune, MS

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  Me and my mother escaped Katrina by evacuating to Alexandria, La. However my youngest brother stood behind for his girlfriend and lost his life in the hurricane. We not only lost him. We lost our home, beloved pets, and all of our possessions. We lived in a FEMA trailer on my other brother's property in Picayune, MS., for a year until getting an apartment in the housing authority. This is where we are presently living. My mother is still coping with high blood sugar due to stress issues and depression. So our struggle is still going on. We'd like to go back home but cannot.

Items Needed:  We both need all kinds of clothing items. My mother likes shirts and skirts mainly. I need shirts, jeans, dresses, tee shirts, etc. We could also use Wal-Mart gift cards if anyone would like to send us some. Food items are also welcome. We can also use linens big-time such as sheets, spreads, pillow cases, etc. My mother suffers from incontinence so donations of Poise Pads or Depends in the L or XL size are also welcome. Cookware and general household items are also needed in addition for this new apartment of ours. Toiletries and whatever else can also be used. Whatever you'd like to send us is fine. We'd truly appreciate it! Thanks! and God Bless! P.S. I'm also in really bad need of a donation of a car from someone out there as I need it to secure employment and get me and my mother around. As well as a used computer too. I know these things are usually not attainable. But it can't hurt to ask if someone has either and or willing to give it to someone who will truly appreciate it. Thanks!

Additional Comments:  We'd appreciate any and all donations. Thanks so much!

  Karcher Family of 5
I
D # 0707-160
date posted
July 21, 2007

Mother - age 28
Father - age 32
3 girls - ages 10, 10, 6

Originally from Violet, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  We are just starting to rebuild our family home after Hurricane Katrina. Even though it has been almost two years since Katrina, we are still struggling to make ends meet while trying to repair our home. We are living in a FEMA trailer for the time being until the house is finished. We don't have the money to finish fixing it so it is slow going. Any help would be wonderful.

Items Needed:  The kids will be starting school in August and they still need school supplies and uniforms.

Additional Comments:  Thanks so much for any help you can give!

  Cross Family of 6
ID # 0707-162
date posted
July 22, 2007

Mother - age 34
Father - age 38
3 girls - ages 13, 2, 1                       1 boy - age 3

Originally from Terrytown, LA
Presently living in Spring Grove, IL

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience: came home from working at Northrop Grumman on Saturday two days before hurricane, convinced by wife to leave I was going to stay. I think my wife everyday, first moved to shelter, to hotel to feta/fannie mae home

Items Needed:  To whom it may concern: Hello my name is Mark Cross my wife is Chiquita we have four beautiful kid’s their age’s are 13,3,2 and 1 we are hurricane Katrina survivor’s and we live in McHenry county in the village of Spring Grove. The reason for my letter is we are in immediate and dire need of financial assistance in the form of check, gift card, gas card, any and everything is needed. Neither me nor my wife are working we e-mail our résumé’s daily to different companies and I know it’s just a matter of time before we land a job but for now just for example: I start college in a few week’s trying to better myself I have no new clothes, in spring grove you have to add water softener to your tank we have no money for that our kid’s are in very desperate need of new clothes, toy’s, wipes, pull-up’s, pampers etc… We live of my wife $400 a month child support check and $700 a month food stamp’s that’s it for a family of 6 we need your help desperately. Also we live in a FEMA/Fannie Mae home until Jan.24,2008 rent free if it wasn’t for this program we would probably be homeless like we were after Katrina. We live at 6912 Edgewood road in spring grove, Illinois 60081 and my phone number is (815) 823-4347 or (815) 675-6947

Additional Comments:  please help, right away

  

  Thompson Family of 2
I
D # 0707-163
date posted
July 22, 2007

Female - age 43
Male - age 41

Originally from Metairie, LA             Presently living in Houston, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience: I worked until the day of the storm for waste management. I left a few hours before Katrina hit. it was a very hard trip to get to Lafayette la., only hour and 30mins.away,it took 11hrs.to get there. through the grace of god I made it. I never saw so much rain and high winds in my life, so much lightning and thunder it was impossible to get food or gas it was very horrible, also I seen some very horrible things happening, road destruction from debris such as trees billboards all airborne striking cars, gas stations ,lots of people in cars that ran out of gas ,some even with little kids, some unconscious. everyone including myself were helping each other. it was horrific.

Items Needed:  clothes, general household items in currently in school anything would be appreciated, thank you.

Additional Comments:  thanks for this website and may god bless all of you.

  Johnson Family of 2
I
D # 0707-164
date posted
July 23, 2007

Mother - age 46
1 boy - age 15

Originally from New Orleans, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I had to walk in the water for miles to get to a secure place. I am having flashbacks and experiencing deep depression.

Items Needed:  Permanent housing, clothing, household items, school clothes for my son, food. I just need some stability!!!!!

  Sharieff Family of 2
ID # 0707-165
date posted
July 23, 2007

Mother - age 35
1 boy - age 3

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Metarie, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  victim of Katrina, relocated to north Carolina, got some help there came back to new Orleans and couldn't get any assistance, my son needs to be in daycare or school, trying to find a job currently living with some friends, but don't know how long that will last, afraid of being homeless with my child.

Items Needed:  housing, food, clothing, employment and schooling for my son

  Felio Family of 3
ID # 0707-166
date posted
July 23, 2007

Mother - age 36
1 girl - age 18
1 boy - age 17

Originally from Gulfport, MS          Presently living in Doraville, GA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  before hurricane Katrina I lived in the new Orleans area I have been to over 4 different homes sense then I lived in the gulf coast area for 16months and my situation was worse then it had been sense the storm now I'm in the stat of Georgia where my children was born I'm trying to just put my life back on track and God knows it has been truly trying time please please pray for and with me please thank you so very much

Items Needed:  clothing for me and my two children linens we live now in a one bed room apartment right now we are just trying to get our life back my son will be in need of some school I'm out everyday trying to get back in the work force and it to is a hard process in it self but i will keep going with Gods help

Additional Comments:  thank so much just wanting to help the people who are in need

  Bourgeois Family of 2
ID # 0707-167
date posted
July 23, 2007

Mother - age 86
Daughter - age 48

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Fort Worth, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  My family and I lived in a hotel until Fema started paying our rent for a few months. During our stay at the hotel my mother started to show signs of dementia according to the doctors the cause was due to stress any being out of her element, this happen to a few of my elderly relatives. We lost everything including a family member.

Items Needed:  My mother is in need of clothes. we also need cookware and general household items, medical needs.

Additional Comments:  Thank You!

  Matthews Family of 3
ID # 0707-168
date posted
July 23, 2007

Mother - age 30
1 girl - age 10
1 boy - age 4

Originally from New Orleans,  LA
Presently living in Houston, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  It was heart broken to see everything you worked so hard for gone washed away, but I thank God me and my kids are still here starting our lives all over again.

Items Needed:  clothes, shoes, linens, school clothes, and transportation.

  Cockheran Family of 2
ID # 0707-169
date posted
July 24, 2007

Mother - age 22
1 girl - age 6

Originally from New Orleans, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  It was worst feeling you could I was stuck for four days and on top of that I lost my daughter for like two weeks I was in Dallas and she was in el pose TX its been real hard for me and her because being a single mom with no help and on top of that I just move back home so I no where to go I'm try find a job but have wait until school start so I can get a job I stay with my mom for now but she cant help me I just thank god for every I have now and for help you can give me and daughter

Items Needed:  clothes, lines, cookware, cleaning supplies, school clothes and shoes a bed for me and her

Additional Comments:  thank you very much for what ever help you can give me and my daughter and god bless

  Brown Family of 3
ID # 0707-170
date posted
July 24, 2007

Mother - age 42
Father - age 49
1 girl - age 5

Originally from New Orleans, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  Its real hard for me my he try and get our house together but hard because so many contractor are take people money and not finishing the we are also try to help my daughter with her child because she a single mom if very stress out I feel went I take one foot forward I take five back

Items Needed:  clothing, linens, cookware, food general household items, school clothes, cleaning supplies and all help you could give

Additional Comments:  thank you for all your help and god bless the browns

  Murray Family of 3
ID # 0707-171
date posted
July 24, 2007

Mother - age 58
Daughter - age 21
1 girl - age 2

Originally from Kenner, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  please help us every thing we have in the house come from the hurricane.

Items Needed:  clothing, linens, food, cookware, general household, cleaning supplies, yard tools etc.

Additional Comments:  we would to say thank you for whatever you do for me and my family

  Delmore Family of 5
ID # 0707-172
date posted
July 24, 2007

Mother - age 30
2 boys - ages 8, 7
2 girls - ages 13, 8

Originally from New Orleans, LA  Presently living in Monroe, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  hurricane Katrina it was the most sorrow that I ever face in my life. hurricane Katrina took everything I own.

Items Needed:  clothing, school clothes, cleaning supplies and linen.

 

  Davis Family of 5
ID # 0707-173
date posted
July 24, 2007

Mother - age 35
2 boys - ages 21, 8 months
2 girls - ages 16, 18

Originally from Gretna, LA    Presently living in Monroe, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  Me and My kids were stuck in the house for 5 days with no food or water My mother drove from Monroe, LA to get us and its like my life never been the same I'm in need for everything house, cloths, car, job, food, school clothes, school supplies, shoes

Items Needed:  household items cleaning cookware linens

Additional Comments:  Thank You

  Pitalo Family of 2
ID # 0707-174
date posted
July 25, 2007

Mother - age 43
1 girl - age 16

Originally from Gulfport, MS  Presently living in Biloxi, MS

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  We've made the transition into permanent housing but lack so much of what we need.

Items Needed:  Queen size sheets, we've got no living room furniture but are on a list with red cross. School will be starting & supplies would be greatly appreciated.

Additional Comments:  Anybody that's gone through this ordeal my heart truly goes out to God Bless!!

  Glover Family of 2
ID # 0707-175
date posted
July 25, 2007

Mother - age 56
1 boy - age 26

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Houston, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  I was horrified of my experience. I is a constant struggle I lost everything. The place I call home was taken away and ripped away from family and close friends. Threw it all I trust in God and he has helped me get trough these trying times .

Items Needed:  Clothing for my self and son. My son has had to relocate to Houston with me because of personal reasons. Ashton is in need of money for gas to go back an forth the work. We are in need of food , personal items and general household items. Aston is in need of a place to stay because the living arrangement are not condusive for family living.

  Johnson Family of 2
ID # 0707-176
date posted
July 25, 2007

Mother - age 34
1 girl - age 1

Originally from St. Rose,  LA
Presently living in Boutte, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  I am staying in a travel trailer. I'm always sick and my 1yr old daughter is also. She has asthma, exzumel and now she has allergy.

Items Needed:  school clothes, clothes, linens, food etc.

  Lee Family of 5
ID # 0707-177
date posted
July 25, 2007

Mother - age 35
Father - age 48
3 boys - ages 9, 8, 7

Originally from New Orleans, LA   Presently living in Franklin, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  My daughter, her husband and children was on the rooftop of their house for three days during the Katrina Disaster.

Items Needed:  school clothes, linens, general household items, pots, pans,

Additional Comments:  I am submitting this on behalf of the Burrell Family who is still in need of service. They also need counseling services because they were on the rooftop for three days and the kids have nightmare of that experience.

  Williams Family of 4
ID # 0707-179
date posted
July 25, 2007

Mother - age 33
2 boys - ages 11, 10
1 girl - age 17

Originally from New Orleans, LA Presently living in Dallas, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  I REALLY NEED HELP RELOCATING BACK HOME I FEEL LONELY AND ALONE BECAUSE EVERYBODY I MET AFTER THE HURRICANE HAS SINCE RETURNED BACK HOME.

Items Needed:  CLOTHING FOR MYSELF AND MY KIDS AS WELL AS SCHOOL UNIFORMS.

Additional Comments:  ANY HELP I RECEIVE WOULD BE DEEPLY APPRECIATED1

  Williams Family of 1
ID # 0707-180
date posted
July 25, 2007

Female - age 52

Originally from New Orleans, LA  Presently living in Dallas, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  IT WAS SO DEVASTATING THAT I COULDN'T SLEEP AT NIGHT FOR MONTHS AND I STILL HAVE TROUBLE SLEEPING.

Items Needed:  CLOTHES, AND MEDICAL NEEDS

Additional Comments:  THANK YOU

  Ackerson Family of 4
ID # 0707-181
date posted
July 26, 2007

Mother - age 54
3 boys - ages 18, 15, 13

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Covington, GA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  the children listed are my grandchildren. my daughter passed away on December 30,2005. I am now raising them. we relocated from new Orleans Louisiana to Covington Georgia from hurricane Katrina.

Items Needed:  the kid are in need of school clothing and shoes.

Additional Comments:  I have gone to different agencies, but have not had any luck with clothes and shoes for the boys. Justin shoe size is 9,roosevelt 11 and Roderick is 10.

  Grady Family of 5
ID # 0707-182
date posted
July 26, 2007

Mother - age 55
Father - age 52
3 boys - ages 20, 20, 33

Originally from New Orleans, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  My family and I left New Orleans for Katrina and stayed with my sister-in-laws friend in Shreveport for about two months. After leaving Shreveport, we came back to Louisiana and stayed in a hotel for about a month with the help of my husbands job. After leaving there, a friend talked to the apartment manager in Gonzales and there my family and I stayed there until July. We are back at home now but is still in need of a lot items. This was a really bad experience for all of us. There are times now when I am alone, I find a quiet place and just sit and cry.

Items Needed:  We are in need of clothing, cookware, general household items, cleaning supplies, linens, and shoes. But anything that we could get would helpful.

Additional Comments:  Anything would be helpful. Thanks

  Lee Family of 3
ID # 0707-183
date posted
July 26, 2007

Mother - age 42
1 boy - age 11
1 girl - age 9

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Jefferson, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

ADOPTED BY THE HAYNAL FAMILY IN SAG HARBOR, NEW YORK 11/26/07

THANK YOU!!!

Details of my Experience:  Katrina was a disaster it destroyed everything we had. We lived in a shelter for two nights and with five different family members homes moving from place to place. We stayed in a hotel for four months .I found an apartment thank God. We are still in need of help.

Items Needed:  Clothing, linens, Cookware, Food, Household items, School uniforms, School Shoes, School Supplies, Cleaning Supplies, Towels, Financial help for bills. Thank you in advance for you help. We will appreciate any help you can give. Thank you.

Additional Comments:  We would like to thank you for you blessing and you consideration.

  Poole Family of 2
ID # 0707-184
date posted
July 26, 2007

Mother - age 47
Father- age 47

Originally from Marrero, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  It Was A HORRIFYING Experience. We Were In The Dark For Weeks. We Had To Use WATER Out Of The Hot Water Heather.

Items Needed:  Clothing Cookware Food Medical Needs Shoes Household Items

  Garris Family of 1
ID # 0707-185
date posted
July 26, 2007

Male - age 45                      

Originally from Port Sulphur, LA
Presently living in Roswell, GA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I LOST MY MOBILE HOME AND ALL OF MY CLOTHES, JEWELRY, AND FURNITURE AND AUTOMOBILE. in ADDITION, I LOST ALL MY ACTING PORTFOLIOS, HEADSHOTS, ETC. WHICH WERE QUITE EXPENSIVE. I'M STILL EXPERIENCING POST TRAUMATIC STRESS AND I'M SEEKING SOME EMOTIONAL COUNSELING TO HOPEFULLY RECEIVE SOME ANTI-DEPRESSION MEDICATION.

Items Needed:  I AM MOST IN NEED OF RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND AN AUTOMOBILE. I AM ALSO IN NEED OF CLOTHES SUCH AS SUITS FOR CHURCH. BED LINENS AND TOWELS AS WELL.

  Robertson Family of 4
ID # 0707-186
date posted
July 26, 2007

Mother - age 37
3 boys - ages 16, 14, 8

Originally from Biloxi, MS
Presently living in Columbia, TN

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  Hurricane Katrina changed my life in so many ways as well as my children's. We left before the hurricane and stayed in a hotel here in TN. for about 2 weeks until we could go back home to see what we had left. Years of hard work were taken away in less then 24 hours. It's difficult for me to put in words what this has done to us. I am not looking for a hand out I have always worked for everything. My life has changed and that required me to go back to school. The town that I live in offers very little pay. My part time job has become my main source of income. My family can not survive on this so that is why I choose to go back to school and obtain a degree in allied health. I drive back and forth from Columbia to Nashville 100 miles a day. My main issue at this time is help with gas and school clothes for my children. I am a full time student so I am sure you can see it is rough. Its so hard for me to type this and would be easier for me to explain in a phone conversation. Its hard to type and wipe your tears. sorry.

Items Needed:  as mentioned above.

  Winfield Family of 5
ID # 0707-187
date posted
July 26, 2007

Mother - age 35
Father - age 45
1 boy - age 10
2 girls - ages 15, 13

Originally from Marrero, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  Right now we just need to get back on our feet. We have moved back to new Orleans and have a lot of work to be done to our house. We are trying to get the house back where it can be livable again. School is about to start and we are struggling. We have to pay the rent, utilities and try to provide food. We are in need of some simple things.......if you can help with this......our family would deeply appreciate it.

Items Needed:  Clothing, shoes, school supplies, kitchen utensils, appliance, towels and anything else that can make our home a home again.

Additional Comments:  Any help in rebuilding is greatly appreciated. We would like to move on and catch up.

 

  Clark Family of 6
ID # 0707-188
date posted
July 26, 2007

Mother - age 40
Father - age 41
1 boy - age 19
2 girls - ages 18, 15               Grandmother - age 57

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Katy, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  WE LOST EVERY THING WE DID NOT EAT FOR 2 DAYS MY PASTOR FOUND US AND HELPED US TO SAFETY EVERY SINCE ITS HARD TO GET ON OUR FEET BECAUSE FINANCIALLY

Items Needed:  CLOTHING FOOD CLEANING SUPPLIES POTS DISHES TV TRANSPORTATION

  Boudoin Family of 4
ID # 0707-189
date posted
July 27, 2007

Mother - age 59
3 girls - ages 30, 11, 39

Originally from Marrero, LA
Presently living with family members in Covington, GA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  I am in need of housing at this present time .

Items Needed:  cookware, food, and general household.

  

  Ackerson Family of 3
ID # 0707-190
date posted
July 28, 2007

Mother - age 33
1 girl - age 12                                    1 boy - age 7

Presently living in Covington, GA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

ADOPTED BY A FAMILY IN LAKELAND, FLORIDA 11/27/07

THANK YOU!!!

Details of my Experience:  it has been a very heart breaking experience for my family and I, but we are very prayerful in this time of need.

Items Needed:  clothing, cookware, shoes, and food.

Additional Comments:  thanks for any thing that you can help my family and i with. we will be very grateful.

  Merrell Family of 2
ID # 0707-191
date posted
July 28, 2007

Female - age 25
Male - age 29

Originally from Gulfport, MS
Presently living in Atlanta, GA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  We like a lot of people lost everything we had expect our two cars. We did not have a house but we were in the market of buying a home. Thanks be to God that had not taken place yet. We were not at our home at the time of Katrina. My husband was told he had to be at work, so me and other families and employees of the Harrison county correctional facility shared a room with our blankets and etc... We stayed there for a little over a week. We then went to see our home after the storm and everything was destroyed. We then called some family in Atlanta and they took us in for as long as they could. Then we moved in with a stranger that wanted to volunteer helping Katrina victims. We stayed there for 6 months. We both got jobs and then moved into our own apartment. We never really got on our feet. We need all the help we can get. Our bills out weighs the money that we make, and whatever extra money we make goes on misc... We just need a chance to get on our feet, please help us!

Items Needed:  Clothing (church and casual), linen (king bed), food, financial assistance for medical bills and utilities, pots and pans.

Additional Comments:  We would like to thank everyone in advance for your contributions. May the Lord bless you according to your heart. God Bless!

  Dove Family of 4
ID # 0707-192
date posted
July 28, 2007

Mother - age 36
1 boy - age 13
2 girls - ages 9, 6

Originally from Port Sulphur, LA
Presently living with family members in Brookhaven, MS

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  We are from Port Sulphur La in Plaquemines Parish. we lost everything in Katrina . When we went back to see what we could save there was nothing left. We have been living in ms but are trying to go back home .

Items Needed:  school clothes and supplies. and general household items.

Additional Comments: any help would be grateful..

  Johnson Family of 5
ID # 0707-193
date posted
July 28, 2007

Mother - age 31
3 boys - ages 15, 11, 7
1 girl - age 14

Originally from Harvey, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  it was a real trying time for me and my children we were stranded no food, no water we had to make due with what we could salvage in our homes and that was really nothing cause we lost everything.

Items Needed:  clothing and food

  Shaver Family of 5
ID # 0707-194
date posted
July 29, 2007

Mother - age 24
Father - age 27
1 boy - age 5
1 girl - age 3
Unborn Child

Originally from Lacombe, LA
Presently living in Benton, AR

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  Right now we are living in Arkansas. We want so badly to move back home to Louisiana, however we just can't afford it. We unexpectedly found out we were pregnant 2 months ago and have been figuring out what to do since. We were doing pretty good before this but it just seems every time we get one step ahead we fall back two. My main concerns right now are just getting clothing and other necessities for the baby. I didn't save anything from my previous two as I was not planning on having any more children. We live pay check to pay check and the raise my husband was suppose to get he is no longer getting. Instead he was told last week his hours are going to be cut. We are already living below poverty and well I just have no idea what this will do to us. I am tired of living like this. I was suppose to get a job ad go back to school in august but well with this baby coming I just can't see that happening now.

Items Needed:  My children are going to be in need of winter clothing as they seem to change sizes on me every season. My son will also be needing school items as well. We could use towels and sheets for our beds. Anything baby at all is also needed as we have nothing. I don't know yet what they baby will be but hopefully in the next month or so will find out.

Additional Comments:  The blank below I do not know what our registration number was before but we were on the hurricane Katrina angel tree last year and the year before.

  Triggs Family of 4
ID # 0707-195
date posted
July 30, 2007

Mother - age 28
2 girls - ages 14, 2
Grandmother - age 50

Originally from Kenner, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  My home received 2 feet of water and 4 feet of mold during Hurricane Katrina. We lost everything. I decided to move to Atlanta, GA. I stayed there for a year while my home was being repaired, then I returned back to my old home. I have been working a full time job but I just can't get ahead. My bills are always late. My car payments are behind, I can't afford renter's insurance to secure my home from any future disasters. My kids don't understand why they can't have the things the other kids have. For their birthdays they ask for parties, but all I can spare is cake & ice-cream. Hopefully you find this family in desperate need. I can't buy weekly household needs like the toiletries and cleaning supplies because when we go to Wal-Mart, by the time we get to the register I have to put the goods back because the bill is too high.

Items Needed:  We mostly need clothing, school uniforms, a washer & dryer, towels, Laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, linens, a lawn mower to cut our grass and, utility assistance.

Additional Comments:  Thanks for taking the time to care.

  Pelas Family of 7
ID # 0707-196
date posted
July 30, 2007

Mother - age 32
3 girls - ages 16, 13, 9
2 boys - ages 12, 10
Sister - age 33

Originally from Violet, LA
Presently living in Chalmette, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  I had 20 feet of water inside of my home losing everything that I have ever had is not the worst part of it all like every one thinks it's not knowing if your friends and family is still alive after 2years since hurricane Katrina hit us it hurts so hard that i try not to even think about them but when you love someone it's hard for them not to cross your mind.

Items Needed:  food ,my sister's kids have no toys and they cry all the time, clothes, school stuff, cleaning stuff

Additional Comments:  thank you for what ever it may be that ya'll can do for us

  Seeden Family of 6
ID # 0707-197
date posted
July 30, 2007

Mother - age 23
Father - age 34
3 boys - ages 6, 2, 4 months
1 girl - age 5

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Kalamazoo, MI

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  My family was displaced in Michigan after the storm. we really would like to go back home because of lack of jobs in Kalamazoo. my husband has been out of work for quit some time now and things are really getting even harder for us now. we need help with a place to live or first months rent or deposited and thing helps right now. maybe even a website or phone number of someone that can help us would be great.

Items Needed:  a home, first months rent, deposit.

Additional Comments:  maybe a number to a organization that help people go back home would be great.

  Jones Family of 2
ID # 0707-198
date posted
July 31, 2007

Mother - age 44
1 boy - age 14

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Fort Worth, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  My son and I evacuated to the Superdome before the storm. We were there for 6 days until we were bussed to Fort Worth, TX. We stayed at a shelter for 6 weeks until we were placed in a apartment paid for by FEMA. We had to move because public transportation was inaccessible. We now live in our current apartment about 18 months, also paid for by FEMA. Our FEMA rental assistance expires at the end of August. Although I am blessed with 2 jobs, I'm working less than 30 hours a week total. Each job barely pays above minimum wage. But according to the state, I'm making too much money so they reduced my food stamp allotment to $10 (yes, ten dollars!). So, after food, utilities, and bus fare, I'm down to almost nothing. The FEMA money received for personal damages was used to bury my dad, who was also victimized by Katrina. During the past year, my son has been diagnosed with asthma. I have bronchitis and have been diagnosed with kidney disease. I need dental care, and there are no dentists who will treat adults with Medicaid insurance. My goal is to start a business to create a better life for my son and myself, but start up costs are tremendous. Life is a struggle for now, but I know my God will make a way. He always does.

Items Needed:  fan/heater combo unit, school supplies and clothes, gift cards from Target and Wal-Mart, amplified Bible, men's shoes size 13, ladies shoes size 8 1/2 or 9, ladies clothing, household items and cleaning supplies, personal items, anything the Spirit leads you to do

Additional Comments:  I praise God for your support and prayers. Thank you for remembering the hurricane survivors. God bless you all!!

  Thornton Family of 5
ID # 0707-199
date posted
July 31, 2007

Mother - age 24
Father - age 33
2 boys - ages 2, 4 months
1 girl - age 1

Originally from Harvey, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  My disaster experience was horrible, at the time my oldest son had just made 4 months and I had just recently found out I was pregnant with my daughter. One of the days we stayed on the bridge it was very scary because they had people in this hotel shouting out of the window over our heads just being stupid for no reason. The next morning waking up trying to walk the bridge to get the convention center, it was hot, watching elderly people falling out was very sad to see. Finally arriving at the convention center people shooting, people falling dieing what a sight to see. I even remember holding this 2 week old this lady she had 3 other children she was trying to feed, looking down at the baby when I noticed the eyes was rolling in his head he was dehydrated. I will never forget that Saturday when they said they had buses and we had to walk many blocks to get to them but I Thank God I made it. Right now I'm struggling the cost of living has really went up .

Items Needed:  clothing, cookware, general household items, rental assistance.

  Barrett Family of 3
ID # 0707-200
date posted
July 31, 2007

Mother - age 24
2 boys - ages 8, 3

Originally from Chalmette, LA
Presently living with family members in Tyler, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I lost EVERYTHING just like a lot of others. I am blessed by God and keep my head up. I lost my hearing after the Hurricane and I'm unable to work to really support my little family as I was.

Items Needed:  clothing for me and my sons ,linens, cookware items, food, general household items, school clothes, cleaning supplies, beds for me and my sons, transportation, gas money for the time being.

  Dorsey Family of 3
ID # 0707-201
date posted
July 31, 2007

Mother - age 25
1 boy - age 3
1 girl - age 7

Originally from New Orleans, LA
Presently living in Houston, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I know that it has been 2 yrs since Katrina, but I want to share my story because it lives within me and will always. We did not evacuate for Hurricane Katrina. We stood behind in my second floor apartment thinking we would be safe. Unfortunately, I was wrong. During Katrina, we made out ok until the water begin rising. The water started to rise over my first floor and I knew I had to some how get the kids out of the apartment. Everyone was crying, we were all scared. My neighbor next door called for us to come to her house because she had a third floor apartment and it was much higher. I couldn't swim, but I managed to get the kids out one at a time. I broke down a door in my apartment to float next door. The flood waters came all the way up to the second floor and there was no escape. The next day it was worse. All the food began to sour and there was little to no drinking water. I was scared for the children. I was scared for their lives. The water was not going down. There were helicopters flying around with their cameras, videotaping, but not helping. Screams from blocks away, I knew people were suffering. To make a very long story short, we were rescued after 3 days by boat. We were taken to a bridge where we were later bussed to the Astrodome in Houston. We stood in the Astrodome for 2 days and I then brought the kids to a hotel and we stayed for 4 weeks until I found a apartment.

Items Needed:  We are in need of household items, school uniforms and supplies. I'm also currently attending school full-time and could use notebooks, pens and pencils. Clothing for myself and the 2 kids. Medicine

  Martin Family of 1
ID # 0707-202
date posted
August 01, 2007

Male - age 53

Originally from La Place, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I've lived through all the major hurricanes to hit this area in my lifetime; but for me that day in August 2005 was one of the worst .. Katrina brought more misery to the people down here .. people are still struggling to make ends meet from day to day.

Items Needed:  Clothes would help very much; but for me being able to receive dental treatment would be the most important thing to me .. it would be nice to have a nice smile again.

  Williams Family of 3
ID # 0707-203
date posted
August 01, 2007

Father - age 22
2 boys - ages 1, 9 months

Originally from Violet, LA   Presently living in Tyler, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I have been struggling to pay bill and maintain while managing to support my children. I suffer with Crone Disease which is very expensive because I have no insurance and I have been denied several times. I really need help if any is available.

Items Needed:  I mainly need medical assistance for me and personal items and food for my kids. I need clothing, food, television, a laptop computer to continue my studies as an graphic artist, so that when I am finished I my pursuit a job as an graphic engineer.

Additional Comments:  Thank You for hearing me out and blessing everyone you've assisted with your services.

  Johnson Family of 1
ID # 0707-204
date posted
August 02, 2007 

Female - age 32

Originally from New Orleans, LA   Presently living in Humble, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  my husband and I have both lost our jobs here in Texas and we r really in need now we r 3 months behind on our house note and our house will be foreclosed on soon and we are trying our best to get be with our kids and now we get don't know what to do. please help us

Items Needed:  anything we can get

  Smith Family of 5
ID # 0707-205
date posted
August 02, 2007

Mother - age 50
2 boys - ages 20, 8
2 girls - ages 7, 6

Originally from Picayune, MS   Presently living with family members in Jackson, MS

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  it took 6 months to get fema to give me a number. then they said I was too late for many of the programs. after 11 months they sent me 6500.for all our things and 613.for rent assistance. this was 7/06.i tried to get help to salvage anything I could. I got cheated for 500.00 I tried to buy a car the motor broke after 6 months . I asked for more rent assistance from fema they said since I was living with friends or family they do not duplicate services. so I guess that means if you can bum off someone that's your only choice. my 30yr.old daughter was helping the 20 yr. old pay the bills, she moved back to picayune to a friends 3months ago. my son was being a plumber's helper but the work slowed down so after 3 weeks of 1 to 2 days of work. he got a new job putting up siding but that to is slow due to rain. so here we are stuck bills are get behind and so is the rent.

Items Needed:  medical needs. eyeglasses for me and the 2 grands, medicines, we do need yard tools rake, clippers, lawn mower.

Additional Comments:  I hope this is the e-mail address my son set it up for me this is the first time I am trying to use it. please any help is greatly appreciated. thank you.

  

  Brown Family of 3
ID # 0707-206
date posted
August 02, 2007

Mother - age 51
Father - age 43
1 boy - age 25

Originally from New Orleans, LA   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  unbelievable experience still have a brother missing since the storm have not made any contact whatsoever. ace was shot in the head immediately following the storm on top of everything we already went through. this family has been through a lot. we still have hurricane victims residing with us two years after the storm who cant get their lives together because the cost of living is so high. we have ten people living in one house trying to get their lives back on track and two of them pregnant. we desperately need help,

Items Needed:  clothing linens household items medical and dental

  Amos Family of 4
ID # 0707-207
date posted
August 04, 2007

Mother - age 23                              3girls - ages 5 months, 2, 3

Originally from Carencro, LA   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  well, I recently had a baby and had to quit my job because of a high risk pregnancy and having a baby meant that I need things for the baby so I had to dip into the little money I had saved and paying rent and utilities and not working kind of sent me into a hole. my kids are about to start school and I have a no school school or supplies. I recently got out a shelter for battered women a month before I had my baby they helped get place I have no money, furniture, food but I have a lot of tears .my lights got cut off so I am at my neighbors home until I figure what is going to be done on top of that my august rent hasn't been paid but neighbor said she'll try her best to help because she knows i am a good mother

Items Needed:  school clothes, school supplies, linens, cookware, food, house hold items, cleaning supplies

  McKeehan Family of 4
ID # 0707-208
date posted
August 04, 2007

Mother - age 29
Father - age 32
2 boys - age 8, 5

Originally from Slidell, LA   Presently living in St. Francisville, LA

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  My name is Sara McKeehan and my family and I was living in Slidell, La. when Hurricane Katrina hit. When we went home we found that there had been six feet of Lake Pontchatrain water inside of our home. It was a mobile home so there was no way of repairing the damage .So they declared to have it bulldozed to the ground. We stayed between my grandfathers one bedroom app. and my mother in laws. We had nowhere to sleep but the floor but I was thankful we had that. After a month or so FEMA called with a camper for us but we had no were to put it. We put in the only place open at the time in campground across the street from were or house was. Well it was four of us living in a 33\foot trailer. The park has no electricity, no water, the sewer would back up and flood the back of the trailer. We had to get out of there, my children stayed sick it was not worth 135.00 a week. My husbands sister was living in St.Francisville and learned of the way we were living and told us to come stay with her and her daughter. We stayed with them for a year. It was so hard to find work to try and get a place. My mother passed away in November 06 and she left me her trailer that she was fixing up. So now we are living in a trailer park in St.Francisville in my mothers trailer. It needs a lot of work, but its a start. we feel blessed that we have a place to call home again, i just wish it could have been a different way. WE will never get back what we lost but with your help maybe we can live normal lives again. THANK YOU FOR DOING THESE THINGS FOR PEOPLE IN NEED, THE LORD SEES ALL AND YOU WILL TRULY BE BLESSED FOR IT. HOPE TO HEAR FORM YOU SOON GOD BLESS Sara McKeehan and Family.....

Items Needed:  clothing, washer, dryer, school cloths, stove, work tools, sheetrock an painting; cookware, linens, pillows, shoes

  Williams Family of 3
ID # 0707-209
date posted
August 05, 2007

Mother - age 43
1 boy - age 19
1 girl - age 13

Originally from New Orleans, LA   Presently living in Polit Point, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I lost everything in New Orleans and was separated from my children, caused by being trapped for many days in New Orleans. The father was taking care of them, I reside in Memphis following Katrina and my children in Texas. Their father returned to new Orleans, leaving my son to care for himself. I moved to Texas to care for my children and are now living with relatives of ten, not to include my two children and I.

Items Needed:  The most I need is getting my children and I settle in housing, although FEMA, pays for housing I have no means of the deposit and getting utilities. I am currently looking for a job, but its hard without transportation and both relatives work. I am also in need of my children school clothes and supplies.

Additional Comments:  I guess this is the hardest letter I have actually written, but my family and I really need assistance. Losing everything my family and I owned has really been hard, losing income of 85,000 a year as a single parent. Not able to return back to New Orleans because of the conditions.

  Williamson Family of 4
ID # 0707-210
date posted
August 05, 2007

Mother - age 33
Father - age 53
2 boys - ages 11, 10 

Originally from Violet, LA   Presently living in Tyler, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  we were approved for sba loan which we still have not been able to meet requirements to get the loan and because we were approved for sba loan we did not get any funds from fema for personal property or vehicles only fema trailer we are living.

Items Needed:  need school supplies, need shoes for boys size 7.5 & 7 men's, boys size 16 & 18 pants boys XLG shirts , men's 36w 32l levis, gain or tide laundry soap, Palmolive dish soap, any other household cleaning supplies, size 14 women's clothes, ramen noodles and cup of soups, shelves, storage containers, non stick skillet, these and any other items you can think of would be greatly appreciated. thank you

  Ferrand Family of 5
ID # 0707-211
date posted
August 06, 2007

Mother - age 41
Father - age 45
2 boys - ages 16, 6
1 girl - age 9

Originally from New Orleans, LA   Presently living in Fort Worth, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  My family and I were in the hurricane' and have seen a lot of things and we are happy to be Alive. We need help with utilities and food and also the rent.

Items Needed:  At this time we are not receiving any food stamps. We are running low on food. And also school is about to start we can use some help with school supplies and clothing. We also need cleaning supplies, cookware, linens, a lawn mower ,We really need our teeth fixed because of heath reasons. We would have been able to have our teeth fixed 'but when the storm came and we were homeless we had to take care of the most important things like right now .THANK YOU, Miss R.F

  Scott Family of 2
ID # 0707-212
date posted
August 07, 2007

Mother - age 21
1 boy - age 1

Originally from Lafitte, LA    

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  well mines was a disaster from hell I went 2 a shelter n it was trouble went into labor at 6mths they took my son never seen him 4 3 months

Items Needed:  clothes housing

Additional Comments:  god bless

  Thompson Family of 3
ID # 0707-213
date posted
August 07, 2007

Wife - age 22
Husband - age 23
Uncle - age 47

Originally from Biloxi, MS   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  I stayed in Biloxi. I rented. I did leave but came back to nothing. I lost everything even my cat pepper. Since Katrina its been a hard struggle. I cant work because I take care of my sickly uncle. and my fiancée works but doesn't bring much home. our car broke down so now I have no way to get my uncle to the doctor and my fiancée to work. we had to cancel our wedding because my uncles health comes first. I lost my only child a son in 2003. since then I cant get pregnant and my best friend has asked me to adopt her daughter to be born in nov. but I cant afford to buy the things I need for her. We are starting to get on our feet but everything needed for a baby is and can be very expensive.

Items Needed:  baby girl clothes 0-up ,diapers bottles ,  blankets, a bassinette. we need nothing for us just the baby.

Additional Comments:  If some one can help with anything Its is appreciated and God Bless You .Without Out Help From An Angel can give me and my fiancée something we may never have had a child.

  Scott Family of 2
ID # 0707-214
date posted
August 09, 2007

Mother - age 21
1 boy - age 1

Originally from Lafitte, LA   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  WELL I HAD A HELL OF A DISASTER I DON'T KNOW WHERE I SHOULD START FIRST WELL AT THE TIME I WAS 6MONTHS PREGNANT N SO ME N MY FAMILY WENT 2 A SHELTER WHERE THERE WAS NO FOOD NO WATER N THE DAY OF KATRINA I WENT N 2 LABOR I HAD MY SON HE WAS 2POUNDS BY THE GRACE OF GOD HE IS A WALKING MIRACLE WELL I STAYED N THE HOSPITAL 4 ONE DAY THEN THEY PUT ME OUT THEM 4 ABOUT 2 MONTHS I DIDN'T KNOW WHERE MY SON WAS THEY SHIPPED HIM 2 A HOSPITAL N SHREVEPORT N I WAS N TEXAS I CAN SAY RITE BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY I GOT A CALL THAT I CAN COME GET MY SON THAT NOW HE WEIGHS 6PDS AND 4RM THEM ON I BEEN TRYING 2 MAKE IT

Items Needed:  HOUSING REAL BAD CLOTHES DON'T HAVE MANY

Additional Comments:  I JUST WANT 2 SAY GOD BLESS U SO MUCH

  Bronson Family of 2
ID # 0707-215
date posted
August 09, 2007 

Mother - age 33
1 boy - age 13

Originally from Madeville, LA   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  My home was crushed by three trees. I lost my clothing, towels, linens and some furniture and appliances. I hired a local and very active contractor in the community. This contractor holds various officer positions with several construction organizations. I paid the initial down payment which pretty much covered demolition removal. I was out of town and the contractor called to say the next phase of work was complete and my next payment was due. I only had $10,000.00 for payment and had to contact my mortgage company for the additional amount due. The total amount I paid the contractor was $15,300.00. I returned home and found the framing and roof work to be POORLY done. I had an engineer inspect the work and he found the work was not up to code and in some areas, debris had been put back on the house. The contractor refused to do any repairs or work unless I gave them another $10,000.00. I refused to give anymore money until the work completed had been done properly. The contractor walked off the job, leaving my home exposed to the elements, taking EVERY permit (including one for fema right of entryway). A year later and the contractor does not respond to any certified mail. The Louisiana licensing board sent a letter encouraging the contractor to resolve our differences. The board will not take action unless the contractor is sued and found guilty. My lawyer informs me that law fees would be as much as any money I would be awarded if I did sue. The attorney general's office said they have received my complaint but can not say if anything has been done concerning my complaint. On 07/08/07, I was rushed to the emergency room. I am still going for further testing to try to determine if I suffered a minor stroke. I went part-time before the storm so I could return to school and obtain my degree. I was unable to stay in my home until Jan., 2007. I had to withdraw from school until my living situation was more stable as I could not find rental property that would accept pets. I have been

Items Needed:  The items I will be needing are general household items such as; toilet paper, paper towels. Buddy, my dog has been put on a special diet. The vet says he has a rare disease where the thyroid does not break down the calcium. He was totally blocked and unable to urinate. Buddy's bladder was cut and kidney stones fell out everywhere. Buddy's nickname is fruit loop--he does answer to that as well as his real name. He needs Hill's prescription u/d food. I have been unable to fix the framing or roof yet and have some other minor repairs left undone such as doors that need to be reframed and set, caulking, painting, plumbing and minor electrical repairs. If anyone is able to help with minor repairs that would be a big help. I just need a little help until I am healthy enough to get back to work. Any assistance given to me is greatly appreciated.

Additional Comments:  I only have a cell phone at this time.

  Williams Family of 6
ID # 0707-216
date posted
August 10, 2007

Mother - age 45
3 boys - ages 20, 15, 2
2 girls - ages 17, 10 months

Originally from Irvington, AL  

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  My family and I decided to ride out the storm at home. In the worst of the storm the lights went out. We huddled in the living room. Water began to pour down the wall from the electrical switch. We look up to see that it was coming from the ceiling. We thank God that the power was off while the water was running down the wall. Next time I plan on seeking shelter. When the storm had passed we went outside only to see that it looked as if the storm had only hit my home. my son Joshua has been sick since Katrina because his Asthma is worst than mine. I don't know if I didn't get all the mildew out of the walls or what. I am still working on my house. I am on SSI and I get it for two of the children. I've been divorced for 11 years however my ex husband stopped paying child support in September 2006 and I just started it back in July 2007.

Items Needed:  I am in need of food ,full size linens, school uniforms for Joshua, shirt-XL polo three buttons, the shirt can be black, red, or white pants 36/34 khaki dickies or burmuda shorts khaki. Sabrina Large/XL polo shirt black, red, white . capris - khaki size 16 women or khaki pants 16.Detergent , toilet paper, solid red or black school jacket for Sabrina. cleaning supplies .full size plastic mattress covering and pillow covering for Joshua due to Asthma. My arthritis doctor wants me to get one of those special pillows for my neck and shoulder pains if anyone can help I will appreciate it. Garden tools like a hoe .storage containers for things like books, movies, and the tons of medicines that they are on .Christian needs size 4 underwear. I need bowls with lids to put up my leftovers. Even if things are used I would thank God for that because I need Help. And if anyone can help me finish my house and help me to find out what is making Joshua sick, because he has been sick for the last 3 months straight, and is on antibiotics now I would really appreciate it

  Campbell Family of 1
ID # 0707-217
date posted
August 10, 2007

Female - age 26

Originally from New Orleans, LA  Presently living with a family member in Houston, TX  

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience:  It was a very devastating hurricane and this will not be forgotten years to come, I'm nowhere in recovering right now I need some help or even a push start to recovery.

Items Needed:  linens, clothing, place to live

  Narcisse Family of 2
ID # 0707-218
date posted
August 11, 2007

Mother - age 36
1 boy - age 11

Originally from New Orleans, LA  Presently living in San Antonio, TX 

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  After Hurricane Katrina, I relocated to Lexington, Kentucky in hopes of rebuilding my life, I was there for a year and could not find employment, I relocated to San Antonio, TEXAS and found employment, however it is half o what I WAS making prior to the storm. I am struggling to survive on my current income

Items Needed:  I am in need of bedroom furniture for my son and myself, linen and school clothes and supplies for my son

  McGinn Family of 2
ID # 0707-219
date posted
August 13, 2007

Wife - age 56                               Husband - age 62

Originally from Metairie, LA   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  Jobs were lost & we had to live off our annuity until it ran out. Now youngest son is paying our rent & bills & now he is going into debt.

Items Needed:  food, medical needs

Additional Comments:  Our apt. complex keeps going up on our rent. So perhaps a cheaper place to live. Our rent was $530. now it is $560.

  Parker Family of 4
ID # 0707-220
date posted
August 13, 2007

Mother - age 38
Father - age 39
2 boys - age 6, 7 months

Originally from New Orleans, LA   Presently living in Euless, TX

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  My family in in need of rental and assistance and clothing for my two sons. I'm getting stress out on how my family is not getting the assistance we need.

Items Needed:  Baby car seat, son school clothing and school supplies. Car note.

  Bourne Family of 3
ID # 0707-221
date posted
August 13, 2007

Mother - age 44
1 boy - age 13
1 girl - age 2

Originally from New Orleans, LA  Presently living in Houston, TX  

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  We were trapped for days without food or water until we were rescued and taken where we waited for hours for a bus that finally took us to Houston. My daughter was dehydrated, it was that time of the month for me and my son was afraid we were going to dye there. My son has adhd and needs constant supervision. I'm currently trying to get my BS degree and could really use a laptop so I can keep a constant eye on my son. He is rubbing off on his sister with his behavior. She is copying his bad behavior. With a laptop I could be where ever he is in the house and watch him so he doesn't do all the bad things that he does. I suffer with degenerative arthritis in both knees and I have a bone spur in my left ankle and on top of all that I am obese with other health issue. These ailments have gotten worse since the storm, being we had to stand in very long lines for everything. I am doing the best I can to take care of my kids. Sometimes I feel that I am failing them. Thank you and god bless all of you for helping people in need.

Items Needed:  we are in need mostly of clothes casual and church, we could use some linen also. My son loves to read we would appreciate some books

Additional Comments:  We will appreciate any help that is given to us and we thank you for your kindness

  Mark Family of 3
ID # 0707-222
date posted
August 14, 2007

Mother - age 25
2 girls - age 7, 4

Originally from Bogalusa, LA       Presently living in Union City, GA   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I am currently behind on a lot of my bills and I can't seem to find any help. I was in a workforce development program for victims but they cut the program a few months ago and I still cannot find a job. I was doing alright until they cut the program. They also were supposed to help me attend a trade school but they never did.

Items Needed:  I have recently been able to get my girls some beds for there room but I am without furniture. I have been sleeping on an air mattress for almost 2 years. School just started back and I have to find a way to get uniforms for my girls because their school policy.

Additional Comments:  Thank you for your time and consideration. Have a blessed day.

  Madina Family of 1
ID # 0707-223
date posted
August 15, 2007

Female - age 50 

Presently living in Charlotte, NC  

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I am relocated to North Carolina. Have applied for many jobs, no one has hired me.

Items Needed:  clothing, cleaning supplies, medical needs

Additional Comments:  I have furniture, get food stamps, section 8 pay my rent, I am just without any income for soap, tissue, personal items, etc and I will be without phone (no contact with family), electric, soon. Really need clothes

  

  Hall Family of 2
ID # 0707-224
date posted
August 15, 2007

Husband - age 43
Wife - age 33 

Originally from Dequincy, LA   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  WE ARE IN DIRE NEED OF PLACE TO LIVE SO CAN GET A JOB AND GET BACK ON OUR FEET HOPE SOMEONE OUT THERE HAS A HEART TO HELP US WE HAVE DONE EVERYTHING WE CAN AND FEEL THERE IS NOTHING ELSE TO DO. WE ARE STRUGGLING VERY BAD NO MONEY AND NO CAR PLEASE HELP SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE BEFORE SEPT 1 OR WE WILL BE OUT IN THE STREET NO HOME NOTHING. DON'T WANT TO GO TO SHELTER.

Items Needed:  PLACE TO LIVE AND GET A JOB TO GET BACK ON OUR FEET. HAVE NO MONEY AND NO CAR AND STRANDED GOT TO BE OUT OF HERE BY SEPT 1 OR WE WILL BE ON THE STREET WITH NOTHING.

Additional Comments:  CAN ONLY BE CONTACTED BY EMAIL AS WE HAVING TO USE SOMEONE'S COMPUTER AND WE HAVE PREPAID CELL PHONE AND NO MONEY FOR MIN ON IT. PLEASE HELP PLEASE HELP WE ARE STRESSED OUT AND OUT OF OPTIONS HOPE SOMEONE OUT THERE HAS A HEART TO HELP US. EVERYONE WE MET SAYS THEY WILL HELP BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN GETTING DONE. PLEASE EMAIL US SOON AS WE HAVE TILL SEPT 1 2007 OR WE WILL BE OUT ON THE STREET AND DON'T WANT THAT AND NOT WANTING TO GO TO SHELTER EITHER PLEASE HELP WE ARE CRYING OUT FOR HELP HARD TO SLEEP AT NIGHT CAUSE WORRIED ABOUT THIS.

  Douglas Family of 6
ID # 0707-225
date posted
August 15, 2007

Mother - age 34
Father - age 29
4 boys - ages 16, 9, 2, 16

Originally from Kenner, LA     Presently living in Cincinnati, OH

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  We just started to get our lives back on track. almost finishing paying off furniture bills and now apartment is contaminated with bedbug and all bedding and sofa has to be thrown out... We are in need of furniture, beds and beddings.. I just finish school for LPN and take the state board on 8-22-07 and look forward to attending Galen for RN in Oct. As for as my disaster experience I'm still on anti-depressants..

Items Needed:  Furniture: mattresses, beds, school clothes , and a peaceful mind..

  Keller Family of 4
ID # 0707-227
date posted
August 16, 2007

Mother - age 37
3 boys - ages 17, 12, 3

Originally from New Orleans, LA Presently living in Lithonia, GA   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I am a survivor of hurricane Katrina living in Atlanta, GA with my sons. I've worked all the time her in GA at Grady hospital in the pharmacy as a technician. I have not worked since July 3, 2007 due to health issues. All of my bills are overdue and Georgia power turned my electricity off cause i couldn't pay the bill. I'm being evicted also. I'm very scared cause I'm here all alone just me and the boys. Please help me and my boys get out of this hole we're in. I did go on a job interview on Tuesday. I'm waiting for them to make a decision. Please call me at 678 663-0499.

Items Needed:  cookware, food, clothes for the boys, shoes school supplies

Additional Comments:  Please help me get on my feet so that I can take care of my sons. I owe them so much I love them.

  Bickham Family of 1
ID # 0707-228
date posted
August 17, 2007

Female - age 46

Originally from New Orleans, LA   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I lost every thing to hurricane Katrina in 2005,i have now moved back to new Orleans and in need of help to get back on my feet, I'm on a fixed income and my expense have gone up sense I've moved back .

Items Needed:  I'm in need of women clothing, shoes, personal items, etc.. cookware, linens, food, cleaning supplies. thanks

  Murray Family of 2
ID # 0707-230
date posted
August 20, 2007

Mother - age 37
1 girl - age 19

Originally from Raceland, LA Presently living with family members in Kingwood, TX   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

Details of my Experience: ever since the storm we have moved from place to place. I can never seem to make enough money to keep up with all the bills before Katrina I was living n my own "trailer" but because I had three payments left on it I was not considered a home owner. it is very hard trying to start allover with only one income and min. wage isn't my daughter off to job corp but things just dont seem to come together. every time we get one foot in the door somebody closes it. we are both able to work but we have moved around so much we can never we can't keep up the a lot a stuff this is our second go round here in Houston hopefully this time things will be better.

Items Needed: clothing, shoes, food

  House Family of 3
ID # 0707-231
date posted
August 21, 2007

Mother - age 35
Father - age 51
1 boy - age 18

Originally from Kenner, LA    Presently living in Oklahoma City, OK

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  We stayed in our home during the entire horrific event. We awaken that morning of August 29,2005, to find water coming in on four (4) side into our home. We made a continquency plan to go upstairs into the attic with our pets and few essentials because the attic was unfinished. While the storm rolled through, we waited in the attic and only left the attic to retrieve necessary items for survival. After the storm, we swam through flooding waters in our home, in the street and everywhere else until flood waters were pumped out of our neighborhood. We shared food with neighbors because for two days after the storm no assistance was present. A small group of people from Florida called themselves Gumbo Coalition gave us snacks, money and fresh hot food. We waited for assistance, Wal-Mart setup distribution centers for water, canned goods, snacks, etc. Both of our cars were underwater for three (3) days. No FEMA, my father-in-law rented a truck in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and went down to Louisiana and picked up us and we are still in Oklahoma City, today.

Items Needed:  We have been blessed by gifts, lifestyle necessities and furniture. I have Hepatitis C and have been in treatment since January 2007. This treatment has literally placed me on my back where it was difficult doing regular things. We have been surviving on one income since my treatment and we have kept most of our necessities in tact. We need assistance with our mortgage payments. We are sixty (60) days past due and I don't see how we are going to make this payment.

Additional Comments:  Our family needs assistance very soon. Please consider our request for two month mortgage note of $2,462.00.

  Pierre Family of 1
ID # 0707-232
date posted
August 21, 2007

Female - age 44

Originally from New Orleans, LA   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I lost everything when hurricane Katrina hit I needs help thank you have a nice day god bless us.

Items Needed:  I need clothing, linens and food and cleaning supplies for household. thank you.

Additional Comments:  please help me thank you

  Waller Family of 4
ID # 0707-233
date posted
August 23, 2007

Mother - age 34
Father - age 39
2 girls - ages 2, 1

Originally from Biloxi, MS     Presently living in Gulfport, MS   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  it was Aug 28 when we left our house on clay st in Biloxi not knowing if we would have a house to return to with my wife Karen 7 and 1/2 months pregnant with our first daughter Eileen rose the car we had broke down so we had no way to leave till Karen's sister and her husband came to pick us up all they had room for was us a 2 laundry baskets of clothes and important papers we came back to find the house gone with nothing to pick through and our car with someone's house on top of it we spent a month at mother in laws in the living room Karen's pregnancy problems got worse I got in touch with a friend of mine in mobile and arranged for him to come pick us up Saturday night and try to get on the cruise ship that was I called F.E.M.A and they said go to the D.R.C we got on the ship Sunday afternoon Karen went to the ships DR Monday and they set her a appointment to see a Doctor she went to see her Thursday and went to the hospitals labor and delivery room from the doctors office that day they tried to induce labor till 10:30 Friday night Eileen rose was born at 10:58 Friday nite very healthy baby girl all 3 of us went back to the cruise ship till a week before thanksgiving we got our F.E.M.A mobile home then in December Karen found out she was pregnant again with Victoria lee on may 4 I came home from work and Karen was very sick I rushed her to the hospital she was having severe complications with the pregnancy she was rushed to U.S.A. Womens and children's hospital in mobile for a emergency c section to save her and Vicky's life Victoria lee was born at 25 weeks and weighted 1lb 3 oz she was 11and 1/2 inches long and spent 4 months in the N.I.C.U ward in the hospital I had to quit my job in Biloxi and get another one in mobile to be with my wife and new daughter she came home Sept 1 I was back working in Biloxi in December Karen had to have surgery once again for a hernia repair I worked at IP casino till Feb. found a better job with a little more pay but better work environment with better insurance we moved to Gulfport

Items Needed:  pampers easy ups size 5 or 6 diapers size 4 or 5 mixing and soup bowls clothes and underwear for Karen some jeans for me clothes for the girls Eileen like to read and color and loves to cook with play dishes and pots both of them love to look at picture books and love dolls and teddy bears like any little girl but they are not picky

Additional Comments:  thank you so much for the help last year if not for you there would not have been a Christmas it truly was a very special one signed up last year but had computer problems.

Bridges Family of 5
ID # 0707-234
date posted
August 23, 2007

Mother - age 27
Father - age 41
1 boy - age 9
2 girls - ages 5, 2

Originally from New Orleans, LA Presently living in an apartment in Dallas, TX   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  Before hurricane Katrina hit , we had no clue where we was going to go. We could ether stay here in New Orleans or leave for Mississippi. But unsure of Katrina hitting Mississippi, we did not want to go there. My husband receive a call from his job and all security personal had to report back to work. We stayed at a hotel where my husband work, which is located on Canal St. In the beginning everything was ok until the day after the storm hit. The hotel was running out of food, it was becoming very hot. We had to walk down nine flights of stairs to reach the lobby of the hotel. We had to leave the hotel, it was to much for me and the kids. We were beginning to run out of water and baby milk. We manage to leave out of New Orleans the Thursday after Katrina hit. It took us 12 hours to get to Dallas, TX. We live in Dallas with a family member and then we got an apartment. We lost everything we had but our live. Thank God for that!!

Items Needed:  Items such as school clothes, eye glasses, yard tools, clothing, shoes, school supplies, gas cards.

Additional Comments:  May The Lord Bless Those WHO Bless Me.

Weisdorffer Family of 2
ID # 0707-235
date posted
August 24, 2007

Mother - age 31
1 boy - age 13

Originally from Metairie, LA      

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I am still trying to get a place of my own. I finally got a job working at a bank, but replacing everything we own is expensive. I am a single mother of a wonderful 13 year old boy whose father took off when he was 2. While trying to get a place of our own, I'm unsure how I will be able to get him winter clothes or a Christmas. God bless.

Items Needed:  We are in need of clothes, general household items, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and toys.

Travis Family of 1
ID # 0707-236
date posted
August 24, 2007

Female - age 19                 

Originally from New Orleans, LA Presently living with a family member in Columbus, OH   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  It was really hard, even though its been 2 years, I cant forget a bout the family member's and friends I lost, those are things you can never replace. Now I'm in College but its really hard to pay attention when I'm still grieving

Items Needed:  clothes, shelter, car, and food.

Scott Family of 3
ID # 0707-237
date posted
August 24, 2007

Mother - age 44
Father - age 39
1 boy - age 27 

Originally from New Orleans, LA Presently living in San Antonio, TX   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  everything I work hard for I lost ,and I cant replace it my heart heard every day .but I think god for my life and family. but I miss my sister nieces, nephew ,brother lord every body I'm in Texas and the rest of my family is back home .it like a dream.

Items Needed:  clothing ,general household item cookware linens cleaning supplies, transportation.

Additional Comments:  thanks you god .I hope this is my e-mail address I

Douglas Family of 4
ID # 0707-238
date posted
August 25, 2007

Mother - age 35
2 boys - ages 15, 14
1 girl - age 6

Originally from New Orleans, LA   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  MY DISASTER EXPERIENCE ARE MORE WORSE OFF I START WENT I CAME BACK HOME ME AN MY KIDS WHERE GOING TO BE FINE NO WAY .THIS THE WORSE I HAVE EVERY BEEN BUT THANK GOD FOR MAKING ME STRONG FOR ME MY KIDS AND HIM FAMILY ARE ASKING LIKE THEY DO NOT KNOW SOME FRIENDS THE SAME WAY BUT GOD BLESS THEM TO AMEN,

Items Needed:  CLOTHING FOR KIDS, FOR PARENT, LINENS FOR ALL OF US, COOKWARE, FOOD, MOST IMPORTANT SCHOOL CLOTHING FOR ALL THREE OF MY KID THEY START SCHOOL ON SEPT 4.2007 GENERAL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, SOAP. TOOTHPASTE, TISSUE, DISHES, TOWEL, CURTAIN,.

Additional Comments:  PLEASE ,HELP ME AND MY FAMILY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU THANK YOU DOUGLAS FAMILY.

Hines Family of 1
ID # 0707-239
date posted
August 25, 2007

Male - age 27

Originally from Harvey, LA   Presently living in Kansas City, MO  

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  I am struggling with financial hardship due to an irs levy and its interrupting my life please can anyone help.

Items Needed:  financial assistance

Additional Comments:  thank you for hearing my testimony

 

Williams Family of 3
ID # 0707-240
date posted
August 26, 2007

Mother - age 33
1 boy - age 14
1 girl - age 8 

Presently living in Las Vegas, NV   

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  We were in Hurricane Katrina and we were one of the forgotten ones. We were took under the Causeway I-10 bridge and left there. We were lied to and forgotten about.

Items Needed:  School clothes and food.

Williams Family of 2
ID # 0707-241
date posted
August 26, 2007

Mother - age 53
1 boy - age 26

Originally from New Orleans, LA  Presently living in Las Vegas, NV 

TRAGEDY - Hurricane Katrina

 

Details of my Experience:  Medical help. My mom went through Hurricane Katrina but, we were forgotten.

Items Needed: