ID # 2006-151
date posted September 14, 2006
Young Man - age 19
Originally from the Gulf Coast
Staying in New Haven, Connecticut
The day that the announcement was made that the hurricane was going to hit the coast, i just so happened to be getting ready to go to church. I was living in Covenant House, a non-profit organization devoted to providing shelter to the shelterless. I was told immediately to change into something comfortable and pack a few changes of clothes. I did. They packed up food and other necessities and we headed out of the city. I was terrified because i had found out that a friend of mine had died when the roof of his mother's house collapsed in on him. So even though I was with other people I was still skeptical and kept thinking about weather or not we would make it out of the city or not. We made it to Houston finally and from there I ended up in Connecticut where i have had nothing but problems. I'm not in contact with any of my family due to the fact that my brothers are my only family now and they are still in state custody. God bless and thank you for allowing me to share.
ID # 2006-152
date posted September 15, 2006
Mother
- age 36
Father - age 28
2 girls - ages 17, 2
4 boys - ages 14, 9, 12, 7
Originally from the Gulf Coast
Staying in Fairburn, GA
We were in the convention center in Houston Texas, I can really remember due to all the praying I did.
I am currently in a situation that I have never been in ever before and would like to know if there is any way you can assist me in getting housing and work. I have just finished school at Georgia Medical Institute, in which I took a chance at Massage Therapy. I am willing to stay in Atlanta Georgia, if I can find affordable housing until I am established financially. I would appreciate your help. Thank you.
ID # 2006-153
date posted September 15, 2006
Mother
- age 24
1 boy - age 19 months
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in Houston, TX
Adopted
November 7, 2006
by Chesapeake Research Review in Columbia, MD
YEAH! - Thank you!
ID # 2006-154
date posted September 15, 2006
Father
- age 23
1 girl - age 4
1 boy - age 3
Originally from Gulf Coast
Staying in apartment in Atlanta, GA
Adopted by a
family in New York, NY
YEAH! - Thank you!
WE LEFT IN THE NICK OF TIME. WE EVACUATED TO MISSISSIPPI TO FAMILY AND TO STRAY AWAY FROM HEAVY TRAFFIC .WE LOST OUR HOUSE CLOTHES AND A VEHICLE. MY DAUGHTER GOT SICK. WE ARE STILL ALIVE (THANK GOD).
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
ID # 2006-155
date posted September 15, 2006
Mother
- age 25
3 boys - ages 5, 3, 1
Originally from Port Arthur, TX
Staying in apartment in Houston, TX
Adopted by a
family in
Farmington Hills, Michigan
YEAH! - Thank you!
12/18/06
I lost my apartment, car and household items due to the storm. it gotten so bad that the apartment manager was going to evict us for Christmas if we did not pay the rent from when we evacuated and current. we had no choice but to stay in a molded apartment due to long waiting list and scarcity of homes, motels and apartments in our area. we have been moved to Houston from the storm in February and it appears that most assistance is not available anymore and there has been so many scams that some people don't want to take a chance and help, but me and my family of 3 boys and currently pregnant and going to have a baby girl in November of this year. we are in need of clothing and household items, children's dressers and any money to pay for bills. we were able to savage some things and some things were given to us by family and friends but we still need help. we have been looked at and treated differently when i say that we are here from the hurricane. i hate it sometimes. i just want to start over and need a little help doing that. the holidays are coming up and my only wish is to be able to keep the things that i have and get the things that i need and give my kids a good Christmas this year.
ID # 2006-156
date posted September 16, 2006
Mother
- age 20
2 girls - ages 1, 9 months
Originally from Gulfport, MS
Staying with family in Gulfport, MS
ID # 2006-157
date posted September 16, 2006
Mother
- age 42
2 boys - ages 12, 8
Originally from Moselle, MS
Staying in Richton, MS
ID # 2006-158
date posted September 16, 2006
Mother
- age 35
3 boys - ages 16, 9, 3
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in Shelter in Baton Rouge, LA
Just want us to have a great Christmas.
ID # 2006-159
date posted September 16, 2006
Mother
- age 50
Father - age 53
1 girl - age 26
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in private home in New Orleans, LA
My boyfriend and I evacuated 2 days before Katrina hit our evacuation wasn't that bad but my daughter, Tayari stayed behind because she is a deputy and she was told she couldn't and if she left she would loose her job. Our evacuation was successful but I was worried about her because she still wasn't healed from her breast surgery she had earlier that month. Finally I got in contact with her and she had informed me that she was okay and she was sitting in standing traffic in the rain enroute to Bossier City and she been in traffic for 15hrs. When she finally made it to her destination she had to be hospitalized for asthma and having anxiety attacks and she was all alone.
Thanks for considering us and taking the time out for listening to our story.
ID # 2006-160
date posted September 16, 2006
Mother
- age 50
Father - age 53
1 girl - age 26
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in private home in New Orleans, LA
We are evacuees from Hurricane Katrina now living in Picayune, MS., at present. We lost our home, pets, and youngest son/brother to this hurricane. We're presently living in a FEMA trailer and uncertain about just where our home will be next. But God will provide us with an answer. I just know it from the bottom of my heart. Our experience with Katrina was very painful and heartbreaking. But we are learning to heal one day at a time. It's a long process that requires lots of time. So pray for us please.
ID # 2006-161
date posted September 16, 2006
Mother
- age 40
Father - age 44
4 girls - ages 14, 12, twins 11
1 boy - age 15
Originally from DeRidder, LA
Staying in FEMA trailer in DeRidder, LA
Adopted by a
family in Terry, MS
YEAH! - Thank you!
We live in a mobile home and we evacuated. we came back to a twisted up frame on our mobile home and all our barns/outbuilding were blown away. We have 2 fema campers for the 7 of us but we can't live in them due to some really strong fumes. we are living in our mobile home as it is. It is messed up. but at least we can breath in it.
Any help would be great and very much needed. everyone needs winter clothes and coats, and night clothes. Thank you for any help.
ID # 2006-162
date posted September 16, 2006
Mother
- age 32
Father - age 30
1 boy - age 7
2 girls - age 1 and one on the way
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in Jonesboro, GA
Adopted
November 7, 2006
by Chesapeake Research Review in Columbia, MD
YEAH! - Thank you!
I left New Orleans on the 28th of Aug. with my 3 wk old daughter. My ex refused to return my son from visitation, so I had to leave him behind. I left with my aunt. My fiancé, stayed behind to help his elderly parents because his father is legally blind and couldn't leave the city.
We drove 14 hrs to panama city Florida. I posted my son as missing with missing and exploited children and they found him mid September in Houma Louisiana. On Oct 1st, we left panama city and stayed with relatives in Ridgeland , ms. I was finally reunited with my fiancé in mid oct and we left ms. and went to Atlanta where we stayed in a sleazy hotel from October to December. We lost the entire contents of our house, which included all our clothes and all of the children's toys , the baby's things (she slept in a laundry basket for some time), and my car. Thanks to the kindness of strangers and churches we have been able to get by this far. My fiancé is now working but it is still hard trying make ends meet from time to time, especially with a new born on the way.
We are not asking for anything for ourselves except maybe toys and clothes for the kids... and diapers for the babies. Thanks
ID # 2006-163
date posted September 17, 2006
Mother
- age 44
2 girls - ages 12, 11
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in an apartment in Shreveport, LA
Adopted by
Sonosky Chambers in Washington, DC
YEAH! - Thank you!
I evacuated from New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina hit. I was hopeful after everything was over, we would be returning back to over home and communities.
My kids were enrolled at a top magnet school, and I was employed at Loyola University in New Orleans. Life for us was normal and we enjoyed the life we had. It was nothing extravagant, but, it was our life.
Since Hurricane Katrina hit, we have been uprooted to a place we had never been before. Starting over from scratch is a very degrading, stressful experience.
We lost our home due to levee breaches, it was the only home we ever lived in. I am still struggling emotionally and mentally even though it has been a year since the hurricane.
I am currently employed and having no income is in itself a very stressful thing.
Please, any help you can provide for will be appreciated.
Thanks for your generosity.
ID # 2006-164
date posted September 17, 2006
Mother
- age 33
1 boy - age 9
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in an apartment in Baton Rouge, LA
I HAD ALMOST TEN FEET OF WATER IN MY HOME. I LIVED TWO BLOCKS FROM THE LEVEE. MY SON AND I LOST OVER $30,000 WORTH OF ITEMS INCLUDING CLOTHING, COMPUTERS, AND OTHER VALUABLES.
ID # 2006-165
date posted September 17, 2006
Mother
- age 41
Father - age 43
2 boys - ages 16, 10
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in an apartment in New Orleans, LA
We evacuated Sunday and went to Bossier City so we was not here when the flood it.
ID # 2006-166
date posted September 17, 2006
Mother
- age 24
2 boys - ages 4, 7 months
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying with family member in Fort Worth, TX
Adopted
by a family in Biloxi, MS
YEAH! - Thank you!
I WAS 5 MONTHS PREGNANT I Waited ON TOP ON THE BRIDGE FOR 20 HOURS I ENDED UP WALKING TO THE SUPERDOME THE WATER WAS TO MY NECK MY SON AND I STAYED THERE FOR 3 DAYS WITHOUT WATER OR ANYTHING IT WAS HORRIBLE.
ID # 2006-167
date posted September 17, 2006
Mother
- age 24
1 boy - age 7
1 girl - 1 week
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying private home in Mesquite, TX
I evacuated before the hurricane to Dallas.
ID # 2006-168
date posted September 17, 2006
Mother
- age 46
3 boys - ages 18, 15, 9
Originally from Waveland, MS
Staying in FEMA trailer in our yard.
We almost stayed. we didn't leave until last minute and when we did we didn't think it was going to take everything we had. i left with 2 pairs of clothes including the ones on my back and my sons with whatever they grabbed. this was the second time in 6 years we have lost our home. we only were in it newly rebuilt home for 5 months after working 5 years on rebuilding it after it was burned down.
I appreciate everything that everyone has done for the coast and this is just a blessing to have someone help someone else.
ID # 2006-169
date posted September 17, 2006
Father
- age 27
3 girls - ages 10, 6, 8
Mother - age 47
Stepfather - age 35
Originally from Kiln, MS
Staying with family member in Kiln, MS
We went to a church in picayune, ms where Katrina took the roof off. we stayed there for 2 days and finally were able to go home. we didn't want to go far from the house just incase we had to go back to the church.
ID # 2006-170
date posted September 17, 2006
Father
- age 18
Mother - age 19
1 girl - age 3
Originally from Kiln, MS
Staying in FEMA trailer in yard
Adopted
November 7, 2006
by Chesapeake Research Review in Columbia, MD
YEAH! - Thank you!
We left with family to a little church in picayune where the roof was taking off by the storm. we stayed for a while and went home where we had 14 people living in one home for over 2 months. it is still hard even though it has been a year.
Even though its been a year since the storm we still need help with the little things so anything will be greatly appreciated.
ID # 2006-171
date posted September 17, 2006
Husband
- age 27
Wife - age 25
Originally from Bay St. Louis,
MS
Staying in private home in Irving, TX
Every morning was the same, every evening & every night. Countless sleepless nights, constantly replaying the images in my mind of that horrible night, the terrifying morning to come & the horror of the days to come. The wind, the way it howled, the way the house swayed to its beat. The nails popping off the roof. You could hear it coming in the distance, a sound that as it grew nearer left you wondering if this was it. Could this storm be my destiny? I was 24 years old, a newly wed, married just 8 months. Laying in that tiny closet with my husband....I held him so tight I remember, I couldn't let go. The fear in me wouldn't let me. The realization had kicked in, that it was very possible we wouldn't make it out of this alive. And I played in my mind, my life, the friendships, the love, the mistakes, the anger I held towards my mother- that hours ago, I was sure I had every reason, every right. But now, I couldn't remember what for, or why, it didn't matter. I remember thinking, that if I died today would she remember the words I said to her? Or would she know that I truly love her, did I show it enough say it enough? Would my husband know? Would anyone that ever meant something to me know? Anyone? My mind raced, sick at what I had lost thru the years... the things I had missed, the family visits I didn't take. That I had actually thought I had better things to do. I saw the friendships that meant so much, how over the years I had let fall apart. Why had I let that go? The stupid pointless arguments, the bitter words with my mother in law. And would she know? How much I really did love her? How she had been a mother to me from day one, & how much it meant? This must be what it's like when you know your going to die....I literally watched my life flash before my eyes within seconds. I regretted so much, & my heart hurt, that I would die like this, not saying what I should have said, and regretting what I did say. It all seemed so clear now. And I swore I would make it up to everyone, to myself. If I could hav Shane grabbed a hammer, and climbed out first. And petrified to its highest point, I climbed out after him, he had grabbed my hand so tightly, kept me close. But I couldn't let go of him. All I could think that if god forbid Katrina's fury would take him, throw him into the rushing waters that now controlled everything in the way....well I wanted to go with him, I could never live without him, so I would go with him. I was holding on with all my might, as the winds picked up. The power of it was so strong, we could barely move, and the water now taking over the flight of stairs that stood between us and dry ground, flowing so fast and rough making it even more difficult. I can honestly say, that I had never been more scared, and I'll probably live the rest of my life holding that frightening moment as the worst fear I'll ever have. And then the power line snapped, and whipped in right in front of us, slamming across the stairs. We dunked, and were caught so off guard that we almost lost control, and power line barely missing us. As we trudged forward fighting with all our might to climb each step, I heard my friend, Tee, cry out in pain as he crouched to climb thru the tiny window with his hurt hip. It was a painful cry. Shane & I had reached the porch of the third floor apartment, and he wrapped my arms around the rail and told me to hold on, no matter what, just hold on. It became clear to me as he busted out the window, what the hammer was for. He climbed thru the tiny whole, surrounded by razor sharp glass. He disappeared inside. All the sudden the front door pulled open, and I heard him yell out to me, using his strength to hold open that door against the suction of wind with one hand, and reaching out for me with the other. I fought the wind to get to him. Just as I was making it thru the tiny crack in the door into the apartment, I remembered that Tee, was still behind us. As he climbed the last step, I heard another strong gust of wind. And as I turned around, I saw him losing his control, The past year has been the hardest year of our life, no money, car, jobs....Shane is in school now for aviation maintenance, and he works nights too, trying to get us above water. FEMA finally reimbursed us for one of our vehicles a year after Katrina. And me, well, I've tried to somehow put it all behind me, but it seems impossible, I spent a year locked in our Apt., battling depression, there seemed to be no help that we could find, and ever phone number that gave hope ended up in a dead end. I'm trying to get myself back to work, I still only have a few shirts, and one pair of jeans. No work clothes. I finally gave into the lord, prayed, went back to church, and as I always knew he would guide me, he did. I'm not completely healed yet, but I've been blessed. Offering the last cents we had to the offering pot, but blessed in return, Slowly coming out of the depression that almost cost me my life, my marriage, anything I had left. But it seems to all be mending in its own funny way. We are still haunted by Katrina, daily, probably forever, but as we try and rebuild our lives, the days get a little easier. I still can't sleep at night, scared of my dreams, I still am afraid of a storm, with rain or wind. Will we ever 100% recover, I doubt it, but we are doing our best. Our story of survival is one of thousands, and there are much worse out there. My heroes are all the survivors, Mississippi or Louisiana, we each battled our own, and we may not have very little, But we are here, and we survived, and to those who didn't our hearts go out too. I've run into people who have said it's time to get over it, its been months....stop crying about it and rebuild. But they can't see. But us survivors, we will always be bonded, sharing our sympathies, and love. And we will get thru it, guided by the Lord.
We still need help with utilities, there are several disconnect notices, and we've been two months with no hot water. We need clothing and food...God bless.
ID # 2006-171
date posted September 17, 2006
Father
- age 45
Mother - age 41
2 boys - ages 15, 11
Originally from Bay St. Louis,
MS
Staying in FEMA trailer in yard
Rather not very bad loosing everything and pets.
Need volunteers to help us.
ID # 2006-172
date posted September 17, 2006
Lady - age 68
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in an apartment in New Orleans, LA
I left the day before the hurricane and went to Bossier and stay in a hotel until October 2005.
I am in need of financial help to get my bills caught up.
ID # 2006-173
date posted September 18, 2006
Mother
- age 44
Father - age 47
1 girl - age 17
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying with family member in Westwego, LA
My family and I lost everything in our home, so we are willing to accept what ever you may have to offer, but gift cards from Wal-mart would be greatly appreciated, so that we may purchase small appliances and other needed items.
Thank You and May God Bless You.
ID # 2006-174
date posted September 18, 2006
Mother
- age 30
Father - age 29
1 girl - age 3
1 boy - age 9
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying with family member in
Lancaster, CA
Adopted by a
family in Emeryville, CA
YEAH! - Thank you!
I evacuated before the hurricane hit and was in a hotel for a couple of days while family members were on their roofs. When everything settled I lost all contact with family and didn't hear from them until weeks later. My dad stays in Cal. so I had no where else to go. I lost contact with my son and we were reunited this March of 2006. I lost my grandmother and also my only friend in the world due to Katrina. I have been trying, but I get so unhappy at times I want to give up! Sorry, it is too hard and too long to explain. It has been hard not being able to see family like I used to and can't talk to them and be at family functions, bar-b-que's, birthdays, second lines. They don't do any of that here, and no one has anything to go home to. This has been an experience I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I came up very close knit with my family. We all came up across the canal (hardest hit area) so ALL of my family is relocated. I just want my home back and my life back.
ID # 2006-175
date posted September 19, 2006
Mother
- age 29
1 boy - age 10
Originally from Kenner, LA
Staying in shelter in Metairie, LA
I evacuated to North Louisiana, my b/f and I stayed with a good Samaritan and my sons stayed with my mom, my oldest is still at my moms, my youngest who is 10 is with me. I came back at first without my children. My b/f and I lived with his mother and brother (we didn't' live together before the storm). The first apt we moved into was a two bedroom, terrible, it burned down four days after we moved in. Then we moved into another place that wasn't really ready to rent, after I cleaned it, we lived there until moving back to Kenner in my b/f mom's unfinished house. Finally my b/f and I moved into our own place in July, my son came home, one stayed with his grandparents. The stress of my son being with us and my b/f's son being displaced 700 miles away caused a great deal of problems for us and my b/f (and his income) have moved out. Trying to get out of the debt I was put in getting loans etc to keep my house, which is twice the rent it was before the storm. I have two jobs now b/c with one job I make "too much money" to get any kind of help due to the fact that I am a single parent. I make less than 2000 a month BEFORE they take out taxes etc. I had to get a second job just to get by. Since the hurricane all my friends are scattered all around the country, I have no family here and so I am spending half the "extra" income on childcare. My son stays with people ALL weekend because I work from 10a-11p Sat and Sun, in addition to the 40 hours a week I work M-F. I still don't have furniture, I can't get furniture, when I am working just to keep my head above water. Sometimes it's hard to find a babysitter for my son. I have no idea how I am even supposed to start thing about Christmas. I am just now paying my rent for Sept, by the time I finish paying all of my bills, I am barely left enough money to feed my son. I feel like I am working and working and working and getting nowhere, and I really can't think of an alternate solution. NO ONE that hasn't been in the situation will ever understand.
ID # 2006-176
date posted September 20, 2006
Mother
- age 24
Father - age 21
2 girls - ages 7, 2
1 boy - age 5
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in private home in Houston, TX
Unable to locate family. # disconnected.
My family was blessed in the aspect that we did not have to endure the high waters. However we evacuated to Mississippi and ran into the storm. We endured weeks on no electricity and no water, and days that only the kids would eat.
God bless everyone who have helped the people affected by the hurricane we are truly grateful.
ID # 2006-177
date posted September 20, 2006
Mother
- age 49
1 girl - age 9
1 boy - age 8
Originally from Pride, LA
Staying with friends in Mesa, Arizona
Adopted
by a family in
New Orleans, LA
YEAH! - Thank you!
The children would be happy with anything at all.
ID # 2006-178
date posted September 20, 2006
Mother
- age 34
1 girl - age 9
2 boys - ages 13, 2
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in private home in Dallas, TX
We had to evacuate to the superdome. we had no idea that it was going to be anything like it was. even though it was a pretty bad and uncomfortable situation's thank god we were able to go there. because if we would have stayed at the house me and my children would have drowned. so in that perspective I thank God.
I am trying to get back on my feet. I want to give my children the things that they need, but it is hard, especially when you do not have any help. I just need a little help to get back on my feet.
ID # 2006-179
date posted September 20 , 2006
Mother
- age 27
Father - age 23
2 girls - ages 10, 6
2 boys - ages 10, 4
Grandmother - age 49
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in Section 8 with disaster voucher
Me and my husband went to a hotel on Tulane and Carrollton after the levees broke we were stuck there for 5 days if we hadn't luted in the nearby store for food and water. We would have starved to death its along story but we finally got someone to bring us to the bridge thank god my kids had left with my sister before the storm. I took my Amazon parrot with me his cage was too big so I put him in a small box we was on the interstate with all that trash. For two days then brought to a shelter my bird stayed on my shoulder the whole time until we got to the shelter they didn't allow pets so they brought him some were else. I couldn't call my sister or nobody else till some days after they thought something happened to me my brother was stuck in New Orleans for almost a whole month after the storm we thought something happened to him he called and we went got him but before that my sister and mother and her husband and the kids came to Marshall TX to the shelter to come and get me. we didn't have any where to go we went to Lafayette and it was crowded so we drove to Houston met up with my sisters mother in law and sister in law and we was was able to get a hotel room 7 adults and 5 kids in one room that next day my bird died. we stayed in the hotel for a while and then we was able to get housing. It was a lot of struggling a lot and it still is I went to the eye doctor here in Houston looking in a magazine I see picture of me and mike on the interstate packed like sardines in the hot sun with my bird on my shoulder that is the only picture I have of him it was the US news magazine. I could not believe it my mother is very sick and depressed and its getting worst she will begin therapy tomorrow. we are still trying to make it out here its so hard trying to find a job getting around. My brother is mentally ill he has a chemical imbalance and its gotten worst since the storm there is a lot of detail in my experience just to long to go threw and very hard to tell. because its like I re live it over and over in my mind and sometimes I just break down and cry all the help that was supposed to come.
ID # 2006-180
date posted September 21, 2006
Mother
- age 28
3 girls - ages 4, 3, 1
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying with family member in Dallas, TX
Adopted by a
family in Puyallup, WA
YEAH! - Thank you!
I evacuated that Sunday and I sought shelter at the superdome. And l stayed there for 4days.
After a year I'm still struggling trying to make ends meet. so l really will be grateful for the help.
ID # 2006-181
date posted September 21 , 2006
Husband
- age 26
Wife - age 26
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying with family member in Kenner, LA
I didn't want to leave with my girlfriend to evacuate when she left, so I stayed to try to ride it out but instead of staying at my home ,I went to stay at the Omni hotel on Canal St there with my sister her 3 young kids and my mother. Later after the storm had passed we were put out the hotel by New Orleans officials so that they can let NOPD stay there, Which meant that my sister her 3 young kids, my mom and I had no choice but to head to my sister's house where we slept until the water got too high and someone came to our rescue with a boat he took my family and I where the water was shallow enough for us to wade through, we finally reached our destination at the Hilton on Poydras St near Hurrahs Casino, there where my uncle was working, his supervisor was kind enough to let him go to take us to safety, somehow we managed to take the back way through the west bank before the bridge was cut off to New Orleans traffic ,from there we made our way far enough where someone in a nearby parish gave us enough gas to make it to Baton Rouge by my aunt's house where her Family of 6 was already staying plus me, my mom, my sister and her 3 kids and about 30 other family members had evacuated to, but at least we were safer there than being in New Orleans at that time. Thanks for reading my story of survival.
ID # 2006-182
date posted September 22, 2006
Mother
- age 42
Father - age 36
1 girl - age 12
2 boys - ages 10, 9
Originally from Gulfport, MS
Staying in private home in Gulfport, MS
Adopted by a
family in
West Palm Beach, Florida
YEAH! - Thank you!
We stayed here in our father-in-laws home with him as he was old and did not want to leave ...we got 6 foot of water and lost everything we own but the faith we have in human people and god....we have started rebuilding and are almost done ...but will need help this Christmas as everything we have we are putting it to rebuilding the home ...
Thank you so much for this site without this a lot of needy families would not have Christmas for their kids god bless you all.
ID # 2006-183
date posted September 22 , 2006
Mother
- age 44
1 girl - age 12
1 boy - age 9
Originally from Violet, LA
Staying in FEMA trailer - Violet, LA
I evacuated to Lafayette where I winded up at the Cajun Dome where a nice gentlemen asked if my children and myself would like to come stay with them we did so and I had to relocate closer to New Orleans in order to keep my job so I requested a trailer from Fema so now my children live in our fema trailer which is located in front of our house. We did receive assistance from homeowners insurance for roof repairs, and some from Fema which I put back into our house and now we are awaiting the States grant due to the fact that we did not have flood insurance. I am at the point of putting up insulations which I hope to complete by the end of October. All the monies that I make after paying bills goes to getting us back into our house. So I know that my children would appreciate any thing that they would receive.
ID # 2006-184
date posted September 22 , 2006
Lady - age 50
Originally from Saucier, MS
Staying in FEMA trailer - Saucier, MS
Need some furniture if possible thank you.
ID # 2006-185
date posted September 22 , 2006
Mother
- age 45
2 girls - ages 19 & 21
2 boys - ages 15 & 2
Grandmother - age 62
Uncle - age 40
Originally from Kenner, LA
Staying with family member in Metairie
MY FAMILY AND I WAS GETTING READY FOR CHURCH THE DAY BEFORE KATRINA HIT AND WE DON'T HAVE ANY GAS MONEY TO LEAVE UNTIL MY AUNT TOLD US WE BETTER LEAVE RIGHT KNOW. SHE GAVE US GAS TO LEAVE, WE WENT BY MY OTHER AUNT IN GREENSBURG, LA FOR TWO MONTHS WHEN WE RETURNED BACK HOME WE HAD A HOUSE BUT IT HAD MOOD AND ABOUT THREE FEET OF WATER IN IT. WE LOST ALL OF OUR CLOTHES AND OTHER THINGS THAT WAS ON THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE, BUT I THINK GOD FOR MY AUNTS FOR HELPING US OUT DOING THE TIME OF NEED. WE KNOW STAY IN MY GREAT GRAND MOTHER HOUSE WERE WE HAVE BLUE ROOF COVERING ONE PART OF THE HOUSE BUT WE ARE MAKING THROUGH THE GRACE OF THE LORD. WE LEFT WITH THREE SETS OF CLOTHES FOR ALMOST ONE MONTH WE WERE WEARING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER. TILL THIS DAY WE ARE STILL BUYING CLOTHES AND SHOES TO WEAR.
ID # 2006-186
date posted September 22 , 2006
Mother
- age 29
Father - age 34
4 girls - ages 11, 8, 6 & 4 months
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in New Orleans, LA
WE GOT OUT OF TOWN THE DAY BEFORE THE STORM.
ID # 2006-187
date posted September 24, 2006
Mother
- age 40
Father - age 41
2 girls - 16 & 14
3 boys - 18, 20, & 4 months
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in Houston, TX
IT WAS HARD ON US WE HAD NO GAS TO EVACUATE WE HAD TO LUTE FOR MY CHILDREN TO SURVIVE EVERY TIME WE THINK ABOUT AUG 29 IT BRING TEARS TO OUR EYE WE NEED A FAMILY TO BE A BLESSING TO OUR FAMILY THANKS.
We lives in the lower ninth ward were we lost everything please help me and my family.
ID # 2006-188
date posted September 24 , 2006
Mother
- age 34
Fiance - age 33
1 girl - age 12
1 boy - age 14
Grandmother - age 58
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in New Orleans, LA
We had walk thru the water to get to safe grounds. on the other hand my mother & son were in the convention center for five days with nothing to eat.
ID # 2006-189
date posted September 24 , 2006
Mother
- age 34
2 girls - ages 14, 10
2 boys - ages 13, 12
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in private home in Fort Worth, TX
Well we were in the Superdome from that Sunday to that next Friday When after being in line for more than twenty four hours we were finally able to board a bus headed for Texas not quite knowing what part of Texas but just grateful to be leaving the Superdome Finally
WE Will be Grateful for What Ever Help We can get since I still have not found a job but always looking.
ID # 2006-190
date posted September 25 , 2006
Mother
- age 31
Father - age 32
2 girls - ages 10, 4
1 boy - age 8
Originally from Picayune, MS
Staying in FEMA Trailer in Picayune, MS
We stayed during the storm but home got a lot of water damage through the roof. We had to completely gut home due to mold because daughter highly allergic. We have been living in a FEMA travel trailer for a year now and aren't even close to getting our house fixed.
If there is anything anyone could do to help my children cope with living in this travel trailer will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
ID # 2006-191
date posted September 25 , 2006
Mother
- age 33
1 boy - age 2
1 female - age 71
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in Pineville, LA
I left home that Sunday afternoon and was caught in the middle of the first band of hard rain on the highway to Baton Rouge so my father pulled over so that other drivers can pass. Soon we made it to B.R. and the weather really got worse, you could feel the wind coming through the cracks of the windows. The rain was so scary I started to cry and so did my son, I could only imagine what's going on in New Orleans. Then we heard a loud noise in the back of the house, like a gunshot, so we ran to see what it was. A tree had feel onto the house we had to close off the room with plastic and put a mattress in front of the door to soak up the rainwater. once it passed cars were damaged and home were too. I left B.R. and ended up in Pineville, La. by another family member who was in a shelter, we were able to find a house to live in from a church member, just as we moved in , here came Rita causing more damage and fear in all of us. Even though I'm fine I still have thoughts of that night in Baton Rouge, I just pray and ask God to Protect all of his children.
ID # 2006-192
date posted September 25 , 2006
Mother
- age 21
Father - age 22
1 boy - age 10 months
Grandmother - age 52
Grandfather - age 51
Originally from Metairie, LA
Staying in New Orleans, LA
I left 1 day before the hurricane. I drove as far as we could, due to the fact I was 7 months pregnant. I wind up in a shelter in Eunice, La. My spouse was in Georgia with his parents. I finally got in touch with my parents 1 week later and they drove from Beaumont. One week later, with the help of FEMA, I flew to Georgia to reunite with my spouse. I relocated back to New Orleans in June because I was unable to get any assistance in Georgia. I am now staying with my parents and my spouse is staying with his. We are waiting on FEMA to issue us a trailer so that we can be a family again.
Any assistance that you can give us this holiday season will be appreciated.
ID # 2006-193
date posted September 25 , 2006
Mother
- age 41
1 girl - age 14
Originally from Gulfport, MS
Staying in Gulfport, MS
Adopted by a
family in
Southampton, NY
YEAH! - Thank you!
We stayed in a shelter for about two weeks. Then I had to send my daughter to stay with friends in Florida because her health conditions and the environment was not good for her. We then stayed with family members until we received or fema trailer. We were given the opportunity to buy a house with no money down and low payments. So now all my extra money goes into this house. Now the central heat and air unit has went out every time I think I am getting somewhere it just gets worse.
Even though my baby is not a young child she deserves a break she is a giving, fun loving teenager,. And it would be nice for her to have a Christmas so please if anyone would help me give her this it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you sincerely.
ID # 2006-194
date posted September 25 , 2006
Mother - age 29
Father - age 29
2 boys - ages 11, 8
3 girls - 12, 3, 3 months
Originally from Jackson, MS
Staying in Toledo, OH
ID # 2006-195
date posted September 27 , 2006
Mother - age 29
Father - age 29
2 girls - ages 3 & 6 months
1 female - age 66
Originally from Jackson, MS
Staying in Toledo, OH
We lost our home to Hurricane Katrina. We had no insurance and we lost all of our possessions. We were renting at the time and are still trying to find permanent housing. It is really hard trying to get back to normal there just always seems like there is another mountain to climb. any help would be greatly appreciated thank you.
ID # 2006-196
date posted September 27 , 2006
Mother - age 43
1 boy - age 5
2 girls - ages 5, 9
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying with family member
Adopted by a
family in Emeryville, CA
YEAH! - Thank you!
AFTER KATRINA ON NOV15,2005.MY SISTER CHARLENE JOHNSON BURNED UP IN A CAR ACCIDENT SHE LEFT TWO KIDS THAT DAVID, KESHIRA SOMETIME I THINK IF THE STORM DID NOT HIT MY SISTER WOULD STILL BE HERE. WE HAD NO BODY TO BURY JUST PART TO CREMATE.. THANKS LONELY SISTER IN BATON ROUGE LA WAITING TO GO HOME TO NEW ORLEANS LA.
BY THE WAY PRENE, MOTHER DIED WHEN SHE WAS 7MONTH.SO I HAVE 3 CHILDREN THAT LOSE THERE PARENT. I LOVE THEM LIKE THEY WAS MY ONE ,I DO NOT HAVE NONE OF MINE ON SO I GUESS YOU CAN SAY IM TRULY BLESS BY GOD TO BE ABLE TO TAKE THESE WONDERFUL CHILDREN THAT MADE MY LIFE MEANINGFUL.
ID # 2006-197
date posted September 27 , 2006
Mother - age 51
1 boy - age 6
2 girls ages 13, 17
Grandmother - age 76
Originally from Violet, LA
Staying with family member in California
ME SHIRLENE WAS STUCK ON THE ROOF OF MY HOUSE. WAS RESCUE BY BOAT .TAKEN TO FERRY FROM THERE I WENT TO SCHOOL BUS FROM THERE TO KENNER, FROM THERE TO BATON ROUGE, FROM THERE TO CALIFORNIA.
ID # 2006-198
date posted September 27 , 2006
Mother - age 28
2 boys - ages 10, 7
4 girls - ages 9, 5, 3, 2
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying in private home in Carrollton, TX
Baltimore I'm a single parent I have 6 kids I left with my kids a day before the hurricane with a friend I didn't want to leave but my friend beg me to leave so I decided to leave after she told me to that the hurricane was very serious and if new Orleans flood we already below sea level she if you don't want to go let me take your kids please so I decided to leave with her .I live in new Orleans east a sub division call sky view I had a 4 bed room house me and my kids lost every thing my roof fell in my doors flew off my windows broke every thing was destroyed I'm in Carrollton Texas now we miss home so much but i think god we still alive if I wouldn't left with my kids who no's what would happen to us. I thank my friend and the lord for opening my eyes.
I'm only worried about my kids not me only if i can get help for them i would be grateful. thank you.
ID # 2006-199
date posted September 27 , 2006
Mother - age 35
1 boy - age 14
Originally from Metairie, LA
Staying in private home in Houston, TX
Adopted by a
family in Smyrna, GA
YEAH! - Thank you!
I am a Katrina and Rita victim. I was living in my truck. My son and I have been through a lot together. We have always done the best that we could with me being head of household and a single mom. I have had to play many roles and all of the responsibilities have been on me alone. I have had people to tell me how proud they were of my accomplishments and raising my son alone with values and morals.
Just recently Hurricane Katrina hit us and I tried to rebuild our lives when we were hit by Hurricane Rita. This has been so devastating and so hard to believe that anything so horrible could happen.
Since Katrina hit our lives have changed drastically. I have been displaced due to Katrina. I am behind on all my bills due to Katrina and Rita. I need assistance with everything. I am asking for any type of assistance for my son and me due to unemployment caused by these Hurricanes.
I have no family or friends to ask and am actively seeking employment. I have tried getting a job everywhere. I have been on numerous interviews, but do not hear back from employers once they learn I am from New Orleans.
If you could find it within your means or heart to help my son and me, I would gladly appreciate it. Any assistance (gift cards, gas cards and clothing assistance) for any of my needs would be helpful during this difficult time. I have always worked hard to do my best and pay my bills and not ask for assistance, but due to this disaster it has set me back considerably. If things were not very hard for us right now, I would not be asking for assistance.
Can you please help us to help ourselves? Thank you!
ID # 2006-200
date posted September 28 , 2006
Father - age 21
1 boy - age 2
Grandmother - age 47
Originally from New Orleans, LA
Staying with family member in
Crystal Springs, MS
We evacuated the day before the hurricane, and it was an experience I will never forget. My whole family was split up. Now I am in Mississippi in need of funds, I am unemployed due to the storm, and I lost everything I own. And I have a 2 yr. old boy, who need things. So, if there is anyway u can help me I would really appreciate it. GOD BLESS.