RSSEpiscopal Relief & Development Marks the Third Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina
Episcopal Relief & Development marks the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, creating one of the worst disasters in U.S. history. An estimated 1,800 people were killed, over 275,000 homes were lost and entire communities along the coast were swept away in the powerful storm surge.
Since the immediate aftermath of Katrina, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working with local and national partners to meet the needs of the most vulnerable individuals and communities. While much assistance has been provided, persistent needs remain. Episcopal Relief & Development continues to work with partners in Louisiana and Mississippi to identify and empower those still struggling to recover and rebuild their lives.
In partnership with the Office of Disaster Response of the Diocese of Louisiana, we provided case management services to over 600 families in the New Orleans area during the past year, helping them access available services and assistance programs, secure housing and find employment. We continue to help homeowners refurbish damaged homes and provide food to residents and volunteer teams working on homes through the ministries of the Dragon Café and Mobile Loaves and Fishes. Advocacy and leadership development initiatives are empowering community members to organize and advocate for the long-term growth and security of their neighborhoods.
The Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative is making steady progress toward its goal of constructing 500 affordable homes to help replace lost housing stock and revitalize neighborhoods in the Central City area of New Orleans. Since August 2006, 48 lots have been acquired, 17 homes built, and 13 homes sold. Homeownership programs provide resources to support families through the home buying process.
Episcopal Relief & Development continues to assist residents of FEMA trailer parks in the vicinity of LaPlace through a partnership with G.R.A.C.E. Community Services. Computer training and job readiness courses help clients secure employment in this rural part of Louisiana.
In Mississippi, Episcopal Relief & Development is working with the Diocese of Mississippi and Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi to operate two volunteer camps—Camp Coast Care and Mission on the Bay—that provide housing and meals for those assisting with homebuilding projects in the area.
Hallelujah Housing is providing gap funding for families in three Mississippi Gulf Coast counties who do not have enough funds to repair their damaged homes or build new homes. The program aims to rebuild clusters of communities within each county. Financing is provided through Enterprise Corporation of the Delta/HOPE Credit Union. A total of 15 families have received the funds they needed to rebuild.
At every juncture, compassionate volunteers have graciously served those in need, as Lynn Betancourt’s story demonstrates so clearly.
Coming home
Lynn Betancourt and her three children were among thousands forced to evacuate New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina. The family resettled in Marietta, GA, but in the spring of 2007, Lynn believed it was the right time to return to New Orleans and reunite with family she had left behind. She placed her family’s belongings in a storage unit in Marietta, as she was not sure where they would live in New Orleans.
Fortunately, Lynn found a job and a place to live shortly after arriving in back in New Orleans. But with a brand new job, she could not take time off to go to Marietta and retrieve her family’s possessions, nor could she afford a moving service. Lynn brought her situation to a case manager at the Diocese of Louisiana’s Office of Disaster Response, a program supported by Episcopal Relief & Development, who was hopeful they could solve the problem quickly.
The case manager found a website for St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Marietta, and called the rector to inquire whether anyone would be able to help pack up Lynn’s belongings and load them on a bus. The rector’s quick and compassionate response was just the thing Lynn needed to hear: “How about we just load up her things and bring them to her?” he said. The church had a group of volunteers scheduled to go to Mississippi for a work trip later that month, and they were happy to make a side trip to New Orleans. They even offered to help with most of the expenses.
A few weeks later, a truck pulled up outside Lynn’s home and volunteers helped her unpack. Afterward, the group shared refreshments and fellowship on the front porch. This wonderful picture of hope restored ended with a heartfelt prayer for God’s blessing upon Lynn’s home and her family.
