Flood victims may get federal aid

My husband and I feel fortunate we had 3 1/2 feet of water and mud in our house. We are in a FEMA trailer. We have an SBA loan. We do feel that we need help as we are seventy and have health issues. My husband has had cancer and back surgery twice and we are trying to save money by doing a lot of things ourself. When I told the SBA people we won't live 30 years to pay this they said that is okay we will settle at probate court. Now that makes you have a warm feeling. I remember how wonderful it was to pay the last note and own the house - now we are starting over and feel we own nothing. My husband is so worried that he would pass away and I wouldn't be able to make the note. Please consider helping us and not just the people with a slab and a house mortgage.

Joy wrote:

My husband and I feel fortunate we had 3 1/2 feet of water and mud in our house. We are in a FEMA trailer. We have an SBA loan. We do feel that we need help as we are seventy and have health issues. My husband has had cancer and back surgery twice and we are trying to save money by doing a lot of things ourself. When I told the SBA people we won't live 30 years to pay this they said that is okay we will settle at probate court. Now that makes you have a warm feeling. I remember how wonderful it was to pay the last note and own the house - now we are starting over and feel we own nothing. My husband is so worried that he would pass away and I wouldn't be able to make the note. Please consider helping us and not just the people with a slab and a house mortgage.

--------feel blessed that you are out new orleans is history --no person in there rite mind would go back even if the city was all white -all talk no money -money --finance unavailable even entergy is trying to screw-the people -wake up little suzie---hurrican season is 6mts-away --again --even charity hospital is gone ---get what you can get from fema--get a bottle of bourbon and relax --forget it joy--go to the casino bay st, louis --lol----

bill wrote:

<quoted text>--------feel blessed that you are out new orleans is history --no person in there rite mind would go back even if the city was all white -all talk no money -money --finance unavailable even entergy is trying to screw-the people -wake up little suzie---hurrican season is 6mts-away --again --even charity hospital is gone ---get what you can get from fema--get a bottle of bourbon and relax --forget it joy--go to the casino bay st, louis --lol----

It is driving me crazy that we do not have the words or the pictures to get across to the rest of the world what has happened on the gulf coast. We have lost our lives, not just our homes. It is made very clear by the statement "go to the casino bay st, louis".....IT'S NOT THERE!!!!!

FEDUP wrote:

<quoted text>
It is driving me crazy that we do not have the words or the pictures to get across to the rest of the world what has happened on the gulf coast. We have lost our lives, not just our homes. It is made very clear by the statement "go to the casino bay st, louis".....IT'S NOT THERE!!!!!

I tried...
December 30, 2005

To the Editor:

I was inspired to compile a recap of 2005. It seems difficult to remember prior to August 29, 2005, for that is the day my world changed forever. Katrina took my friends, my home, my possessions, my business, my life from me. Yet thru all the devastation, I found opportunity. Opportunities to make new friends, help build a new home, replace possessions with those worthy of attaining, expand my business to meet various needs, and in the process creating a new life far superior to the old.

I posted the following synopsis in a forum I frequent. It was suggested that I send it to everyone I could. What better place to start than the editor of our local paper.

“The year 2005 has proven an awakening for me. I have witnessed over consuming, over indulging, and over zealous return to humbling, basic existence. I learned through courage, defiance, and empathy to forgive, forget, and fortify those around me. The knowledge of the assault regardless of race, social status, or possessions, inspired vivification while attempting to unearth a resemblance of past existence. In retrospect, that life no longer exists nor ever will. It appears empty yet meaningful for it has given an indication of a pathless journey that now exposes the shallow existence endured. Blessed are those who have seen this blinding light, those who have embraced its glory, for those are new leaders, those are awake, those are the quiet that will ring loud. To have survived this heralding experience then allow ancient ways to prevail would prove ignorance to growth. For inside now grows a courage that few can attempt to accost, an overwhelming magnitude for equality, an unstoppable vision that will bring ridicule, insult, and fear before it can inspire, stimulate, and unite. Katrina invaded my being but she created a new foundation that no tempest can devastate. Change is an inevitable part of life but a new South is rising from the fragments that were once my life.”

It is my thoughts and feelings about Hurricane Katrina and the rationale she revealed to me. I know others share this revelation but few can comprehend the magnitude of what is to come. Katrina has proven the “Clean Sweep Queen of the Century” for her unbiased ability to bring equality thru destruction will not stop until she reveals the corruption, waste, and neglect of our country, judicially, legally, and morally.

Hurricane Katrina ‘Person of the Year’ for she will reveal for years to come.

Toni Moran Becker
Pass Christian, MS
newSouthrising@gmail.com

FEDUP wrote:

<quoted text>
It is driving me crazy that we do not have the words or the pictures to get across to the rest of the world what has happened on the gulf coast. We have lost our lives, not just our homes. It is made very clear by the statement "go to the casino bay st, louis".....IT'S NOT THERE!!!!!

To all of you from Mississippi. I wanted to let you know that you are not forgotten. Most of the country (from people I talk to) are tired of hearing about New Orleans. We say to ourselves that they aren't the only area that was hit. I spent two weeks in D'Iberville helping in anyway I could. Our city has adopted that city. We have made sure that people know about Mississippi. We made sure that there were articles in local newspapers talking about how gracious and appreciative the residents of Missippi are. We didn't want anyone to think that everyone down there behaved like the people from New Orleans. As a result, I love your state and am considering moving there in a few years. The rest of the country knows. Please, I know it's easy to feel forgotten, but you're not.

There is a group at the Old Napa Building across from the Post Office in Bay St. Luis...Just over the line, on Hwy 90. Get to them. They can put you on a list of people who need the help. You just tell them what you need and they can try to help you, no cost, no strings. They have volunteers from all over the nation traveling in to help you community rebuild. When they have the materials storage space avaiable they will actually be able to help phase into rebuilding efforts so much more. They are Christians, they put on Christams on the coast for your community, they were the communities first assistance after the hurrican and they plan to stay as long as there are needs and they can help. We are praying for you and your neighbors and hope we will make it back to help some more ourselves. Have faith, things will get better.

Joy wrote:

My husband and I feel fortunate we had 3 1/2 feet of water and mud in our house. We are in a FEMA trailer. We have an SBA loan. We do feel that we need help as we are seventy and have health issues. My husband has had cancer and back surgery twice and we are trying to save money by doing a lot of things ourself. When I told the SBA people we won't live 30 years to pay this they said that is okay we will settle at probate court. Now that makes you have a warm feeling. I remember how wonderful it was to pay the last note and own the house - now we are starting over and feel we own nothing. My husband is so worried that he would pass away and I wouldn't be able to make the note. Please consider helping us and not just the people with a slab and a house mortgage.

I work for a storm restoration company and negotiate with insurance companies all the time to get a fair claim for homeowners that have insurance. I see from what you posted that you have no insurance. Please contact me at 417-353-2400 so that I can help you come up with some options for building a home. My name is William and I have provided you with my cell #. I will be in LA the week of the 23rd of Jan. Please call me! Thank you.

bill wrote:

<quoted text>--------feel blessed that you are out new orleans is history --no person in there rite mind would go back even if the city was all white -all talk no money -money --finance unavailable even entergy is trying to screw-the people -wake up little suzie---hurrican season is 6mts-away --again --even charity hospital is gone ---get what you can get from fema--get a bottle of bourbon and relax --forget it joy--go to the casino bay st, louis --lol----

Bill, either you are totally in Denial on what happened here or you are just plain ignorant! People have lost EVERYTHING! I guess while you get drunk and think this is a great World and God Praise King George for he gave THE RICH the big Taxbrake .
I wonder how you would react, if someone would take your House your Clothe your fancy Car your Cellphone your Computer your TV your Job and whatever else your Moma bought you! I bet you still live at home with no worries. Those People in Pearlington have more Backbone then anyone in the WHITE HOUSE. How dare you tell Joy to forget about it..You need to take a good look at yourself my friend. What do YOU see when you look in the Mirror?

AMEN, pure cajun rock!

MRS JOY, YOU STILL LISTENING, YOU OK, STILL PRAYING FOR YOU,
MAY GOD BLESS YOU, ARE YOU IN EUNICE? WOULD LIKE TO MEET YOU!
LOVE IN CHRIST, FAY

Joy- I just returned from Pass Christian as a part of a relief team from our church. I want to tell you and all the good people of Pass Christian as well as all of Mississippi Gulf Coast, we love you, we are praying for you and we will not forget you. I can't replace the things that were taken from you by the storm, but I can tell you throughout all the dark times you and your husband are facing, that Christ is with you always. I can't explain why these these happen, but know that God loves! Take care. May God richly bless you and your family. Please don't give up! Henry County KY loves you!

Joy wrote:

My husband and I feel fortunate we had 3 1/2 feet of water and mud in our house. We are in a FEMA trailer. We have an SBA loan. We do feel that we need help as we are seventy and have health issues. My husband has had cancer and back surgery twice and we are trying to save money by doing a lot of things ourself. When I told the SBA people we won't live 30 years to pay this they said that is okay we will settle at probate court. Now that makes you have a warm feeling. I remember how wonderful it was to pay the last note and own the house - now we are starting over and feel we own nothing. My husband is so worried that he would pass away and I wouldn't be able to make the note. Please consider helping us and not just the people with a slab and a house mortgage.

Forgotten is kinda funy how quickly when some people get on their feet they assume the rest of us are right along side with them take a good look you might see that not all of us are above water yet 5 Months! Take a look at Empire La. no water, power, utilities , still not cleaned from storm , no femma trailers,all we hear how everything is moving, for who?

How they say noisy spoke gets the grease well guess we just have a little voice because no one has heard us yet.

I am trying to locate a man who was in the hurricane and is presently living in a FEMA trailer. I have a PO address but no street address so i need to find the names of the streets or
FEMA location where i can contact someone who can help. I am living in Germany so this presents a problem. Red Cross has a number of addresses all over the US but i need something in the D"Iberville area. Thanks you .......becca

i am tell you that a best thing to do is to move to florien,LA,because i am a ower of an apartment build and i will let you stay how long you need.

Mrs Joy, I am so sorry. My father is 72, my step mother a cancer survivior. They lost everything and had just paid their last house note, they had nothing but their puppies, not even their meds. FEMA just gave them a camper, it's parked on the same lot as their rubble that used to be there home, they have 15 inches to get in to their camper door from the fenceline, and they have to look at what used to be everyday. SBA offered them a loan at a great rate, however, it was for 30 years, they wont be around. SBA wants liens on everything they own, which means if my father dies, my stepmother would be homeless and penny less after all these years, my father faught in 2 wars, retired from the military, and has worked for the county. Even if they took the loan knowing she would be homeless in a few years, they would struggle to find a house for sale that they could afford even now. My mother is homeless also, lived in Sr housing which was destroyed, she lost her medical equipment, and her home, she is still in a "rehabilitation center" and will be homeless Feb15, when they kick her out, she still has no Fema trailer and on her disability income can never replace the things she worked her life to own before her years and stroke. My heart breaks for everyone in their shoes, and for us adult children who feel the guilt of not knowing how to help, we lost our share, but we are in our 40's with kids, it's not the same. Maybe this grant will help people like my parents and you, and others who need it. NOT the people who eat up the system every day.

Joy wrote:

My husband and I feel fortunate we had 3 1/2 feet of water and mud in our house. We are in a FEMA trailer. We have an SBA loan. We do feel that we need help as we are seventy and have health issues. My husband has had cancer and back surgery twice and we are trying to save money by doing a lot of things ourself. When I told the SBA people we won't live 30 years to pay this they said that is okay we will settle at probate court. Now that makes you have a warm feeling. I remember how wonderful it was to pay the last note and own the house - now we are starting over and feel we own nothing. My husband is so worried that he would pass away and I wouldn't be able to make the note. Please consider helping us and not just the people with a slab and a house mortgage.

>I wonder how you would react, if someone would take your House your Clothe your fancy Car your Cellphone your Computer your TV your Job and whatever else your Moma bought you!

A man would get a new job and carry on. Social Aid is a means for you to get back on your feet. Not a means for you to sit back and relax in a Holiday Inn for the rest of your life.

Gerard, I live in Bay St. Louis, Ms. and had 5' of water in my house without any flood insurance. How much money have you received through your web site? It seems that you spend alot of time on the computer and wanting help with your bills, but you don't update photos what thoughts do you think you are putting in peoples minds? I have two children (boys four and seven) and I have been blessed! I used money that I had saved and swapped out work with friends, to enable us to get our house liveable again. I am in your shoes, but I helped myself get out of them and into my house! I don't want this to sound like an attack, but you have spent alot of time on your computer (I lost mine in the storm) when you could have been helping yourself!! If you get any extra money send it my way, because I'm in debt too...with kids at home...

Robert wrote:

Gerard, I live in Bay St. Louis, Ms. and had 5' of water in my house without any flood insurance. How much money have you received through your web site? It seems that you spend alot of time on the computer and wanting help with your bills, but you don't update photos what thoughts do you think you are putting in peoples minds? I have two children (boys four and seven) and I have been blessed! I used money that I had saved and swapped out work with friends, to enable us to get our house liveable again. I am in your shoes, but I helped myself get out of them and into my house! I don't want this to sound like an attack, but you have spent alot of time on your computer (I lost mine in the storm) when you could have been helping yourself!! If you get any extra money send it my way, because I'm in debt too...with kids at home...

I have to agree. What have you done?

Gerard....I am sorry for your lost......But you know what??? I lost everything in HURRICANE RITA......You dont see me making a website for people to help me pay my bills....you know what....you pay what has to be paid in order to survive. Food, water and the other essentials. Forget credit cards and other bills, until later when you are able to pay them....you have to learn to live day by day...and not worry about anything else....At least you and your family are still alive.....Sometimes that is the only thing that keeps me going...knowing that my son and my husband are with me and that we are ok....

The delay in rebuilding New orleans in more about controlling the vote than anything else. You bring back all the people that has been forced out and they vote for the democrates. The republicans see this as an opportunity to repace all the poor blacks with wealth whites that usually vote republican. a good way to pick up an extra seat in the house and senate. As for as what went wrong with FEMA. nothing has changed, They are still trying to figure out who is authorized to do what.That was never made clear and to this day everybody is asking the same question "Who is suppose to do that"?