In August and September 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita ravaged the Gulf Coast region.  St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana was inundated with rainwater and floodwaters averaging 6 to 20 feet in depth for nearly two weeks.  Families in St. Bernard Parish lost everything: houses were flooded and collapsed; possessions were destroyed; tools and methods for livelihoods were ruined. Over 200 residents of the Parish lost their lives as a result of the hurricanes.  After the storms, 100% percent of the homes were officially "uninhabitable."

Prior to the storms, St. Bernard was a vibrant community populated by nearly 65,000 residents. 

• Over 75% of the homes were owner occupied. 
• In 2004, the unemployment rate hovered near 4% while
• the median income was $36,000. 
• Families were working hard – as tradesmen, in the refinery industry and as fisherman. 
• The Parish had a large community of retirees - nearly 50% of the polulation, many of whom owned their own homes and lived on fixed incomes.   

Watch a video of the Katrina devastation here.

Since the storms, more than 20,000 residents have returned, despite the fact that over 60% of residences and businesses still remain uninhabitable.  Families are determined to rebuild their lives; however their success is hampered by myriad barriers.  Families have not received adequate reimbursements from their insurance companies or the government.  Many families are split up-- one parent is living with the children in an outlying community or state while the other parent is living in a FEMA trailer family house trying to rebuild the property and hold down a full-time job.  There is limited affordable rental property or temporary housing in the Parish and many families have not yet received a FEMA trailer.  

The residents who have returned are encouraged by the signs of hope. The once lively neighborhoods of St. Bernard Parish are slowly coming back to life. About 25% homes, parks and businesses have been rebuilt and over a dozen churches have reopened. The school’s population increased from 300 students in November 2005 to 2,200 in March 2006. Today over 4,500 students are enrolled in one of four public school facilites that have reopened.  The hard working residents of St. Bernard are eager to rebuild their lives and community and return to the thriving lives they once enjoyed. 

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