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Welcome Home Delong Family!
Read more about the Delong's Welcome Home Celebration.
Homeowner Bio
She was uprooted from her childhood home in New Orleans East; she kept her family together after Katrina separated them; she cared for her mother after multiple surgeries; and she will soon be a proud homeowner. She is also only 21 years old.
Some might say Allison has wisdom beyond her years. Others might say she has a good head on her shoulders. Whatever it is, the fact remains Allison is one extraordinary individual.
A senior in high school when Katrina hit in 2005, Allison and her family evacuated to Baton Rouge. They stayed with some family friends for an extended period of time and decided to find a more permanent residence. Allison led her mother, Debbie, and sister, Ashley, who was pregnant at the time, to Texas where they would stay with another family friend. They eventually found an apartment, and began to settle in.
Allison wanted to return home though. She had some unfinished business at home in New Orleans. She headed home to the Crescent City to finish high school and receive her diploma. It was a difficult move for Allison to leave settled life in Texas and return to the uncertainty that lived in New Orleans. Allison graduated and got her diploma from McMain High School.
Allison spent the next year searching for a job. She took the time off as an opportunity to care for her mother. Having recently been diagnosed with severe depression, Allison’s mother Debbie remained in dire straits.
“She is such a wonderful mother, but she feels like she has let her kids down somehow,” Allison said. “We’re still a family no matter what.”
In September 2008, Allison obtained a permanent job with the New Orleans Police Department. She works as a Tech 1 in the fingerprinting department and her sister, Ashley, works as a 911 dispatcher.
Since the storm, Ashley has become the mother of two beautiful daughters, Marli and Madason. The girls will celebrate their first and fourth birthdays this holiday season, respectively.
Allison cannot only support her mother emotionally, but now she is able to financially support her family.
Currently, Allison and her mother sleep on the floor at a family friend’s house. It is not much, but she stays positive.
“I am very thankful and grateful just to have a roof over my head,” she said.
Allison accumulated enough money to purchase a home for her and her mother to live in.
“I have to say, this is one of my greatest accomplishments,” she said proudly.
When asked what she is most looking forward to about her upcoming move, she said, “I just can’t wait to see Mom putting up a Christmas tree and cooking. That will be better than all the tea in China.”
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