Today we're back at La Porte Neighborhoods center. We've seen a transition from a majority of the individuals using the computers to file FEMA forms to a more diverse range of activities: checking FEMA/insurance status, finding social service offices, checking email/social networking sites, filling out loan forms, looking for home restoration services, etc.
A month has passed since Hurricane Ike crashed thru this area. Residents are still waiting for FEMA agents to come out to assess their properties. As with Ralph, a La Porte native:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH3w4yD9ABk
[interview with Ralph]
He was helping his fellow neighbors, hauling food and supplies around to handout at the Neighborhood Center. In the interview, he mentions how Hurricane Ike has positively brought the community together.
According to Ralph, the town of Shoreacres looks like it was bombed. Although a full month has passed, debris is everywhere. See images below, and these two youtube videos filmed on our flip cameras while driving around:
1) Shoreacres, TX: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHBZY5D52og
2) More Shoreacres, TX: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzJsOY5VDIw
The piles of refuse have yet to be cleaned up because residents are still waiting for insurance and government agencies to come out to assess damages. They cannot start renovation and cleanup until the assessments are finished. Note the "you loot we shoot" slogans spraypainted across the boards, to discourage anyone who would even think of stealing or scrounging for scrap metal.
Overall, there is a desire for the return to normalcy. People are trickling back into town, and everywhere you go, you can hear neighbors greeting and welcoming one another home.
1 comment:
Although there has been physical destruction, people seem to still have a positive demeanor. I believe that is key to the process of rebuilding.
KCB
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