Day Five – New Orleans (rainy day) – Karina Lopez January 16, 2008

New Orleans. Before coming here I remember the images from the news papers, and the television. Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, leaving thousands without their homes, their lifestyle, and for some, their lives. I was prepared to see devastation but instead I found a ghost town. The documentary by Spike Lee we watched before coming here revealed views to me that I wasn’t aware of before. Political injustice, economic disparities and many other fall into this list. I was hoping that our help would make a difference but in reality this city needs a lot more than the reconstruction of a handful of houses. Today, January 16, day 5 of our trip, turned out to be a disappointment for me. Our site duties were canceled due to bad weather. Instead, we are using the day to plan for the spring semester as well as to reflect on our experiences here thus far. Yesterday the Director of the Department of Health of New Orleans, Steven, spoke to us about post-Katrina issues. I was appalled when he told us that only 200 million dollars were allotted to New Orleans out of the 116 billion total given for the hurricane. He also explained how several systems worked, such as what standards were used to disperse health insurance and FEMA trailers. I’m shocked -in all honesty the problem isn’t rebuilding the homes for Katrina victims, in my opinion the problem lies behind the scenes within the hands of our federal government. One of the things I believe is ridiculous is the fact that people were actually allowed to live in high risk areas like the lower 9^th ward which had already had a similar incident occur in the 1960’s. The government has always been a fan of restricting people, giving them few options and alternatives to choose from. I don’t understand why this wasn’t one of those cases. The pink simulations of houses that now stand in place of the homes that once were are signs of hope for many home owners. I feel as if the solutions provided are only temporary relief. The citizens of New Orleans are just waiting for the next hurricane to come and once again get swept off their feet. I don’t know what the solution is but there has to be one. Everything is fixable. Tonight we are going to have the honor to have one of the homeowners come to speak to us about her experience with Katrina and her current struggle. She seems very happy to have the opportunity to speak to us and I feel very privileged to be here to listen to her story. I don’t know how she manages to smile so frequently. Although two years have passed, I don’t know how I would be able to cope with the ruins of my home still standing, yet to be repaired.