Recovery and Renewal

“My name is Sharon Hanshaw… I’m a native of Biloxi, Mississippi.  I was a cosmetologist for twenty-one years… and Hurricane Katrina hit.  Hurricane Katrina just sped my life into this whirlwind of activism.  I had no choice but to step up, and try to make sure that our voices were heard in the recovery process, now and in the future.” [...Read more]

In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, communities across the Gulf Coast began to meet, share experiences, and work together across previous geographic and racial divides.  Now facing new and ongoing challenges like the BP oil disaster, hurricane "recovery" efforts, and coastal land loss, these communities continue to rely on and strengthen these relationships. [...Read more]

In November we reported on a new program to help low-income Mississippi residents rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina.  The program was the result of a settlement reached between a number of local housing advocates and their public-interest lawyers, the U.S. [...Read more]

All individuals have the right to equality, equal opportunity, fair treatment and an environment free of pollutants. What we have seen in the Gulf, and around the world, is an infringement upon both our civil rights and our human rights.  So the question is: What are you going to do about it?

To the people of the United States of America: [...Read more]

Gulf Coast businesses are closing down as they fail to secure compensation payouts [Photo: Erika Blumenfeld]  [...Read more]

Last week I attended 5 meetings with Gulf Coast citizens and Kenneth Feinberg, concerning the claims process and the future of our people.
 
 
The following choices were given to us by the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF):
 
  [...Read more]

One year after an earthquake devastated Haiti, much of the promised relief and reconstruction aid has not reached those most in need. In fact, the nation's tragedy has served as an opportunity to further enrich corporate interests. [...Read more]

Last week, Hurricane Katrina survivors packed two Greater New Orleans churches and voiced some of the frustration, anger, and hurt that they’ve been nursing over the “Road Home” recovery program.  The public meetings, in St. Bernard parish and New Orleans’ Ninth Ward, were held to inform residents about inequities and corruption in the housing program.
 [...Read more]

Condita Duplessis hugs granddaughter Jalinh Vasquez Barthelemy outside their FEMA trailer. Photo: Getty Images/Mario Tama

by Julianne Hing, Colorlines. [...Read more]

By John Wathen, Hurricane Creekkeeper [...Read more]