I got a message this morning from a dear friend of 40-something years, a minister and educator in Gulfport, MS. A life-long resident there, she stayed through Katrina to shelter 18 people in her home. Ever since, she's been up to her eyebrows sheltering, clothing, feeding, and caring for her community. Here's what she has to say about the Mississippi Gulf Coast today, August 22, 2007:
The coast is still a mess, and I do mean a mess. Garbage and debris still line most streets; too many houses still have blue tarps for roofs; building materials are so expensive here (moreso by far than in towns 50 miles away); contractors are starting jobs and not finishing because they underbid, not expecting suppliers to raise costs willynilly; non-decisions by government officials re: permit fees, height regs, etc. Most of my friends who lost everything are not rebuilding because insurance costs are prohibitive. One family has a quote to rebuild their smallish size house south of the railroad track that they can handle. But the insurance is $40,000 a year! Can you believe it???
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