Hurricane Katrina Evacuees Still Struggling to Get on Their Feet

Over two years after Hurricane Katrina, one of the deadliest hurricanes to sweep across U.S. soil, some evacuees are still struggling to get back on their feet. This hurricane caused destruction in certain parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico and Florida. New Orleans, Louisiana received the brunt of it. 80 percent of the city and neighboring areas was flooded. This catastrophe caused severe loss of life and and millions of dollars in damage. Over 1800 people lost their lives in Hurricane Katrina, also due to flooding. In addition several people were left missing.

The American Red Cross along with several organizations provided food, shelter and water to the victims of the storm. Also many corporations, countries and individuals donated to the relief effort. The Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) provided housing assistance to over 700,000 families and individuals. Which included housing vouchers or trailers. Unfortunately there was not enough trailers provided so FEMA paid for hotels for thousands of people, temporarily.

Weeks after the storm evacuees flocked to all 50 states to begin a new life, but it would not be easy. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 40 percent of people displaced by the storm are still facing economic challenges compared to the rest of the country. People had to start all over with their lives and it has been difficult. The USA Today says 1/3 of those affected by the storm are still without employment. In adition a large portion of some are still living with people not part of the evacuation or still in trailers.