"Faith and Hope in New Orleans:
Dominicans after Katrina"
The Power of Katrina
"At a Glance”
Snapshot # 2BEACON OF HOPE
LIGHTS ROAD TO RECOVERBEFORE KATRINA
August 2005Lakeview district residents enjoy normal conveniences and municipal services
Neighbors telephone each other to arrange carpooling for soccer game
Grandparents read and send e-mails that connect them with grandchildren
Adults come home after work and watch their favorite programs on TV
Teens play video games on their computers when they get home from school
Children come in from playing in backyards and local parks to raid the family refrigerator for juice and snacks
Mail delivery brings birthday cards, monthly bills, catalogs, letters from family/friends
AFTER KATRINA
2007The entire Lakeview district is damaged when the levees and canals fail to hold back the floodwaters created by Katrina. Beacon of Hope Resource Centers address residential concerns facing residents and homeowners who have not yet returned.
Provide a communication link between residents and city agencies
Guide residents to get services and utilities restored to the Lakeview area especially mail delivery, electricity, sewerage and water, cable, telephone
Coordinate resident and volunteer groups in the work of debris and trash removal
Provide educational seminars on mold remediation and contractor contracts
Offer a complete resource list of competent local contractors and professional service companies who provide quality work at reasonable prices - general contractors and architects, structural engineers, mold inspectors, mold remediators, plumbers, electricians, communication technicians, landscapers
Snapshot text by Peggy Ryan, OP (Caldwell)
