Apr+6

Today, I had the opportunity to speak with Sr. Martha and Sarah Landry, Director of Mercy Housing and Human Development about the complexities of rebuilding homes here in Mississippi. It is not easy. There are many obstacles at the federal, state and local levels. They don't see a house as a mere structure, but recognize the value of a home. A home provides dignity regardless of size. It allows for people to create and share memories. At the most basic level, it protects us from the everyday elements. I couldn't help but to ask the question-what would you do if another hurricane hit next year? Rebuild is the answer. Most of the neighborhoods we live in today have been around for decades if not more. Some neighborhoods literally have to be rebuilt entirely-one home at a time. Each of those homes becomes a part of a community. How does the community sustain itself when both housing and jobs are not readily available? You cannot separate one from the other. I was told many of the people who lost their homes were struggling before the storm. They were just getting by. Now, where do you come up with the money to rebuild your home and pay higher insurance rates once it's built? Is it feasible? Also, many face a stigma of why they may not have their home rebuilt after five years. Many have taken the "proper steps" in order to start the process, but may have to adhere to city building requirements that make it almost impossible to begin. Those who had the means to recover did so as fast as they could and others may have left the Gulf Coast entirely. Let's start at the local level-

Tonight, MVHS was invited on an outing with Our Lady of Fatima's CYO. They took us on the Biloxi Schooner. This is the second year we've had a joint adventure together. We saw some familiar faces. This was great fun!