Jean

Jean; Winnie, Dora
Email: - alleymarziacat @ yahoo.com

Location: - Back home in the suburbs of New Orleans.

Number in Household: - 1 human, 2 cats -- Jean, female, 47, two cats, Winnie, male, 15, Dora female, 5

Situation:
After Katrina my husband and I moved four times before coming back to New Orleans nine months after the storm. We had been lucky compared to many, but in order to return to New Orleans we had to sell or give away most of our possessions and we came back dead broke. We were both affected negatively by the instability and uncertainty brought on by Katrina, the repeated moves, my poor health, the inability to find work that could support us and extremely high stress all of this caused.
A week after we returned home, my husband walked out on me with no warning --leaving me disabled with no income, no insurance, no transportation, no place to live and no hope. He has refused any attempt to talk since then. I was very nearly committed to a mental hospital because I sunk so far into depression and desparation that I was unable to function.
Through the amazing kindness of others -- many of them people who never knew me and I have never met -- I recieved comfort, clothing, emotional support and more. I was also taken to a psychiatrist and a doctor to get the mental and physical help that I couldn't get for myself but so very desperately needed. I narrowly avoided eviction, homelessness, committment, loss of my foot to Diabetes and the horror of having to give up my precious cats.
Right now I am waiting to hear about the decision on my Social Security Disability claim -- the spousal support which I am receiving is barely enough to cover my bills and is only in effect until just after the first of the year -- after which I have no idea what will happen or where I will be.
I would love to have a Merry Christmas before I am plunged back into worry and uncertainty. The outpouring of help that was recieved is now gone since over a year has past since Katrina. I do not think that I am entitled to any help, but if someone is ABLE to assist me I would be forever in their debt.

Current Living Arrangements: - Apartment

Help: - Red Cross, FEMA; UU Church members in Hendersonville NC, Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority, Medical Center of LA at New Orleans.

Needs: PRAYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Foods: Cat food both "wet" and dry -- they prefer Whiskas or Meow Mix Pouches and Purina One Dry but any kind is good! They also love Whiskas Cat Treats.

Human Foods: Soy Nut Butter, Oatmeal, Grits, Bread Crumbs, Cannned Squash, Canned Beets, Canned Turnip, Mustard or Collard Greens. Canned Okra with Tomatoes, Canned Tomatoes (stewed and plain), Raisins, Canned Fruits (low sugar), Splenda, Crackers, Spices -- Mrs Dash and others, Sugar Free Iced Tea Mixes or Sugar Free Drink Mixes, Coffee with Chicory, "Peanut Free" Almonds or other nuts.

Paper Products: Any type and brand, not picky.

Computer Supplies: HP 92 and 93 printer cartridges.

Cleaning Supplies: Again, anything, not particular about brands.

Household Supplies: A "medium" size pot with cover would be great -- somehow I wound up with a GIANT pot and a tiny pot, no nice medium sized one. I could also use a collander, a pair of kitchen shears, a set of knives, a blender, a small food processor, a crock pot and a toaster.

Clothing: I usually wear 6x tops, the brand "Personal Touch" fits very well in a 6x and in SOME 5x - Colors in any combination of black, blue, purple, green, red. For pants I usually take a 4x or 5x in a stretch or "slinky" material in black or navy - the Maggie Barnes brand fits well. For panties I wear a size 15 in a full panty. Bras can be a 54C or 54D depending on fullness of the cup. I could also use a pair of Diabetic Shoes -- I take a size nine in a SIX E width -- very hard to find and expensive. And very large no-elastic diabetic socks.

Stores you shop at: Wal Mart, Winn Dixie, Big Lots, Dollar Tree, and Catherines. I would love to be able to shop at Michael's, Borders, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.com.

Other: Catholic Bible, Crucifix, small statue of St Gertrude of Nivelles or St Francis of Assisi, St Gertrude of Nivelles or St Francis of Assisi Medal, Weight Watchers Online Membership or membership in another online weight loss program, Sewing Machine, Sewing Light, Scented Candles, Spray Deoderant, Advil or Aleve. Gift Certificates....

I would be happy with ANY of these items "pre-owned" (used) -- [well maybe not the under garments]

11/30
I know that if the distance between us was not so great that we would be terrific friends. You have been a rock for so many people and I really am amazed that you are back helping again when you face such personal and familial challenges yourself!

I have had a few episodes of breathing problems with my O2 sats going down as low as 56 and 65 on different days with 87 or so being about average. But overall I have had more good times than bad.

I got a rollator walker that helps me be more steady on my feet when I have to stand and walk a little. It has a seat so I can flop down and catch my breath when I need to!

Also under the good news category is that I was cleared for and I have been doing a medically supervised Pulmonary rehab program which is allowing me to get moving and to begin building much needed stamina. I have been progressing well because I feel confident nothing will happen while I am being watched and monitored. (or if it does the hospital is connect to the building where I have the rehab workouts)

Unfortunately, I am about 1 month away from running out my coverage for Phase II and the Medicare Advantage plan I have does not cover Phase III at the rehab center where the respiratory therapists work. They feel that once one graduates from the Phase II that going to a regular gym/fitness center should be good. Alas, while I am on 3 lpm at home and 5 lpm when doing simple activities, when I exercise at the Pulmonary Rehab center I am on 8-10 lpm! Plus I am monitored at all times -- partially due to my need for such a high flow (I can still drop to 82 or so on 10 lpm while exercising!) . I am scared that all the good I have done with the Phase II program will be lost when I can no longer go there and work out under the conditions I need to have. They charge $176 quarterly for the Phase III if no insurance is picking it up. THAT would be the ULTIMATE assistance if someone could adopt my rehab!!!

If there is anyone who can help, I could still use a pair of diabetic shoes and some extra wide diabetic socks. Both are in the extreme extra large sizes so I would have to arrange for them to get them from an online source or directly from my podiatrist. He charges $140 for the shoes and the inserts that I need. I only have one pair of shoes -- the ones Medicare allows -- and well, having one pair of shoes is pretty darned sad! LOL The socks are not cheap either ---they are around $13 a pair! I have 4 pairs of socks but I only can wash clothes once every week or so... In between, the socks get a spritz with some dollar store fabric freshener and deodorant....I know, yucky huh?

Speaking of dollar stores, I don't even know if such a thing exists but I do a lot of shopping for cleaning supplies and some basic house items at Dollar Tree. A gift card or certificate for them would be terrific too! As would be a Wal Mart card...I get cat food, my food and almost anything else I need there too...they have the little motorized carts that I can use to get around.

I also would still love a Catholic Bible. The lady with whom I had brief contact last year never followed through. I still use my other Bible but being a Catholic having the special version for Catholics would ease my heart. A small statue or a medal of St Francis of Assisi would be much appreciated as well -- I have sorta adopted him as my Patron because of my affinity for animals.

An extremely lightweight vacuum cleaner would make my life easier and my house cleaner. My normal, heavy vac became too hard for me to use and the little stick vac/electric broom thing that I got from my dad bit the dust -- probably literally with having to pick up after cats. But I have to keep things clear even if it is hard because the lungs can't handle dust. (It takes me up to three hours to vacuum my 500 sq ft apt and the kitchen is not carpeted! LOL )

I know this is a long list and it's still a long shot that anyone will be able to help. As before I would ask that all families with children be adopted BEFORE my name is even considered. Kids have to have Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!

4/5
got the boxes -- thank you SO much...the pots are beautiful and I can't wait to try the sewing machine.

Right now I am not able to stay in my apartment because the AC is broken! It got to 100 degrees in there so me and the cats are temporarily by my parents.

PLEASE let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do to help you out. You've been so supportive and good to me, I really would love to be able to assist you in return!

Thinking of you and thanking God for sending you to me.

2/6
It's Pulmonary Hypertension and some sort of unspecified Obstructive Lung Disease. According to the doctors both are *PROBABLY* related to my Sleep Apnea which is related to my size. (Though hospital food helped me lose about 12 pounds in 2 weeks and I am at my lowest weight in 10 years! LOL Some side effect!)
Despite doing every test in the book (Haha, the resident that was taking care of me actually showed me his little pocket book of conditions and tests etc.) except a Lung Biopsy (apparently, they are 99% sure it is not cancer, so they did not want to risk a biposy where they have to knock me out considering all the other problems I have.) They actually did a couple of the tests twice!
And indcidentally, I was stuck for IVs, arterial blood gasses and other procedures 21 times...and they took 26 vials of blood!
I was the Mystery Diagnosis of the month -- I was even presented at a Lung Conference to see if anyone there had an idea of what else they could do to get a more specific diagnosis...but alas, I remain a mystery...*sigh* I know they say women should be a little mysterious but this is ridickerous...hehe. I am trying to keep my sense of humor since I find this hard to swallow.
1/25
I know you were trying to find me some help and I was totally unable to get back to you or get emails for two weeks...because I just got back from two weeks in the hospital --- I have lung problems and I am going to have to be on home oxygen. They also prescribed medicines that would cost about $1000.00 a month. Since my income is ZERO dollars a month....it bodes not so well for me.

Gina

Gina R., Matthew and Adrianne
Email: gvalence@bellsouth.net
Location: West bank of New Orleans pre-Katrina, Rent now in same are, plan to move above surge zone in Louisiana in 2008
Number in Household: 3 – Gina; Matthew M 17; Adrianne F 16
Situation: Health care worker on duty for Katrina, had to evacuate hospital Tuesday night after the storm. I did not receive FEMA displacement funding. My home was damaged, and I sold to a local couple. Was laid-off in September due to cut-backs. Have found PT work. Current Living Arrangements - rent in same neighborhood.
Help Received: FEMA reimbursement for refrigerator; Red Cross Food: Mostly non-perishables.
Needs
Personal Stuff: Shampoo, soap, baby powder, toothpaste and toothbrushes, Bath Towels
Paper Products: Zip lock bags, paper towels, Toilet paper, paper plates
School Supplies: Notebooks
Computer supplies: Ink Cartridges: HP 56 black, 57 color
Clothing:
Matthew - Men's large Hanes long/short sleeve T's; Converse size 9. Also Matt's pants size is 33/30.
Adrianne - Women's size 8 corduroy or hipster waist jeans; Women's large T's; Converse size 7 ½.
Cleaning Supplies: Dawn, Tide, Bounce, Lysol
Household supplies: baking pans, skillet, utensils
Stores you shop at: Target, Gas is huge expense, Shell, Wall Mart, Barnes and Nobles, Winn-Dixie, Old Navy, Gap, Best Buy

9/5
So much has changed since we have last written. I moved to another house in the same city! I moved on July 1st, 07. An opportunity to rent a smaller house to save a few dollars came around and I felt I needed the change.

Matt did make it to College, we came back for labor day, he looked a little older, litter wiser, till he opened his mouth and well, I'll be nice and just say, the maturation process is still unfolding. He likes the school and I am very comfortable with his choice, so hopefully all goes well.

Adrianne is well. She is a senior this year, and says things like, " my brother is in college", "I'm going to John's", (her boyfriend), "I'm going to apply to college in November"..............lol She is getting taller and prettier as I type.

3/24
Matt is slowly progressing his way to graduation. I think he feels he will miss home. When I left for LSU, I couldn't wait to bolt out of here. But kids these days are not like us..............lol.To change the subject, a ran into a co-worker I knew 15 years ago and she offered some help.She sponsored me with a web company.
Please understand, I am not trying to sell anything.I just feel blessed she believed in me and offered this opportunity.
Please visit: www.marketamerica.com/gvalence/ This company started out as a nutrition company and over the last ten years it grew into what you will see now. I don't know how this can be incorporated into fund raising, but I'm sure the sites can have a custom design where proceeds can go to a cause. I am just looking for feedback. Have fun.

2/15
Yes we are OK. But the tornado hit only 3 blocks away. Many from Westwego, like the other areas are temporarily homeless. Ouch, has Katrina flashbacks when the lights went out. I am off this Friday and planned to go to the shelter and help.

1/31
Well poor Matt must have been feeling a little overshadowed, because he reminded me that in less than 19 days he was going to turn 18. Of course I didn't forget, it's just that all the buzz is about Adrianne at the moment. His birthday is February 16 and yes he will be officially a man! He is researching which party he wants to join because he will rush in on his birthday to register to vote. I told him he can have some friends sleep over and I will probably give him a gift card, which he can use later this year when he settles into college. When he gets to Nicholl's he will need to shop for dorm stuff. Men never think of these things so us women do..........lol Also I have a friend that will get him a campus job. So he is fine. I will just pack him up later this year and send him with lots of love and a part-time job
1/14
I can assure you all I would have written sooner..........but the moral of the story is "be careful what you wish for"..........lol. About Jan 3, 07 the official notice arrived that I was now Full-Time. I am not complaining, but we have been working constantly due to 2 inspections due this month. Most Medical Labs are accountable to standards of testing and reporting. CAP and JAHCO are agencies that are both coming to the lab this month for inspections. Which translates to work, clean, work, clean, paperwork, clean.........I think the pattern keeps repeating till infinity. I found some free time and wanted to send ya'll a note and say all is good and things are working out

12/13
And great news, My manager got the news that a Full-Time position has been approved for me and another co-worker! Amen sister. The last hurdle is to exact the date this will go into effect. Maybe I am a fool, but I was so happy to hear the news, I volunteered to work the night before Christmas in exchange for having New Year's Eve off. No one likes to work Christmas Eve but between you and I, it is my way of giving thanks for this blessing. Hopefully soon, I will be able to aid your efforts. You may never know how much your friendship has had given me courage and support. You, Bonnie and Gary have helped, not only with the material gifts, but the combined moral support has truly moved me. Please take good care of yourself and your family. And never doubt how many lives you have touched with your pursuits.

12/1 I went to the pharmacy today and the discount card saved me at least 40%. This such a relief. I think last e-mail I told you I was working at little more, which is great. I stayed home 2 days when Adrianne was sick, and since I am PRN, I do not get paid. I am not complaining, just stating a fact. It is turning colder here, as it is all across the country. For us, the best part is a decrease in the humidity. Both of the kids read, a lot. Matthew reads Steven King, Adrianne likes Jane Austin, and I am hooked on Edith Wharton. I am sure I told you, Matt made the score for his college entrance. He may like books on spices and herbs. Adrianne also took the ACT and scored the same as Matt "21". She is junior and has not decided on any major, and wants to take the test again. So next year she will. She keeps journals, so a nice journal book is a nice idea. I hope I have given you some more information for the update. You have done so much already. Have a nice weekend.

11/5 Updated
I just finished working 2 nights shifts, 11p - 7a friday and 7p -7am saturday night. I feel quite loopy right now........lol. Just wanted to touch base with you. I check the "post" on real people relief from time to time. The blog is really interesting, and I hope the other families get some relief. I have been sorting though some of the multiple blog information and this organization has clothing for families. Anyway, I will try to call them tomorrow to see if they have any extra's for the kids. Well, I hope you and your family is good. We are hanging in there, and busy with the daily toils of school and studies. My work schedule has picked up to 3 days a week and there is still a GOOD chance of me going fulltime in the near future. Take care. Have a good weekend.

Metairie DRC Closing 12/22

Disaster Recovery Center in Metairie Closes December 22
Release Date: December 8, 2006
Release Number: 1603-581 http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=4808
NEW ORLEANS, La. -- One of the three remaining Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in the New Orleans (Metairie) area will close on Friday, December 22, 2006, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today. The DRC will not re-open.
Those area residents who have been visiting the Metairie DRC location can secure assistance at the New Orleans Library DRC location at 219 Loyola or the Jefferson Parish DRC at 15 Westbank Shopping Center, Gretna, La. 70053. Representatives of state, federal and voluntary agencies and customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration have been on hand to answer questions and provide recovery information to DRC visitors. Written materials about various state and federal programs were available to individuals and business owners.
FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Christa H

Christa H; Aldo, Eva, Josephine; 2 cats and 1 dog

Email: - spictistic@yahoo.com
Location: - where you were: New Orleans went to Jackson MS and then Michigan during hurricane
where you are: Back inNew Orleans
where you plan to be in a year: I plan to stay here until New Orleans is no more

Number in Household: - Aldo Male 35, Christa Female 34, Eva Female 11, Josephine Female 3, Cats-Shadow and Minou Dog-Cita

Situation: When the hurricane was coming, my neighbor offered to take my daughters, my cats and myself to JacksonMississippi. Their father decided to stay behind with the dog and watch his job's vehicles. When we went to Jackson the power was out for a week and my fiance was unreachablethe whole week. My aunt from Michigan came down and got us and brought us up there to be with family.

After 2 months my fiance came up from Texas and brought us back to New Orleans. Our apartment did not flood but the roof was destroyed. A lot of our belongings were wet and moldy. Our landlord got the roof fixed and we cleaned most of the nastiness inside. The walls and ceilings still have holes but it is better than not having anywhere to live. We applied with fema and received enough to get beds, a futon, some clothes, etc...Red Cross gave us the initial amount (they were really nice) they also gave us essentials, Foodstamps, WIC.

Current Living Arrangements: - Apartment with lots of holes

Help: Fema, Red Cross

Needs:
Foods: Soups (but not Tomato) Canned veggies, canned broth; dog food, cat food, flea meds
Paper Products Who can't use toilet paper with 3 girls it can get costly
Clothing: Blue school pants for 3t girl
Cleaning Supplies: Bleach, X14
Household Supplies: Pots
Stores you shop at for possible gift cards or gift registry:WalMart, SavACenter, Sears, JCPenney,Walgreens

1/9
I was wondering if anyone that can, please pray for my sister's 9month son. He was diagnosed with RSV which is a respiratory disease. She was told today that if he isn't breathing better by tomorrow he will have to be hospitilized. They finally came back to Metairie in October and now they all keep getting sick like the rest of us around here. Please keep Antonio in your prayers. Thank you very much,Christa
11/26 Update
Josie just finished celebrating her birthday. She turned 3 years old. My younger sister finally got to come back down here from Tennessee and we combined her son and Josie's birthday parties together. They had a ton of fun.
Eva is doing great as usual in school. Straight A's on her report card. She is growing up so fast.
The cool weather is coming back so I can start working outside on myfurniture that was ruined. It's alot of work but worth it.
I refused to give my chairs up and promised Aldo I will finish them this winter. What a job!
I won volunteer of the year for my daughter's Head Start school which is part of Catholic Charities.
Well that is all that has been going ondown here in my neck of the woods.

Christmas wish list: The only real things my girls need are clothes for cold and warm weather. Eva is in a size 10 and Josie is in a size 3T. They both LOVE books. Eva reads with a 12th grade comprehension.
Josie loves to paint. She could use a smock so the paint stays off of her clothes. Eva loves science related toys.
Josie's favorite color is Pink and she likes TheBackyardigan's and Cinderella. Eva's favorite color is Dark purple and she likes HelloKitty.
Household wise we really could use twin sheet sets for the girls and towels.

I really appreciate everything you and everyone is doing for us down here. I don't know how most of us down here could have made it as far as we are without the help from people like all of you.