Livin’ La Vida Refugee….
We’re all shocked, aggrieved, mortified and, sometimes, left completely speechless by what’s going on in our beautiful city, even though it’s been FIVE FREAKING DAYS since Katrina struck. The squalor of the Superdome, the hopelessness at the Convention Center, the putrid condition of the floodwater and, most of all, the lawlessness that has descended on everyone. Those responsible will be held accountable — if not by voters and taxpayers, then surely by their own consciences.
That said — the goings-on we’ve all been gnashing our teeth about represents what has happened largely to those who could not or would not leave when warned. Most of us DID find a way out and, I gotta tell ya, it’s a case of being beleaguered, bewildered and finally beset with a world of paperwork, what-ifs and what-nows. We know we’re lucky to be out and safe and with friends or family. Please understand — I’m not minimizing what’s happening in New Orleans. But getting out has brought on its own weirdness.
Examples…
I talked to my business landlord today. He made it to Tennessee. We’re in Florida. I was the first person from New Orleans he had talked to since bailing on Sunday. We’ve always gotten along, but now it’s like we’re best buds. At least on the phone.
I filed a claim with my business insurance. But I had no details to give them. Long phone conversation. Dude — I’ll get back to you when I know more. “In about a week?” WHAT? Try a MONTH, you moron. If you’re lucky.
I’ve gained a new respect for those companies that do aerial and satellite photos. I’m spending plenty of time looking at stuff I used to drive by and ignore. It’s shaped like that? What IS that, anyway? And, with the fires, New Orleans and the Mississippi look eerily like London and the Thames during the Blitz.
Hibernia Bank has been having trouble with its online banking all week. I can go to an ATM and pull a balance and it shows over $400. But when I try to pull out money, it says funds are “insufficient.” I call the number on the ATM card and this cheery voice says, “Oh, it’s doing dat.” When will it be fixed? “Tonight.” Next day — no luck. Thank you, Wachovia Bank, for taking mercy on me and cashing a check.
Fuel cost and availability. The price of gasoline is now about 60 cents a gallon (or more) higher than it was when I filled up Saturday morning in New Orleans. And many stations have simply run out. What if I am allowed to actually go back to New Orleans, but can’t afford the gas or can’t find any when I’m on the way back?
I feel somewhat like the elderly and ailing old lady no one wants for the holidays. “What do we do about Mother?” They love her and all, but can’t handle more than about 30 hours with her. I’m fearful of overstaying my welcome anywhere. We’re fortunate to have several offers of places to go, but I don’t want to stay anyplace more than 48 hours. We may have to, thanks largely to the gasoline situation (see above).
We’re learning more about the options available to us, should we choose. All kinds of things like Disaster Unemployment Insurance, disaster cash and emergency food stamps. Who knew you could walk into a Florida unemployment office and file a claim against Louisiana? COOL! But, then again, I’ve never taken a federal dime from any such program. Now I’m torn between “I’d never do that” and “Let’s see how far this gravy train goes.” Self-sufficient man or leeching ne’er-do-well? Interesting questions. Discuss.
Folks walk up to us in parking lots. We’ve got the Lousiana plate and the Sonny Landreth sticker and the “New Orleans: Proud To Call It Home” sticker on the truck. Everyone’s like, “yew po’ THANGS! Whut’s in really LAHK? Kin we hep yew?” No, but thanks.
Ultimately, we’ll get back when they let us — whenever that might be. We’re so much luckier than those who had to stay behind. But I think our experiences on the road this week have been a lot more typical of the Refugeeing New Orleanian than not. It ain’t bad, but it ain’t home. And it damn sure ain’t a way to spend a life.
We heard Dr John on the radio this morning. I damn near cried.
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Excellent description. It’s interesting to see what would have been in store for me had I been able to get out ahead of the storm (I did try).
As far as accepting help, especially from the government, I think that’s a matter of assessing how well you’r doing and being as practical as you can about it. Doesn’t seem to be room for pride, though I know it’s difficult to set it aside. If it helps, you could look at it as getting some of the umpteen years of taxes back when it could really help. I know that’s an over-simplification. I’m fine for the moment so I haven’t pursued those options yet, but I’m not sure how long that will remain true.
I’m glad someone finally mentioned music. Music has kept me sane and my iPod mini was clearly the best $200 I’ve ever spent. I forgot the charger and am working on getting one - it’s so trite of me to even think about it, but, like most people who love music, I find tremendous comfort in music. It calms my soul and quiets my mind at times when it all backs up on me. I’ve been listening to Tom Waits almost exclusively and I can’t even explain the good its done me.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Look who found you! hi craig!
i’m continually amazed at the interviews of evacuee’s who are realizing they are going to be indefinitly away from their city and home.
Most , like you, want to apply for relief of debts, apply for relief that you qualify for etc. And as well, they are itching to get to work , and for now, thats getting a job in a strange town. They realize that getting a job will get them by for now, it wont rebuild their lives which is why it is SO important that you DO apply for relief now. It may take months for any kind of monetary aid gets to you. In the meantime, you have to protect your credit score, by applying for loan forgiveness etc. Because even though you might get low interest loans to rebuild your homes, you are going to have to get regular loans to furnish those homes, loans to replace your vehicles, and who knows what else!
Thats not ” jumping on a gravy train” . thats good sense. Never having been on food stamps etc and having to consider resorting to it now , has to be a blow to your pride as well as others. But in times of crisis, you do what you have to do!
Rock on and keep safe.
About accepting money, I’d feel the same way - torn. I’m sure you feel more badly about staying than the people you are staying with feel about you. Did that sentence even make sense? Anyway, I mean I’m sure they don’t mind. At least you’re probably not wearing the smelly rose perfume that the old ladies wear. That’s a plus in your favor. ;)
Stay strong. You are in many prayers. You all are.
Thanks for the comments, there’s comfort in our shared experiences, as horrific as they are.It’s killing me to watch the news, but I can’t stop.
Not to be too biblical, but floods, famine, disease….maybe someone’s telling us the sin, killing and selfishness in the world needs to stop. We’ve seen some bad seeds, but I think we’ll see more caring,love, heroism and selflessness than ever before.People that wouldn’t have given each other the time of day are saving each other’s lives and gently giving sips of water to the sickly. Still can’t explain why such suffering…
I’ll get off my soapbox. New Orleans is such a part of our lives even in Houma, I can’t imagine what you natives must feel.We go to the ‘city’ for everything.It’s an event.
I heard about your site on MSNBC, so you may be flooded (sorry) with mail.
Keep up the good work and I think people need to help more than you realize, so stay put and let them help. I know I feel useless. Helping and donating at a shelter is so small.
Di
what’s with Hastard the Bastard
What’s with Hastard the Bastard?? How dare the Speaker of the House comment that we should consider that New Orleans need not be rebuilt!! Is this the time for that discussion? Are you helping the starving and drowning? You are sitting on your fat *#* in some air-conditioned place and discussing the future? And worst of all, kicking us when we’re down, and as the Gov.Kat said, taking away the hope that is all some have left. She demanded an apology.
Everyone should write letters, emails and call to complain about him. He should resign. He’s irresponsible and ignorant. He must not be from the south for sure.
I would never blame the suffering victims of the hurricane and aftermath, but why didn’t the city demand they leave?? ‘Voluntary’ evacuation means leave if you want, maybe you’ll get damage, maybe not. ‘Mandatory’ means what?? You must leave. Look how much money and life are lost, not only the ones that stayed but the coast guard, police, volunteers and umpteen other people who are trying to save their lives. They should be MADE to leave in these situations.
Who’s to blame? Well the government cut the budget for the levee reinforcement in half, as it was ‘unlikely’ to cause a problem. Some of our politicians worked tirelessly to get that money, but it fell on deaf ears.
Glad you are safe.
Just a note about the foodstamp offer and the ‘gravy train’…. I am an eligibility worker for food stamps, cash assistance, medicaid, etc. Don’t feel a bit bad about taking the help while it is offered. Even as far away as Ohio we are getting instructions on how to handle folks who may have been displaced by Katrina.
Take the help while it’s there. It could ease the burden somewhat of those you are staying with and give you some relief. Also, they may have even more resources for you to check out.
Food stamps, especially, are a federally funded program that goes highly underused in many states. USE THEM!
You must take the money. Situations like this, and hopefully much lesser ones, are what it’s FOR. We all pay taxes and I for one would pay more if there was some way to know that it could go to people who have been through what you have, not to mention the ones who didn’t get out. When this is over pay it forward, there’ll be an opportunity to do that sometime in the future for sure, I’m afraid.
I’m in Tampa. Should you run out of places, let me know. I’ve heard about this fear of “imposing” a couple of times today on WWL, it must be some kind of syndrome like survivor guilt. You are NOT imposing. Everyone is just so glad you still exist! Trust me.
It’s tough when you can’t go home. But as long as you have something familiar with you, you can set up a homey place. I wouldn’t recommend moving every 48 hours, you will never have a chance to unwind. Perhaps you can pay for a space with sweat equity: helping your hosts, etc. That could make things easier for all of you. But hell, in an emergency, one helps people out.
You have nothing to be ashamed of. Your taxes paid for the emergency aid; you are simply asking for what you are entitled to.
(and the Feds will make you pay taxes on it, by the way, since it counts as income.)
These are not normal times. Take any help that is offered. You can make it up by helping someone else by and by.
Take all Federal Assistance that you can get. I WANT my tax dollars to go to help you! I can’t send money out immediately, but if my taxes can help folks in need… then I am glad and relieved.
I’m going to echo the comments above..I pay a lot of taxes, and knowing they are going to you to help you in this difficult time makes me feel a lot better about paying taxes.
We did the ‘welfare’ route when we first got married I became ill and couldn’t work. It was difficult because of our pride. Both my husband and I were raised on funded programs and didn’t want to do that as adults. We were on for about one year. Very hard on your pride.
You need to do this to get yourself and yours back up on your feet and feeling better. It is a trade off. I also agree with another poster that you do need to stay more than 48 hours at one place. You need to decompress.
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers..
I know I am many miles away from you. I feel your pain….especially when I watch the news and see all the helpless people. Keep your chin up…..and god bless all you in New Orleans.
SOmething good will come out of this tragedy, that is after hearings on the “preparedness” by local and federal authorities (FEMA). Questions are going to come out about why no-one reacted or prepared for the worst. Of course this is not going to happen overnight, but hopefully Congress will get their shit together and drill those responsible for not moving quicker..
I know it wont mean much, after all I found out that some friends I had down south of New Orleans decided saturday to get thier shrimp boats out and head for texas.
It sickens me to see what is going on and the fact that FEMA seemed to be sitting on its butt for 5 days.
Here in Abilene, the flight crews at Dyess are upset that they are not being used.
My prayers are with New Orleans and her people tonight.
Geez, don’t worry about taking money! I was a welfare Mom after my husband left. That and some scholarships and grants got me through college so eventually I was able to find a job. Over the years, I’ve been more than happy to be able to help others because it was there when I needed it.
Accepting help is something that takes a certain amount of humility. You have to face your pride and get rid of it. You have to allow others the pleasure of giving. Do it for them, even if you can’t accept it for yourself. People feel good about giving, so don’t rob them of the opportunity if that’s what they want to do.
I live in California, but I’ve been searching through these blogs and news sites looking for signs of a friend who had to stay behind because of illness. If anyone runs into Ed Van Auken, let him know his friends and family are worried about him.
Yes, Please ANYONE who needs the help take it while its there. I am in California and I can’t “help” anyone, I like a lot of people feel gulity and sad but take some comfort and hope. In if nothing else the”idea” that our country will help it’s own. Your all in my thoughts and my heart is breaking for the “Crescent City”
God be with you Charlee
Funny thing is…they don’t know what a conscience is.
To: Craig Giesecke, I dont know if its just me, but it seems like you are one of the lucky ones and you honestly shouldnt have that much to B*tch about…two small children died today from dehydration among a bunch of other folks, and you are whining about restaurants? those people didnt have food or water for four days unless they stole it, and i am glad they did..not anything other than food but if they needed food, im glad they took it. as you said, there were people that couldnt leave.they didnt have enough money. i know that you probably dont have a home to go home to, and im really sorry. im not saying that you havent lost anything, but atleast you are out of there with your family, and you have food, water, etc.
Our prayers are with all the victims, I am in Springfield,IL and not part of Katrina. My kids are in Nashville, TN. Victims are even seeking shelter that far north, for lack of other places to settle south. We would love to host someone or a family for free until they can get back to where ever. There are jobs here, school just started. We aren’t rich but we have the basics.
Stephanie Lawrence 217-546-5369.
Let me count….
I said three different times in that post that I was lucky.
Should I say it some more? Is there a minimum?
I figured there would be posts like yours.
Any bitching I do in this forum comes from the attitude of knowing just how lucky I am — not just in this instance but in life in general. If a person is able to open take a breath of air and communicate, they’re lucky.
I’ll thank you to not serve as a scoldish schoolmarm.
…Craig
God bless you Craig, and all the people who were victims of this terrible tragedy. It would be easy for me sitting here all safe and snug in Pennsylvania to criticize and give advice on what you and everybody else down there should or should not have done, but I won’t presume to do that. I agree with the other people who said they would feel good about their tax money going to you and all the victims down there. I wish I could do more. Please know that here in Pa. there has been a “call to arms” and training sessions are going on to send large groups of people down to help. Collections are being taken everywhere, even Wal-Mart, to help the people down there. Hang in there, you are all in our prayers and thoughts.
I believe wholehartedly that you should use the food stamps. After all what have you got to loose? I would do the same thing in your situation too.Right now I make too much money to even think of collecting them..I really could use them too ..After all I am trying to raise two children on my salary and they won’t even help me..I see many people abusing the food stamp situation and can’t stand it ..The people down south deserve to get help and I don’t mind one bit paying taxes for you or anybody left in that situation. I have been watching everything that’s happened and I am so mad at our slow government that my head hurts from thinking about all you have been through…After all we are a country so quick to help other countries why did it take so long for them to get help to people in the ravaged city????I lie awake just thinking about the men, women and children.and what I can do to help…I have donated money, clothes, and toys..But it still doesn’t feel like enough. I wish that I could be down there helping first hand,but my children need me here…It is just a tragic thing you all have been through. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every person ..GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!!
Beautiful thoughts well spoken.
To all of our “friends” from “A little bit of Heaven, a little bit of Hell on the Mississippi” you are in out thoughts, can’t wait to get back to enjoy the hospitality.
Hibernia CEO Rob Stewart was on the radio yesterday afternoon. He said the backup center in Dallas should be online Friday or Saturday.
I just checked http://www.hibernia.com. Looks like they’re back up as of this morning.
I’m in BR things are somewhat calm, just a lot of extra people. Woman’s Hospital helped take in lots of evacuated Mom’s, babies and their families yesterday. The staff was awsome. It’s great knowing with all the havoc there are good things taking place.
solidarity from europe,
i
Craig,
Glad to see you made it out. My family left Sunday and are in Ruston, La getting by and having the same problems with accounts as you. I’m in WI and my friends want to help them. The generousity of others is amazing. For all of you playing the race card- stop it. My mom & dad are lower middle class african americans who heeded the warnings and got out( along with my sister, niece and my foster sister). They told their friends to leave (some did/didn’t). Mt father usually says behind because of the “looters”-but this time he knew better. They bought enough gas to get them to my brothers tiny apt. I’m headed down there once people are allowed to help them clean up. My mom said she won’t move back. I lived there for awhile, met some wonderful people, got married there and when I hear “…do you know what it means” the tears come. I am so blessed to know where my family is and know they are alive. I still have friends missing though….
Craig and anybody affected,
AS a Nyer and very proud person, too proud to accept much help I have to say I wish I hadbeen bettter at it. Lots was available to me, but I was too damn stubborn. I messed up my life when I didn’t need too.
You are not a burden. You are loved. We want to help. It makes us feel human,connected and less powerless. Accept that love, for our sakes.
We are in this together.
For people looking for places to go check
craigslist.org
For tranport
katrinacaravan.org
Let us help, if only for our sake.
Definitely take all of the aid you can get - and the sooner the better! I am in Nashville, TN and today my husband and I called a few neighbors and got together some clothes for people. As we were handing them out - and mostly to people who do not normally need charity - a little boy was very reluctant to take anything. He was very embarrassed and just basically wanted to get the hell out of there. I think the way he was acting was exactly how most people are feeling - just like you, not used to depending on anyone else.
Well, someday it may be me, stuck in a disaster and having to accept items that I can usually provide for myself.
Believe me, I do not look at any of you hurricane victims as “takers” or anything even close to that! You are my brothers and sisters in this human race and I believe that you all would do the same thing for others if the roles were reversed, which they may someday be.
With all the bitchin’ I do about paying taxes, I am so glad that maybe some of it will go to people like you in this time of extreme and urgent need.
And as to housing, we have three empty bedrooms - including a downstairs apartment and have yet to house anyone because there are no takers. Do take people like us up on offers like this - you are NO BOTHER OR PROBLEM AT ALL!!!! We don’t consider it charity. We consider it shelter for those without their usual shelter. We know that you will be out as soon as you possibly can. We know that you don’t want to be there in the first place.
Take good care of yourself - you have enough else to worry about!
Definitely take all of the aid you can get - and the sooner the better! I am in Nashville, TN and today my husband and I called a few neighbors and got together some clothes for people. As we were handing them out - and mostly to people who do not normally need charity - a little boy was very reluctant to take anything. He was very embarrassed and just basically wanted to get the hell out of there. I think the way he was acting was exactly how most people are feeling - just like you, not used to depending on anyone else.
Well, someday it may be me, stuck in a disaster and having to accept items that I can usually provide for myself.
Believe me, I do not look at any of you hurricane victims as “takers” or anything even close to that! You are my brothers and sisters in this human race and I believe that you all would do the same thing for others if the roles were reversed, which they may someday be.
With all the bitchin’ I do about paying taxes, I am so glad that maybe some of it will go to people like you in this time of extreme and urgent need.
And as to housing, we have three empty bedrooms - including a downstairs apartment and have yet to house anyone because there are no takers. Do take people like us up on offers like this - you are NO BOTHER OR PROBLEM AT ALL!!!! We don’t consider it charity. We consider it shelter for those without their usual shelter. We know that you will be out as soon as you possibly can. We know that you don’t want to be there in the first place.
Take good care of yourself - you have enough else to worry about!
Definitely take all of the aid you can get - and the sooner the better! I am in Nashville, TN and today my husband and I called a few neighbors and got together some clothes for people. As we were handing them out - and mostly to people who do not normally need charity - a little boy was very reluctant to take anything. He was very embarrassed and just basically wanted to get the hell out of there. I think the way he was acting was exactly how most people are feeling - just like you, not used to depending on anyone else.
Well, someday it may be me, stuck in a disaster and having to accept items that I can usually provide for myself.
Believe me, I do not look at any of you hurricane victims as “takers” or anything even close to that! You are my brothers and sisters in this human race and I believe that you all would do the same thing for others if the roles were reversed, which they may someday be.
With all the bitchin’ I do about paying taxes, I am so glad that maybe some of it will go to people like you in this time of extreme and urgent need.
And as to housing, we have three empty bedrooms - including a downstairs apartment and have yet to house anyone because there are no takers. Do take people like us up on offers like this - you are NO BOTHER OR PROBLEM AT ALL!!!! We don’t consider it charity. We consider it shelter for those without their usual shelter. We know that you will be out as soon as you possibly can. We know that you don’t want to be there in the first place.
Take good care of yourself - you have enough else to worry about!
Oops, sorry about the three posts. Not quite sure how that happened…
Craig-
Thanks for this great site.
I never bitch about paying taxes — I figure it’s the cost of living in the USA and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else, but believe me I would rather see my tax money go to help evacuees from Katrina then fighting in Iraq. Take your aid and repay it down the line when you help someone else at their hard time. Hey, man, you sound like someone who I wouldn’t mind having around for much more then 48 hours. Don’t move out on your friends, they want to help, too. And right now, strangers want to be friends.
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