Its been almost 4 years after katrina and I still have not been able to return
home to mmississippi. I can remember it as if it happened yesterday. Its never easy to lose everthing you ever had
much less your home, the place you loved. With no help after katrina me my wife and children still have nothing,
not even a home, and for as long as Im not able to return home, we will never be happy or have a home.
— Paul Merritt, Panama City, FL |
These images could never compare or measure up to actuality. Just 2 days before
the storm (Sat Aug 27) I remember driving to the IP casino, driving down HWY 90 with friends, and 2 days later (
I was staying behind treasure bay resort like an idiot) I walk down Hwy 90 and life will never be the same. Sadly,
today, Oct 2 2008, much of the coastline still looks devastating (besides casinos and condos of course). I live
by long beach, and still driving through 90 this day looks like those days then. God Bless the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
— Sarah, Gulfport, MS |
Thank you for this great site. I grew up in Orange Grove and have always though of it as home. It
is truly humbling to see so many of the places I remember, gone. I am one of those who didn't realize the devastation
on the MS Coast since our worthless Left Coast media only showed the 'victims' in NOLA. When my Dad and Uncle both
went back to help family and friends, I finally got to see pictures and hear stories about the Coast. God Bless all
of who have suffered so much.
— Pat Buckley, Chico, CA |
I have been down to Biloxi twice to do relief work following Katrina (oct/nov 05 and june/july 07),
both times with a church group. It was so hard to see what people were going through, and I absolutely could not
sit by do nothing. The first time we worked in the free clinic that was set up in D'Iberville, and the next time
we worked with a church in Pass Christian, working with kids that had rode out the storm. What a blessing it was
to be able to talk with help these good people that were trying to rebuild their lives. Its true that 98% of the
media attention was focused on New Orleans, and had no idea how much help was needed in Mississippi's Gulf Coast
area. The last time we came down, we did drive over through New Orleans, and were amazed at how far Biloxi, Gulfport,
and surrounding cities in MS had come compared to New Orleans. I would like to return one more time, split my time
help between MS and New Orleans, but have had to slow down due to health reasons, but am praying that I can come
back. These pictures are such a true sobering testament to the fury of Katrina.
— Melissa Flick, Akron, OH |
IT STILL SADDENS ME THAT AFTER ALL THIS TIME THAT THE ONLY THING THAT WE CONTINUE
TO HEAR ABOUT IS "POOR NEW ORLEANS". PEOPLE JUST REALLY NEED TO GO TO MISSISSIPPI AND SEE THE DESTRUCTION
THAT IS STILL THERE AND THE HOMES AND COMMUNITIES THAT ARE "STILL" GONE. BUT WHERE IS ALL THE AID GOING
TO????? "POOR NEW ORLEANS". NOW THAT YET ANOTHER HURRICANE IS APPROACHING, ARE WE EVER GOING TO GET ANY
MEDIA COVERAGE FOR "POOR MISSISSIPPI". MY MOTHER IN LAW LIVED IN PASS CHRISTIAN AND LOST EVERYTHING AND
THE INSURANCE SCREWED HER OVER ROYALLY. WAS IS STORM SURGE, WAS IT WIND DAMAGE, WAS IT FLOOD DAMAGE. SHE HAD FLOOD
INSURANCE, HURRICANE POLICY AND A EXTENSIVE HOME INSURANCE COVERAGE. SHE RECEIVED 175,000 ON A 500,000 HOME. GO FIGURE........
— Teresa Cummings, Newburgh, IN |
These images are heartbreaking. My family and I holidayed for 3 weeks along the Gulf Coast back in
the summer of 2000 and had a fantastic few days in and around the Biloxi area staying at Green Oaks. We very often
talk about how beautiful it was and were obviously so saddened by the events of Katrina. Seeing this website just
reiterates what a devastating time it has been for all of those affected. A wonderful website tinged with such sadness,
thank you for bringing the good memories flooding back as well as highlighting such tragedy.
— Deborah Tasker, Albufeira, Portugal |
Bravo! I teach Geography and History at Texarkana College in Texas; I live in Arkansas;
and I have a daughter who lives in Ocean Springs and works in Biloxi. Katrina pulled all of those elements of my
world together very quickly back in August 2005. All of her friends and many of her co-workers lost their homes.
Her house was fine, while there was destruction in every direction outward from it (due to the storm surge coming
up so many small canals). Little did we know on that Monday, just how little the world would learn about the Mississippi
Gulf Coast, due to the ongoing drama that would unfold in New Orleans that was so easy to film. The storm victims
were everywhere, and in close proximity. And when people in trouble start railing against the government, well, what
helps ratings more than that? Apparently not miles and miles of nothing. How do you show on a small screen the breadth
of Mississippi's devastation? (I must say, though, that you have done a fantastic job on this site!) By the time
we helped our daughter go back home, almost two weeks after Katrina hit, hardly anyone was talking about Mississippi
anymore. As the months passed, and as Mississippians came together with their "We will survive!" attitudes
and actions, it seemed as if Katrina's path moved slowly westward. Now, three years later, we all "know" that
Katrina hit NOLA head-on that Monday morning. MY hat is off to the people of Mississippi -- and Slidell, LA, and
all the other little towns so devastated and so ignored! *Why* were they so neglected? Because they did NOT complain!
They set to work to fix things. Those fortunate enough to have their homes took in friends -- for months! And they
accepted with grace and gratitude the offers of help that came pouring in from across this nation. Church groups,
college students, retirees -- from all walks of life they came. And they have stayed the course. Well. I'm sorry
to be so long-winded. It's getting close to another anniversary. I am happy to report that the people living in the
pup tents on that corner for so long in East Biloxi, who *finally* got a tiny FEMA travel trailer, last spring moved
into their new Katrina Cottage! Yea for them, and yea for Mississippi. You people are fantastic.
— Janet Brantley, Fouke, Arkansas |
I was born in Hattiesburg and raised in Perry County. I just recently moved to Saucier. I was living
near Tampa, Fl. when Katrina came through, glued to the TV, clicking from one news station to another, horrified.
My family all made it through with no major losses. For that I am eternally grateful. It still tears me apart to
drive down Highway 90 and see what's left. It's wonderful to see the spirit and brotherhood shown by the people here
still today. There is a lot of rebuilding to be done and by the strength of God's Love it will be done!!! Thank you
for the pictures. They are beautiful and horrible. They remind me of another hurricane I made it through in 1969,
Camille. And I am still as thankful now as I was then.
— Margie Brady, Saucier, MS |
I Just want to encourage all who lost their love ones, homes, and business, that
I am praying for you and that God is a God Restoration. I pray for the restoration of your lives, and that you know
that God is your source and peace in the most difficult of times. May God Bless You.
— Hank, Monaca, PA |
a come back trip for now and then photos would be nice. You did a great job of putting these together.
I was here when she blew through, it was something i will never forget
— John, Biloxi, MS |
| Keep Comin on back brother mississippians. Having been raised and lived there a
couple more times I know yall will.As for the lack of media coverage WE don't care because as mississippians we'll
be back, and all those people who forgot about us during this time will choose OUR playground once again for vacations
and TRUE SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY! and we won't need national media attention for that! Sorry just p'd that most of the
rest of the country doesn't respect Mississippi more. |
Today I was looking at photos and it seems to me that New Orleans has gotten more coverage regarding
the storm than any part of Mississippi. Had the levees not broken, there wouldn't have been anywhere near the amount
of devastation as it was. Mississippi bore the true brunt of the storm with the surge winds and the widespread damage
across numerous counties and cities as opposed to just one major city. It just upsets me that even today New Orleans
continues to be the top story and Mississippi is once again left behind. Not to sound unsympathetic, because my wife
I continue to have in our prayers all those who were lost and who lost loved ones, in BOTH states. May God continue
to be with everyone, everywhere.
— Mr. Stacy Hadley, Hattiesburg, MS |
I am praying for all of the families and their loss... It clearly is, and was a
spiritual and physical eye-opener. I thank God that HE IS, and He's STILL in CHARGE! Even today, my heart aches and
my mind cannot conceive what it was like for the many people directly affected by the storm. The photographic archive
is a blessing and should touch the lives of many directly or indirectly for years and years to come. God Bless you
and again, thank you for sharing this with readers across the globe.
— Voletta P. Williams, Alcorn State, Mississippi |
These pictures are great. I am a lineman from Boston. I spent a month in gulfport and long beach helping
to restore power to your devistated region. Most of the time storm calls for us means big money. The whole time I
spent there working 18 hours a day 7 days a week. I never once thought about the money just about helping you people.
I have a large amount of pictures that my crew and I took while there. Let me know if they would be of any help.
— Dan Stelmach, North Grafton, MA |
I wanted to ask anyone reading this posted message if they have photos of the Hurricane
Camille Gift Shop Boat before and after hurricanes Katrina Rita to please send me a copy. I remember growing up and
visiting this store so often on summer trips I would like to include them in my life scrapbook. Thanks in advance.
Kathryn Theriot 4245 Grand Caillou Road Houma, LA 70363. [Editors comment: see: S.S.
Hurricane Camille Gift Shop prior to Katrina | S.S.
Hurricane Camille after Katrina | Historic
S.S. Camille defeated | RoadSideAmerica
S.S. Camille historical track | Sun
Herald video of S.S. Camille last day
— Kathryn Theriot, Houma, Louisiana |
I like everyone else will never forget the devastation of katrina. August the 29th is my birthday,
my husband had just came in from Iraq on his two week break on the 26th and we were going to have a wonderful night
out, that was until the first rain drop fell and the first breeze blew. Right then we knew that we needed to stay
home with the children. As long as the electricity was still on we never left the television. Our hearts and prayers
went out to everyone. We prayed for you and we cried for you we were by your side. God bless you all and i know even
after three years have passed you are still picking up the pieces and we are still praying for you all.
— Donna Miller, Burnsville, MS http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/4583 |
Over six hundred miles away from Katrina, I didn't think it would ever directly
impact my life, but it did. I get to see the emotional devastation this storm put into the hearts and minds of
those that survived and lost everything in her destruction. I get to see it in the eyes of my wife and my step
children as they relive that night every time we have severe thunderstorms, or a tornado watch or warning here
in north Alabama, and occasionally there's the sudden awakening in the middle of the night from a nightmare. We
met sept 2006, she was just 12 miles away from me then. We married this year, and I've never known such a woman
in my life. Till I met her, I never knew or heard of the devastation and how hard the Mississippi coast was hit.
It was always New Orleans this, New Orleans that. I remember one day somebody was talking about the Katrina victims
and those poor people, she mentioned she and her children were SURVIVORS of Katrina, and the reply was oh so your
from new Orleans? Being from the Pass area and her grandparents the Bay, let me tell you that person got an earfull,
and a lesson on reality that day. We went down to visit her grandparents in 2007, I couldn't believe some of the
things I seen, my mind was like, what the hell is going on. 2 years, isn't’t somebody doing something. And
I remember the evening she told her papa I’m going to take them down by the beach, and the look in his eyes
when he told her, baby girl, there's nothing down there for you Hun, nothing at all, then they just looked at each
other for a moment, and all I could do was stand there chocking back my tears. I learned that day the difference
between survivors and victims of Katrina that day. My heart and prayers go out to all the SURVIVORS of Katrina,
and my condolences to all her victims and there families.
— Ricky, North Alabama |
I am one of many Hurricane Katrina survivors. I was stuck in my home with my husband and we had our
one year old daughter and we had just had our second daughter. She was only 4 days old when Hurricane Katrina hit
and devastated all of our lives. We know and experienced first hand what went on. No one understands what we went
through. Everyone is just focused on New Orleans as if that was the only area devastated by this massive storm. New
Orleans is not the only place that had to start from scratch. For the person that created this web site so that the
world can see what else happened. Thank you for your bravery you have opened the hearts and minds of many.
— Alexis McLaurin, Gulfport, MS |
Great pictures it's been almost 3 years but the pictures still touch me, God bless all of you.
— C. Robey, Newport News, VA |
This a terrible thing that has happened, and that's an under statement! I myself never could donate
any time or money to help but I hope that words, thoughts and prayers are enough. I feel your sadness and pain and
I hope wish and pray that you survive this and keep moving forward! Just remember that God is with us all just in
many different ways.
— Cara, St. Charles, MO |
We lived in Pelican Cove, which was near the Long Beach/Pass Christian line. We
lost everything. Here it is, almost 3 years after the storm, and my heart still aches when I see these pictures.
My friends/neighbors all moved away, most out of the state. I cannot drive by my old neighborhood without becoming
emotional. We pretty much fell through the cracks, as far as FEMA and grant assistance goes, but are finally in our
new home, away from the water this time, and probably in debt until we die, but we're still here and moving forward,
not backwards. My heart and gratitude go out to the many, many caring volunteers who since day one have come to our
area's aid. You give us hope and we are grateful for that.
— Pass Christian, MS |
Thanks for the memories. I rode out the storm in 18 feet of water and saw my own home totally submerged.
For the next few days, information was scant and unreliable. When I first saw broadcasts, everything was about New
Orleans. Thank you for recognizing the resiliency of the Coast.
— Marie, Pass Christian, MS |
Hey every how are you guys doing? I hope for the best and remember you guys are
in my prays. the reason that im on this site is because in am doing a project from my class and tomorrow we are going
to the toronto science centre to watch a film about katrina and all what's it about. that is every sad of what happened
god bless you guys. from rose loker
— Rosemarie Loker, Brantford, Ontario |
I lost both of my homes in Katrina, one in New Orleans and the other in Bay St. Louis. Losing everything
was nothing compared to being denied by both Insurance Companies, Robbed by my Mortgage Co (Chase Bank), Looted in
both states numerous times, Robbed by workers and Ripped off by Contractors. Road Home stole a minimum of $20,000
per grant then actually created a BUY BACK Program in which they bought the property with the Homeowners own money...The
Grant! I applaud MS for taking care of their people. They got the grant money into the hands of the people within
months. I did not qualify for MS Grant because they said I can't have two primary homes when I really did. I am still
paying a mortgage on a home that was demolished. I am still waitin for a fema trailer. I am a single female. My Father
was a New Orleans Fireman who passed away just before Katrina. Ironic....my Dad lived his life saving lives during
every hurricane and no one can help me or my paralyzed brother. God please help us. March 5, 2008
— Kim David, Bay St. Louis, MS / New Orleans, LA |
I am glad to see that there people that are willing to help us in our time in need.
Before I got married to my husband; I was living with my mother in Pascagoula, MS and we didn't think that we would
ever get flooded and man would were we wrong to think that. I lost everything I owned and then some. The only thing
I'm glad I didn't lose was my life and my family. It was a very devastating time. I really appreciate the people
that have volunteered there time to come help us rebuild. God Bless everyone
— Lila, Moss Point, MS |
I was just down helping with the rebuild and trust me they still could use our help. I took my 15yr
old son along and we both came back to our hometown very thankful. The people of Moss Point, Ocean Springs, Mississippi
treated us very well good old southern hospitality. Keep them in your prayers please thanks.. See ya down there again
soon savin' some $ to come back to help. Love you!!!!
— Lenny Altland, Hanover, PA |
I used to live in Bay St. Louis until Katrina ripped through. I had to relocate
to finish my senior year of high school. I would often feel angry over some comments made about our homes in Mississippi.
I am so glad that some one is finally caring enough about us to remember we went through the hurricane too! Thanks
to all the love and support. WE REMEMBER AND STAND TALL TOGETHER!
— Samantha Gagnon, Albuquerque, New Mexico |
I used to live in Mississippi and remember all the horrible things that happened. Bless you for making
this and showing people that Mississippi matters too.
— Kristina Whittington, Austin, TX |
Scott Niolet's song "Monday Afternoon Rain" is a song about him losing
his home in Pass Christian, Mississippi to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. He recently shot a music video for
the song, and the camera's captured the still unbelievable areas of the Coast that have never recovered. You can
help keep the Katrina story alive in the minds of millions by voting for Scott's song in CMT's Music City Madness
competition. Just go to madness.CMT.com to vote for Scott Niolet's "Monday
Afternoon Rain" and let's keep people informed that the recovery effort on the Coast is something we still need
to address....
— Martin |
Here it is October, 2007 and some people still don't relize the impact Katrina had on the Mississippi
gulf Coast, so much focus was on New Orleans, I was raised in Mississippi in the area of Helena, Moss Point, Pascagoula,
so I know how slow and hard the recovery can be. I am proud to be from that area, and so proud of the people who
live there, they pulled together as always not standing on the streets blaming President Bush, the government, etc,
for what had happen, this was an act of God no blame should be placed on anyone, I also want to mention Mobile Alabama
was affected by this storm, God Bless each and every one of you and you're family and friends.
— Anonymous, Little Rock, AR |
It's been more than 2 years since life was disrupted here on the coast. It still
hurts to see the devastation of my beautiful coast home. We will be back stronger than ever!
— Linda Richmond, Biloxi, MS |
I looked at the pictures of the Katrina Aftermath. It was really sad. I feel for the thousands of
people that had lost their homes, but at the same token, it was a blessing that they are still alive. I know that
there may have been some people that had lost loved ones, my heart goes out to you. Nevertheless, it isn't the end
of the world yet. If your heart was not already with God, maybe it is now. Remember God puts no more on us that that
we're able to bear. You will build again. Your lives will be blessed again.
— Anonymous |
My soul has been hurting for two years ever since I saw my former home devastated.
I lived in Biloxi and Ocean Springs, but not at the time the Hurricane Katrina Hit. Nevertheless, I suffered when
I saw the horrible damage, my friends losing their homes, jobs, the proverty growing every day, lack of medical care
etc etc. I have never recovered from seeing this; I cannot believe this is happening and that so much suffering is
still going on. I keep myself updated on the goings-on on the Gulf Coast via the Internet. Thank goodness for the
Internet otherwise it would be so difficult to know what is happening. I know it will take many years for recovery;
what most people in the outside world do not seem to understand is that it will take many years. I remember seeing
how long it took for the Coast to recover after Camille. I am in Italy now and hope to get to the Coast real soon.
In the meantime I pray for everyone.
– Karin Fester, Milan, Italy |
Croatians are here to stay...
— Anonymous, Croatia |
I enjoyed your pictures but I did not see any from Pearlington. I lost my home completely
in Pearlington and to my understanding that is where Katrina came in (the Pearl River at Pearlington) but there is
never any mention of our town. Why was Pearlington left out of everything? Outsiders probably think that MS starts
at Waveland instead of Pearlington. [Editors comment: see: Flickr:
Pearlington | Composition
Southeast Blog | New
Hope Construction | Wikipedia: Pearlington | Sun
Herald: Tiny Town Gets Big Help]
— Anonymous |
Its getting close to the two year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and my family and I are still living
in Knoxville TN. I was born and raised in Pascagoula MS. I have never had any desire to live any place else. I sit
here with tears running down my face and a guilty heart. I so much want to return home but the housing situation
is still very bad. We did not own our home we lived in an apartment near the beach in Pasagoula and lost everything
that we owned. We stayed for two months after Katrina hit and tried to get fema housing and was put on a waiting
list because of my husbands medical problems we were told that it would be easier to relocate temporarily. I cried
every single night for the first three months we were in TN because of the guilt I felt leaving my home behind. I
have been back on three different occasions with the Methodist church we attend in Knoxville to help out with rebuilding.
Every time we go back we see more and more progress. God Bless every single person on the Gulf Coast and God Bless
every single volunteer. I hope that very soon I am once again sitting on the sea wall and watching the sun set over
the Gulf of Mexico.
– Martha Webster, Knoxville, TN |
What devastation and tragedy. I was born in Pascagoula in 1970 but have lived in
Michigan most of my life. I was sorry that I was unable to make it down for the immediate cleanup and emergency help.
I had twins born premature at 28 1/2 weeks on July 22, 2004 and they were still in the neonatal intensive care unit.
I wish all those who are staying the very best and can only say it is rebuildable.
– Sincerely, Walter |
I spent 60 days on the ground in Mississippi and Louisiana as a relief worker with Homeland Security.
I and my team worked in Slidell, LA but stayed in Biloxi. I saw things there that I will never forget. Your website
is truly amazing. I have my own "collection" of photos from the area and I can feel the heat and the oppressive
grief I felt while I was there every time I see the images. I will never forget the tragedy I saw unfold before my
eyes. I have been back twice since then and each time I am overwhelmed at what happened. The public memory is short
but I will never forget. Your site is a great memorial of the other side of Katrina that was never really brought
to light. New Orleans wad horrible but there were others who suffered too. Keep up the memory. Thanks.
– Kevin, Savannah, GA |
FIRST LET ME SAY, ME THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO EACH AND EVERYONE AFFECTED BY
HURRICANE KATRINA, IN ANY WAY. I ALWAYS CONSIDERED THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST TO BE MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME. ALTHOUGH
I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO VISIT THE COAST SINCE KATRINA, I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO SOON. I KNOW THAT RETURNING WILL BE A
ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS. I USED TO STAY AT A WONDERFUL PLACE ON TEAGARDEN RD, IN GULFPORT, CALLED CAPT. ED's COTTAGES.
I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE IN THE AREA COULD GIVE ME ANY INFO ABOUT THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO OWNED/WORKED THERE. ANYTHING
WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. AGAIN, BLESS YOU ALL.
– LORI, WHITEVILLE, TENNESSEE |
I was in the Air Force stationed in Biloxi Ms at Keesler AFB and moved in 06-2005 just months before
the hurricane hit. I met allot of wonderful people from that area who sadly lost everything from Katrina. I came
to Ms 10-2005 to volunteer after the storm. There are no words to describe the devastation in that area. These pictures
surely show what it is really like there unlike a lot of news stations that only focused on New Orleans. God Bless
all the victims.
– Danielle |
What a fantastic photo album! Having lived on the coast my entire life, I recognize
every landmark (with the help of the captions). My entire family has or is in the process of rebuilding, from Waveland
to Ocean Springs, not a one moved away.
– Ann McNair |
Your slideshow was amazing and all at the same time sent chills down my spine. I smiled and I cried.
I was living in the apartments right behind Red Lobster when Katrina hit. Luckily we left before the Hurricane made
landfall, but it's good to see someone putting out the effort to let other people see the devastation - and the community
spirit - that the media has failed to mention on several occasions. I love this! By the by, I used to work at Bombay
Bicycle Club and it shocked me to see it in your slideshow.
– Sarah Petty, Irving, TX |
Your focus on the gulf coast was truly appreciated. Biloxi is my home, am now in
orlando. This is the first time i have even been on all the web sites since Katrina hit. I've been on line for 4
hours just looking at all the devastation. I guess it still hasn't even sunk in. I worked for project recovery after
the storm helping victims cope. I still feel in a fog, as most do. I know the Lord is with all. Can't thank all the
volunteer etc. from everywhere enough. Bless them all.
– Patti Burdine, Biloxi, MS / Orlando, FL |
My friends Terina and August Alves lived on St. Charles St.and Hwy. 90 one block off the beach. Their
house was leveled, and they are now living in Tenn. I thought I was going to have to make my way down there after
the hurricane because they didn't want to leave. It took allot for them to get themselves out of there. Their heart
is still in Biloxi, but after loosing his house twice, once in a fire and then Katrina, he just couldn't bring himself
to rebuild. I feel for the people down there. It was such a beautiful place to live and visit. I have been going
to Biloxi for 25 yrs, and I have been down since the hurricane. Its horrific and I feel very bad for the residents
of Miss. The insurance company's have made their money off the sweat and hard work of the people of Miss. through
out the years. You would think they would have the respect to give back to the people of Miss. Instead, all they
did was hurt the people even more down there by not helping them at all. Hurricane insurance should be just what
they pay for (hurricane insurance) with no clauses in it what so ever. They say "your house was taken out by
a flood" I'm sorry but a storm surge is not a flood, its caused by a hurricane! After all that's what they paid
for. I'm sure that they were not expecting a hurricane, and I know from my friends, they were not expecting to get
bent over so bad by the insurance company's. I wish all that was affected by the storm, blessings from above, and
thanks to all that have taken the time to help all that was in Katrina, the worst hurricane ever to hit the Gulf
Coast. God bless all!
– Tamara Canfield, New Waverly, TX |
I lived in Wiggins for eight years and moved about a year after Katrina. I'm coming
back this summer to work and such before I leave for college again and was wondering if I could get an update on
Marine Life. I would love to help rebuild, aid with the animals, etc. Please contact me if you have any information. [Editors
comment: see: http://www.dolphinsrus.com]
– Rebekah Jones, New Paris, PA |
Months after the Hurricane Katrina tragedy to homes and businesses to our Gulf Coast in Louisiana,
Mississippi, and area in Alabama we are still struggling with insurance companies, credit reporting agencies, and
financial difficulties. Although Alabama experienced devastation in limited areas, 158 homes in our County Road One
area in Alabama were condemned or were missing after the storm. Relief was slow and often insufficient. Our savings
and retirement has been used to make necessary repairs to our home. We have used our assets and our home remains
unfinished. I have felt helpless in my ability to recover both emotionally and financially. Today I found your website
and I realized that there are others that are still struggling to recover in the same ways. We will repair our homes
and we will again be a community. The greatest loss I feel is in my trust that paying insurance premiums for flood
policies will protect you against the disaster you pay to avoid. I think it will take longer for us to recover from
our once held beliefs. I don't think it mattered if you had insurance or not, FEMA didnt have the money to pay for
this massive of a disaster.
– Katie, Fairhope, AL |
Today is March 24, 2007. As life goes on and people of the coast try to get their
lives back together, it is with amazment that I look back at these photos and remember that devastating day in our
lives. Your site is remarkable and I hope that you will always keep it for people to look back on and reflect. Thank
you for your time and effort.
– Ginny Webb, Vancleave, MS |
Just returned from my second trip to Gulfport with a hearty group from my church in Maryland. The
spirit of the Gulf Coast residents in the face of this terrible disaster is what kept me laughing instead of crying
the whole time I was there. And the work seemed effortless. It was truly an honor to spend a small amount of my time
and energy to lend a hand to my brothers and sisters in need... "If one of us suffers, we all suffer... If one
of us is honored, we are all honored".
– Rick Schoellkopf, Berlin, MD |
My name is Tammy Agard, our organization is called Mississipi
Home Again. Here's a couple websites people can check out if they want to help... To volunteer: www.operationtlc.org.
To help build 100 homes in 100 days: www.100homes100days.com.
Thank you for your support of Mississippi.
— Tammy Agard, Gautier, MS |
How I wish I could come and help. I spent much time with my grandparents in Longbeach as a young child
and teenager. My last trip to the coast was 1984. I cannot believe what I am seeing. If there was anything that I
could do I would. I am an RN also. My grandparents are or were buried there but I don't know what has happened to
the cemetery. Any info would be most appreciated. Thank You!.
– Lynn Lambright, Watertown, WI |
My parents and sister lost everything in St. Bernard parish, but I really think
the loss of our summer home on Sears Ave. in Waveland, Miss. was even more devastating. Some of my fondest memories
are summers in Waveland with my family and later with my children. Memories are the one gift of God that Katrina
could not destroy. I myself am in the process of repairing my own hurricane damaged home, but would give anything
for another summer with my family at the "Porch House". Mississippi will prevail.
— Mary Ann (Cookie) Couget Piazza, Metairie, LA |
As a child, I spent many days on the water near Henderson Port and on the Bay, visiting and living
with my grandfather. He was referred to as the "Crab Man" because of his pleasure in sharing the unique
animal life in that area. He completely rebuilt after Camille, but it would have broken his heart to see the devastation
of Katrina. My heart goes out to you folks rebuilding. Have faith and God bless you all. I know you will make the
area thrive again someday soon.
— Lance Napier, Madison, MS |
This slideshow is amazing. With all of the media coverage we have seen, this slideshow
had the biggest impact. It is upclose, personal, and overwhelming. We have not forgotten you. Communities all over
New Hampshire still raise money and host events to help you rebuild. "The struggles that you're going through
now~~don't discard them.....you see, a time of suffering teaches us something we never knew before and may prepare
us for a time of counsel that we will give someone years from now." -by-Max Lucado. You do not stand alone and
will never be forgotten.
— Lisa L. Bell, Lake Sunapee, NH |
These photos should be seen around the world. So much focus is on New Orleans, that people do not
truly know what happened on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Thank you to all the volunteers, and for sharing such remarkable
photos. [Editors comment: see: Diamondhead
Photos]
— Robin Peeler, Diamondhead, MS |
God bless you for the love and caring shown in each of these photos. You clearly
used the eyes of your soul through the lens of a camera to reflect not merely images seen but also emotions evoked.
Together, the photographs and the context and tone of your narrative enlighten. A year later, on the anniversary
of Hurricane Katrina, they remind...then give comfort and help deepen hope.
— Anonymous |
I made it threw the storm and have not stopped moving forward. I joined the marine corps after swimming
out of waveland. I just saw this web site, and this event did happen to us but we will never give up, that is one
thing I miss about home.
— Anonymous |
I am a resident of New Orleans, and like so many of you, lost everything I owned
in the Storm. I am truly inspired by the tenacity and commitment your state has shown during the rebuilding effort.
Whereas my city has resorted to finger pointing and pandering, your community has banded together to build a better
future for yourselves. You are to be commended. Good luck in the future. I'm sure you'll come out on top.
— Anonymous |
Even with all of the news coverage and all that I had been told, I was not prepared for what your
sight showed me. The mass media was not able to put things in perspective as you have done. Thank you for helping
me to understand how total the devastation was.
— jim voshell |
| This site is excellent! clearly shows the devastation and tragedy faced by the people
there. These people lost everything, but they did not lose their spirit and their faith. Have you heard them complaining
that the Government did not do enough or act fast enough? Mississippians have pride and strength... |
I'm helping to edit a book of photos taken of words and signs made after the hurricanes in the Gulf
Region late last summer. All the proceeds are going to two Gulf Coast organizations doing volunteer work. Here is
the url of what we're looking for. http://www.flickr.com/groups/signsoflife_book/ If
you could blog/email this to interested peoples, that would be amazing! Thank you for your time.
— Eric Brown |
My friend from New Orleans sent me this site, my heart and prayers go out to the
people of the region, to see in a picture, the furry of Mother Nature is hard to comprehend. God be with you as you
rebuild your lives. I work at our local High School and we acquired a displaced student and his family last September,
he has been such a joy to our school, but we are so sorry to have him come to us because of devastation.
— Laurie A. Reafsnider |
This was an excellent and moving presentation. I would be interested in seeing the effects of the
storm on health care facilities such as hospitals, community health centers, and private physician, dental, and mental
health clinics/centers.
— Alvin Harrion |
I spent the morning looking at all the images and want to congratulate you on the
site. As one who lost it all in Katrina, I know the importance of documenting this historic tragedy. We must never
allow events like Katrina to fade from the national memory. As we enter the 2006 hurricane season it is my fervent
hope that no one anywhere will have to endure the sufferings that we have experienced. Thank you.
— Steve Hayes, Ocean Springs, MS |
every american should see these photos. they tell more than millions of words. how foolish we are
to take anything for granted. in an instant everything that people have worked for can be swept away by the wrath
of nature.
— evelyn jones |
Compared to what I have seen, we are blessed here in Louisiana. I remained for the
storm in Covington. It was a miracle our little town was spared from all the tornadoes which took down about two-thirds
of the trees - missing homes everywhere. I am now preparing to leave Covington to return to my Mom's home in Chalmette
to get it rebuilt for her. At least we have something to work with - that is more than what the families of Mississippi
have. But we will all rebuild. If we come together in faith, roll up our sleeves, and just try. My prayers are with
the good people of Mississippi. Please pray for us in Louisiana, too. Together, let us show that the "spirit" which
built these United States still remains with the people of the deep south. May our God help us and protect us!
— Anonymous |
I had heard that there was terrible destruction there along the Gulf Coast but never imagined that
it was so horrendous. It is terrifying what a storm surge can do. I had the awful experience of weathering a category
five hurricane forty-three years ago while living in Central America and would not care to repeat the experience.
My heart goes out to those who lost so much. Thank you for the excellent photo-journalism.
— Ralph Price Jr |
| Your site is amazing...hard to leave! |
I enjoyed your web-site tremendously. I have spent 4 months on the ground in Mississippi as a volunteer.
Mississippi needs so much help...but if people are not made aware, they cannot care. Thank You!
— Tammy Agard co-founder mississippi home again (mississippihomeagain.org) |
It is fairly obvious that major media in this country has ignored Mississippi.
— Eric |
| Excellent site. I thought Ivan was bad in our area, but Katrina put a lot into perspective. The Mississippi
Gulf Coast has been neglected by the media. These people are honest hard working Americans who have tried to live
a normal God fearing life and they have been forgotten! |
Thank you, the pictures and comments reveal the power of nature and how helpless
humans really are. I've been away from Mississippi for 30 years and have always cherished my memories of its beauty.
These pictures brought tears to my eyes.
— Richard Canard |
Your work is excellent, thank you for the coverage. I would like to see the photos sectioned
by area/city, i.e., beginning at Waveland and continuing east beyond O.S. . .within that request, I would like to
see more photos of the Gulfport area, as well as photos of the historic Tullis Toledano bldg. in Biloxi. Thanks! [Editors
comment: see: photo lists by region]
— Angela |
We left Pass Christian after loosing our home as we knew it in the most perfect
area. But my heart and prayers are still with those who are trying to rebuild. God bless and give you hope. The saying
the South shall rise again, now has a new meaning. :)
— Theresa Kunert |
The contents of this site should be published on CD or into book form. It is a point of history not
to be forgotten. It should be be made a permanent record in one form or another so people without a computer can
look at the amazing photos and read about the scope of Katrina. The material in this site is too much to absorb and
digest looking at it once.
— Carmen Mobilio |
Just wanted to let you know that I lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for 37 years
and had just moved months before Katrina striking (I now live in Bonita Springs, Florida). My family and friends
were all still there...your photos zipped me right back to a place that I grew up in and loved; a place where i was
educated, married, had children and grandchildren. I recognized many of the homes in the photos as they were people
I knew; as well as buildings, businesses and landmarks. From Bay St. Louis to my hometown of Ocean Springs, you brought
me insight as to what occurred and what I have to look forward to when I return home this week for my 50th birthday.
Regardless of the tragedy, I will once again be at home with family and friends in a place that I will always love!
Thank you for creating a window to see all this through!
— Annette Blocker, Mississippi Gulf Coast Artist |
| excellent job, our thoughts are with everyone down there effected by this tragedy |
Your pictures are excellent, I was able to see the a whole lot more of the "rest
of the story". Would you have a DVD made up? Your still shots were of such good quality-----thought maybe you
might have a DVD of the same quality---------if so I would be greatly interested in purchasing it. Thank-you.
— Barb Kallaher |
I think every person in the United States needs to view these pictures, which unfortunately as good
as they are, are only one dimensional and still cannot convey to the fullest the extent of damage to Mississippi.
— Terry Hickman |
| Thank you so much for giving us another way of communicating the magnitude of the
devastation on our beloved Gulf Coast. |
amazing photos...you should publish in book form. have not seen any as good. thank you for compiling
this piece of history. as a resident of gulfport who stayed during the storm in my home, which was not catastrophically
damaged, i am shocked every time i see what happened all around me. 2 blocks in every direction from my home they
got at least 4 feet of water. i was the center of an "island" and i had no idea until it was over. if you
publish a book, please contact me...thanks again and let's all pray for a safe and prepared approaching hurricane
season.
— andi rushton |
I am truly amazed at the devastation that Hurricane Katrina left in Mississippi.
I hope that all that have been affected by this terrible tragedy know that you are in our hearts and all our prayers
and love go out to you. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!
— Crystal Encarnacion |
I hope this site stays on the internet long after the rebuilding ends. People need to see the destruction
to realize the suffering that this catastrophe caused. We have to realize that this can happen again and again when
we live in the path of Hurricanes. Do you know of any good collections of photo's available on disc that can purchased?
I would be interested in having something in case sites like this one shut down. Thanks.
— Don W |
I just returned from a mission trip to help rebuild in Bay St. Louis. Words cannot
describe the devastation! I hope and pray people continue to go and lend a hand.
— Becky |
I don't think there can be an appropriate comment except God bless the people of Mississippi. I have
never understood all the attention to New Orleans when the destruction in Mississippi was much more massive. I am
not rich and all I can really do is what I have done everyday from the beginning of this tragedy - pray, pray pray
for all of you. My heart and prayers are with you always.
— Patti Outlaw |
I would like to say that my prayers and hopes go out to all the people in Louisiana
and Mississippi. Those that survived are truly survivors and those that didn't may they go down in our history
as heroes in their own right. Hurricane Katrina affected everyone around this country one way or another. Some
of the material we use at where I work came out of Louisiana and Mississippi. We were changed by Katrina here in
Missouri too. God Bless to all who helped and donated. The company I work for donated toys and furniture for children.
The name of the company I work for is called The Children's Factory here in Union, MO. Which is located 50 miles
southwest of St. Louis. I feel honored to work for a company that cares about people in need and are needing some
normalcy. Thank you
— Rebecca Pehle |
My family and I moved from Pascagoula 16 years ago to Atlanta Georgia... I still have my sister and
her family, aunt, son, grandson and many friends that live there. The pictures are great and have some of all the
towns that were destroyed. I made it through our "Great Storm of 69" in a patrol car with Jackson County
Sheriff's Department and just thought things were bad then. Your picture history should be a reminder for those who
may think they should stay for another one.. Keep up the good work.
— Mike Ann Bryant, Stone Mountain, GA |
These pictures are really heart breaking. My Mom and Dads house was on back Bay
Biloxi on Heidenheim Ave. Do you have any pictures from Back Bay? Their house is where Mr. Hardy Jackson's wife was
lost when the the house broke into and he couldn't hold the children and her, so she told him to save the kids and
she let go of his hand and was washed away from him and the Children.Her body was just found a few months ago. I.S.
Mobile, Al
— Irene Stagner |
| YOUR WEBSITE IS EXCELLANT. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! |
| How can we help? Where should money be directed so that it helps those who need
it the most. [Editors comment: see: how to help] |
My Brother-in-law and I made a trip down to LaPlace La. to see about buying a piece of construction
equipment for his business on March 22, 2006, we made our way back up the coast along I-10. We saw more destruction
than anyone can imagine, We saw FEMA trailers parked in a field, so many you couldn't count them, and we saw people
living in tents in shopping center parking lots from New Orleans to Biloxi, this is sad, those people down there
need those trailers desperately bad!!And they are just sitting in this big field, with more arriving each day!!!
We went to a town called Diamond Head, on the north side there was some damage, but on the south side, there was "TOTAL
DEVASTATION" I haven't seen anything about this town at all on the news..This place is not on the coast, but
the wind and the storm surge "leveled it".It looked like a bomb had been dropped on it, everything was
destroyed!!! I have never seen anything like this before in my life!! My heart goes out to them and all the other
towns like Gulf Springs, Gulfport, Biloxi,Ocean Springs, and all the other towns along the Mississippi coast!! All
the television showed us was New Orleans, Well I'm here to tell you, they didn't get the damage that I saw in Miss.
I know it was bad there. I did see pictures of Diamond Head on your site and many other towns and parishes also,
Keep up the GREAT job that you are doing!!! AND OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL OF YOU IN MISS. LA. AND AL.,You
haven't been forgotten!!! MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!! GREG C. FROM NORTH ALABAMA I have Family in Lake Charles myself.
They had lots of damage also...
— Greg C. |
Whole towns are nothing but slabs and debris, hundreds of thousands in South Mississippi
where dramatically effected. If you take into account that the storm hit Mississippi head on, then plowed directly
through the state, knocking out power to 80%, you can confidently say millions in Mississippi were effected. I don't
think that anyone will ever understand the reasoning behind the media's obvious lack of coverage of Mississippi,
very disturbing.
— S.A. |
Thanks for sharing these photos and info with us. I spent many summers in Biloxi with my grandmother
who lived on Schwann Ct. one block from the beach off Hopkins. If you have any photos of that street, I would appreciate
seeing them. It is my understanding it was spared, but not sure. What about the Presbyterian Church on Hopkins? The
telephone company on Howard? The Nativity Catholic Church on Howard?
— N. Falcon |
Thank you so much for the web site, I lived in Ocean Springs for 19 yrs and delivered
mail in Moss Point and Pascagoula, My husband worked at numerous Post Offices on the coast including Biloxi. We have
been gone from coast about 6 yrs and are truly blown away as to what has happened to our great Mississippi friends
and neighbors. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of them. We continue to tell the story so America doesn't forget
the Ms. Coast.
— Bernie Stevenson |
Your site and your photos are excellent, and a poignant reminder of what the 29 foot wall of water
did for hundreds of miles. We once had a home on Bellefontaine Beach, near Ocean Springs. You have a photo of the
remains of the St. Andrews "lighthouse" which are at the beginning of our road. Are there any more photos
down this road? Or is this road just a memory in my books of photos of many happy holidays spent there with my family?
We saw the slabs left from the first development of Bellefontaine overgrown with weeds along the beach, slabs from
homes destroyed by Hurricane Camille, and we thought that it could never happen again in our lifetime, so we were
okay to build there. We had tree damage from Fredrick, we had roof damage from Elena, but...I fear from the satellite
photos that our lovely little cottage is gone.
— Ellen LeBlanc |
Thank you so much for the pictures of damage to our beloved Gulf Coast. As bad as
things look in pictures I can't imagine how awful things must be in real life. I know most things that were lost
can be replaced, but not the historical sites and beautiful landmarks. My heart aches for all the families who suffered
loss from Katrina. We thought Camille was the worst thing that would ever happen to us, but Katrina proved that wrong.
— Peggy Kilpatrick |
| We are a non-profit organization hoping to display a short presentation on Katrina's effects along
the MS Gulf Coast. The presentation would be displayed to a group of people next month and we're needing to know
if you have a version of this site in presentation form, PowerPoint possibly? |
These photos are amazing. I am often amazed at how the sheer size of the ongoing
tragedy of Katrina is simplified by politicians and the media into bite sized morsels for TV consumption. There is
another site that discusses Katrina's impact on the Gulf Coast, as well as allows people from other areas of the
country to discuss the history of their own homes. The site is www.storyofmyhome.com.
I encourage you to investigate it as well.
— Bill Jackson |
Thank you for this incredible archive. I sit weeping as I type. I grew up in St. Tammany Parish, and
my family still lives in the area. My sister lives in Waveland and is in the process of rebuilding now. It was she
who sent me your website.
— Sara Warner |
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