Recovery Assistance for Hurricane Katrina Evacuees with Disabilities and Their Families in Mississippi.

Katrina Aid Today- SuccessStories

Collaborative efforts assist homeowner in establishing a new home

The homeowner lost his home and all his belongings due to Hurricane Katrina. Although he was able to purchase a trailer to put on his property, the property required work before the trailer could be placed. The case manager coordinated preparation of the property and home. Rebuild Jackson County Long Term Committee and the American Legion were key players by bringing in fill dirt for the property. In addition, Rebuild Jackson County, the Biloxi Diocese and Christian Aid Ministries all assisted with the plumbing and electrical work as well as getting needed furniture for the home. He was able to move into his new home and is working with Convoy of Hope, which plans to build a deck on the back of the trailer. Also of note is that another IDS project, ShareCare, provided volunteers who cleaned up the property in which the homeowner lived at the time of the storm.

Child with disabilities and family move into new home before Thanksgiving

Following the loss of the family home due to Hurricane Katrina, the mother met with a case manager for assistance. This mother was the primary caregiver of a teenager with a severe disability. Various housing options were reviewed and the client received assistance from Home of Your Own and Habitat for Humanity programs. In the end, a 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home was built by using volunteers, and the client was able to move in before Thanksgiving.

Case manager assists with access to health care

A senior citizen who took several medications due to various disabilities and illness was not getting her medications due to the cost. She was very concerned that her health was getting worse due to lack of access to prescription medication. The case manager assisted with access to medical care and prescription assistance through the Pharmacy Assistance Center. This family member is now able to purchase prescription medications for less and is now able to afford all of her medications.

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