National Association of Social Workers

Gulf Coast Chapters Rebuilding Strength

Hurricane Katrina-Affected Areas Still Face Challenges

"We still have a large amount of recovery that has yet to be done."

By Lyn Stoesen, News Staff

Illustration: John Michael Yanson

A year and a half after hurricanes Katrina and Rita made landfall in the Gulf Coast, NASW chapters continue to face the challenges of a devastated region. But those chapters have also made extraordinary strides in reestablishing their programs, supporting their members and engaging in region-wide efforts to rebuild their communities.

Continuing challenges. Outside of the Gulf Coast region, many people "have not been able to get their head around the fact that [the Mississippi coast] was obliterated" said Janice Sandefur, executive director of NASW's Mississippi Chapter.

"So many of the resources social workers used on the coast were totally washed away," she said "There are still hundreds of families, including some of our social workers, in FEMA trailers."

Sandefur said access to social services continues to be problematic in her state and explained that bridges need to be rebuilt — literally. The geography of the coast, with many inlets and waterways, combined with the destruction of bridges and transportation routes have made access a serious problem.

"Social workers trying to provide services, health care, hospice care, are having to drive several hours out of their way to go around those bays," Sandefur said.

Housing also remains a real and troubling problem, she said. Because so many small communities were destroyed and because insurance reimbursements for rebuilding homes are difficult to secure, many people are selling their property to casinos and developers of high-end condominiums.

"There's no way those folks can live down there," Sandefur said. "It's hurting the small communities, like the Vietnamese community. Some are hanging on, and some are having to move on because they can't afford to live there."

Carmen Weisner, executive director of the Louisiana Chapter, described the situation in her state as having "some really good news, some real emerging opportunities and some real challenges ahead."

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From April 2007 NASW News. © 2007 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved. NASW News articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of copyright and credit to the NASW News must appear on all copies made. This permission does not apply to reproduction for advertising, promotion, resale, or other commercial purposes.