Beacons on the Frontline

Where Did the Money Go?

Despite my aching legs and feet from all of the walking, Patrick and I had a blast celebrating our 5^th anniversary in New Orleans. Labor Day weekend also marked the 4^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. After Katrina, I lamented not having traveled to New Orleans sooner. In my mind, I always had time to visit. Now that I have toured the city, I shouldn’t have whined so much. I didn’t miss much at all pre-Katrina, which is why I am so disturbed.

The French Quarters wasn’t damaged too badly by the hurricane or water from the levees. Four years later it is vibrant and well populated with tourists. After frolicking in the downtown area for two days, my husband and I took a bus tour around the city that included a tour of the Ninth Ward.

I thought four years would be enough time to rebuild homes and fix the damaged ones. Instead I found myself wondering, “Where did the money go?”

The Foundation Center attempts to answer this question in its newly released report: Giving in the Aftermath of the 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricanes (2007-2009). The report estimates support for relief, recovery, and rebuilding through July 31, 2009. It also examines the priorities of more than 100 independent, corporate, and community foundations that have remained engaged in the region in the last few years.

Approximately $1.3 billion in grants and program-related investments were made for long-term rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Although this may sound good on paper, looking at various areas of New Orleans paints a different picture.

I saw a sea of abandoned homes, empty home lots, battered FEMA trailers, and makeshift signs of remembrance and pleas for help. I was sorely disappointed and hurt to see what little has been done to rebuild the area. Again, I ask: Where did the money go?

According to the Foundation Center’s report:

In the immediate aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the largest share of foundation and corporate cash giving-over 40 percent-was committed to providing much-needed relief through a broad range of human services. The other principal areas of support were education (10 percent), housing and shelter (6 percent), health (4 percent), and economic and community development (3 percent).

I understand that rebuilding the devastated areas is a massive effort that will take time. Here are glaring success stories that I witnessed.

The tour guide showed us Brad Pitt’s housing development from his Make It Right Foundation New Orleans. We also saw the Musician’s Village, a powerful partnership between Branford Marsalis, Harry Connick, Jr., and Habitat for Humanity. It was refreshing to see these new communities being reconstructed.

Now that I have seen parts of the aftermath with my own eyes, I realize that I probably wouldn’t have been near the Ninth Ward had I traveled to New Orleans prior to Katrina, unless I was visiting someone.

I know the hurricane affected other areas of the city, but the Ninth Ward was on of the areas hardest hit. The location of the area is a far cry from the French Quarters.

You would never know the devastation that wrecked the city if you stay downtown or in the womb of the Quarters. When you don’t have to look at the devastation daily, it’s easy to ignore the fact that more help is needed in less affluent areas. Even though billions have been donated, affected parts of the city still have a long way to go to rebuild.

Here is how you can help.

P.S.

In my blog post: Anatomy of a Thriving Marriage Part I, I wrote about potentially seeing Sandra Bullock’s new 6,000 square foot home. I did. The tour bus drove past there, which was a pleasant surprise.

Peace, Persist, and Prosper!

-Asia M. Hadley