FEMA Red Tape Keeps Families in Trailers

Four Years after Hurricane Katrina, Thousands Remain in Toxic Trailers; FEMA Offers Little Help, Deflects Inquiries

(CBS)  Hard times are hardly new in Pass Christian, Miss., but four years after Hurricane Katrina tore this area apart, Ritamarie Northrop still calls a FEMA travel trailer home. And she's one of about 2,100 Gulf Coast families suffering the very same fate, as CBS News chief investigative correspondent Armen Keteyian reports.

"I gave up on FEMA," Northrop said. "You know, I could have appealed, appealed, appealed. I gave up."

At the height of the recovery, 143,000 families in Louisiana and Mississippi found refuge from the storm in such trailers. Now two years after FEMA began moving people out of the trailers contaminated with the toxic chemical formaldehyde, case workers tell CBS News the thousands left in the trailers aren't trying to beat the system; they are victims of a system that's proved incapable of helping them get out.

Just ask Kendall Deschamp.

"Oh it's miserable," he said of living in the trailer. "Bottom line: it's miserable."

A disabled state highway worker, Deschamp collects just $1,368 a month in benefits. That's not enough, he says, to afford the sheetrock and new hot water heater he needs for the permit allowing him to move back into his four-bedroom home, which stands just a few tantalizing feet away.

What would he need to get the job of repairing his old home done, top to bottom?

"Probably a couple thousand and a day's time," Deschamp said. That's it.

Deschamp says he called FEMA countless times for assistance, only to get an endless game of bureaucratic run-around that has beaten him down.

"They give me the same answers: 'You need to call this person.' I call this person and they tell me I need to call this person."

Kandy Moran, a state social worker, says all she needs is a bit more time - and money - to fix her home. FEMA's answer: A threat of eviction or temporary housing in the next county.

"My grandparents gave us this property," Moran said. "So when FEMA approaches me and says, 'Kandy, we can put you in a rental.' - I can't leave my home."

Today the remaining travel trailers serve as a symbol of a recovery gone wrong: A hurricane of empty promises, chaos and coverup; a system that remains in the words of one FEMA worker on the ground in Mississippi, "One big, disgusting mess."

CSB News wanted to ask FEMA about what's being done for folks like this. But FEMA told us to call another federal agency, Housing and Urban Development, saying that, as of June, HUD had taken over long-term housing of disaster victims.

"We're working with the state to remove all the bureaucratic red tape to make sure that those final families can be serviced by those programs as well," HUD Senior Advisor Fred Tombar told us.

Yet so many of those final families say the last thing they want is another program. Rather, they want someone to actually listen, to offer the help they really need, and to close the doors on their trailers once and for all.

[andreabennington]

WOW, now here is the amazing part, four YEARS after Katina the networks, including CBS right here, are still trashing the federal government for failing people who are still living in the "FEMA trailers". None of them can manage to wonder when these "victims" will be responsible for their own housing and circumstances. Or ponder for even a second the possibility that it's now taxpayers who are the victims.

"Two years after FEMA began moving people out of the trailers, contaminated with the toxic chemical formaldehyde," he proclaimed dramatically, "case workers tell CBS News the thousands left in the trailers aren't trying to beat the system; they are victims of a system that's proved incapable of helping them get out."

Keteyian claims to be an investigative reporter, but he never spent any time investigating precisely how many billions the taxpayers in Montana and Delaware and South Dakota have sent to the Gulf for Katrina aid and he failed to devote any time to the concept that at some point, Katrina "victims" have proven themselves incapable of fixing their own situation. The major networks seem to imply there is no such thing as individual responsibility.

[andreabennington]

WOW, now here is the amazing part, four YEARS after Katina the networks, including CBS right here, are still trashing the federal government for failing people who are still living in the "FEMA trailers". None of them can manage to wonder when these "victims" will be responsible for their own housing and circumstances. Or ponder for even a second the possibility that it's now taxpayers who are the victims.

"Two years after FEMA began moving people out of the trailers, contaminated with the toxic chemical formaldehyde," he proclaimed dramatically, "case workers tell CBS News the thousands left in the trailers aren't trying to beat the system; they are victims of a system that's proved incapable of helping them get out."

Keteyian claims to be an investigative reporter, but he never spent any time investigating precisely how many billions the taxpayers in Montana and Delaware and South Dakota have sent to the Gulf for Katrina aid and he failed to devote any time to the concept that at some point, Katrina "victims" have proven themselves incapable of fixing their own situation. The major networks seem to imply there is no such thing as individual responsibility.

[Queckie1]

where is FEMA and BHO and his White House and all their NEW IDEAS about dealing with the LA FIRES!!!
WHERE IS BHO???
IS HE PLANNING AN OTHER VACATION//??
WE THOUGHT KATRINA WAS BAD BUT THESE FIRES ARE THE WORST.
OR IS IT BECAUSE NOT MANY AFRICAN AMERICANS ARE BEING BURNED OUT?
AND THE FOLKS LIVING IN THESE AREA'S ARE MAINLY EUROPEAN AMERICAN?
SHOULDN'T BHO AND HIS WHITE HOUSE BE OUT IN LA , LEADING THE FIRE FIGHTING EFFORTS??///
WHERE IS FEMA??/
HEY HEY
HO HO
BHO HAS GOT TO GO

[beeker252]

The problem I see is that FEMA and the state/local governments failed to do their job (look at the run around people get trying to fix their house. I supposed that the insurance companies avoided paying the claims by using every excuse not to do. What's unexcusable is the fact the problem has gone on for 4 years without resolving it and then blame it on the government for every ill that goes on. I would have cut red tape at all level of governments and give debit cards to have people fix their house up asap so we can take the trailers out. Lastly I would have never built there because it's a low lying area that is prone to flooding just like building in tornado areas are.

[govtguy]

It is truly abhorrent that these folks are still living in squandor, especially considering the millions of dollars sent to third world nations and other locales on a regular and continuing basis, and we can't even feed and shelter our own! Where are the Congressional reps or state Senators on all this; it is amazing they are just standing on the sidelines waiting on FEMA, knowing that FEMA is one of the worst beauracratic agenies ever within the govt system? Come on people, we have to take care of each other! If this was President Obama's home town, it would have been dealt with already.

[BigDawg560]

Please get the facts right. FEMAs mandate is EMERGENCY management. FEMA is supposed to respond once the State has done all that it can do , and needs more resources. Once the EMERGENCY is over, the Sate is to step back in and take over the recovery efforts... not FEMA. FEMA is the umbrella for several groups (Fire Service being one) All I've heard is the FEMA did (or didn't) do this or that. I have not heard one word as to what the State of Louisiana has done (or is doing) So... What has the State of Louisiana done for these people ? Don't ask what the Federal Government is doing. Ask what is the State and local governements doing. These are the people who know whats going on locally... not the people in Washington

[aseadog714]

I am a Obama supporter and a Bush hater. This bull is enough to make one want to quite working and live in a trailer rent free while getting free food, money and health care. This, buy the way, was started under Bush's watch and continued under Obama. Four years and these people can not get there stuff together and want to blame it on the government. I rode out hurricane Hugo out in Charleston, SC. It took a few weeks to get you stuff together, without Fema help. This is why people vote for republican's, they are against government waste for "those people". Come on New Orleans quit whining and do something for yourself besides calling the government and blaming the government for your lazy/scamming useless poor excuse for an American and take responsibility for your own actions. Was this CBS report expected to make us feel bad for these people? If it was it had the reverse effect on me. I am a liberal and for universal health care but after seeing how these people onviously take advantage of the system, I am more likely to rethink my support of any government program. Shame, shame, shame on the people down there who have done nothing for themselves.

[photolex]

Let's see...just using the facts stated in the article. In four years 98.6% of all the people housed by the Federal EMERGENCY Management Agency have been moved back into permanent housing. The remaining 1.4% didn't have the assets to begin with and are asking the government to pay to repair their homes. Since it has been four years, I think the EMERGENCY is over and having HUD take over is the responsible thing to do. After all, there are more hurricanes and diseasters coming. FEMA (hopefully) has learned from its mistakes and is ready to deal with the next calamity.

[craigh9]

These people are getting a free ride on us - and then complain about it!!!
Get a job and take care of yourself after 4 years you losers.

I am sick and tired of people like this - bad things happen every day. What if everyone across the country that lost everything they had in a house fire decided to live off the government for 4 years!!!!!!

This sense of entitlement it outragious! It galls me the free ride that WE HAVE PAID FOR for victims of 9/11 - a major event that was certainly horrifying and devistating, but financially how is it any different for a given family then if their loved one got run over by a taxi leaving work one day - there is none - but they lined up for "FREE" money.

Hey FEMA - they don't like yout trailer - go pick it up any time.

[meyersd365]

I am sorry that these folks lost everything in the storm, and I think it is great that the government provided them temporary housing to get them back on their feet. However, after four years, it is time for them to provide for themselves. It is not the government?s responsibility to give them a new house; it is not the government?s responsibility to fix up their old house. Hurricane Charlie damaged my house; I did not expect the government to fix it or even pay to have it fixed. I filed a claim with my insurance company and they paid the bill to re-roof my house. That is why I pay for property insurance. If they did not have insurance that is the risk, they take. Living along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico or along the southeastern coastline of the United States includes the high risk of being hit by a tropical storm. To mitigate risk, you buy insurance, (from a reputable company) or you accept the risk of losing everything. If you cannot afford the loss of your home, and you cannot afford to pay for insurance, then do not own a home. Part of the problem that the United States faces today, is too many people bought homes they could not afford. People are living life styles they cannot afford. Live within your means. Do not expect the government to hand it to you ? NOT THEIR JOB.

[MaryS1978]

I saw the news segment about the Katrina people still living in their trailors. Although I felt bad initially for the man who was still living in his trailer, I felt even worse for the dogs living in cages more suitable for rabbits. While taping this segment did anyone think to notifiy the SPCA or Humane Society about the living conditions of those poor dogs? That man complained about his living conditions,however, the dogs living conditions were even worse. They were standing on wire,did not even have a rug or blanket and did not seem to have adequate shelter from the elements. They barely had space to move around. I think someone should put this man in the cages where he puts his dogs. I agree that it appears he is running a puppy mill because a normal person would not put their beloved pet in a tiny cage such as the ones he had there. Hey did any animal activists see this or shelter workers. Come on here , if I saw this someone who has authority over animal abuse must have seen this news item.....sadly the newsman who taped this show should have pointed out the dogs living conditions to someone who can investigate animal cruelty.

[babooph]

I still recall the 1st Bush response when all knew the storm was coming-"Be sure people do not embelish the insurance claims"-the ins ,of course, did not pay most claims anyway-Bush had nothing to worry about-he must still be thanking Jesus.

[Porad]

I've been to New Orleans many times, and these familes were indeed struggling a lot after the disaster. Some of them displaced from their homes. I worked for the Red Cross and volunteered to help these dear people. It is sad to see how they lived. Yes these people weren't rich, and no, they haven't got a FEMA Check, only a few of them did.

For those of you who think their sponging off the government, I find it vice-versa, I see the government sponging off of those people. The government does not want to spend money, and lets face it, it's typical they are stengy. Look at Greensburg, KS, tornado that destroyed the town, did the government do much to help? No, are they going to, No! Obama needs to step in and tell FEMA to stop being greedy!! Plain and simple, they treat this town as if it is a third world country and that is sad, these people are America citizens and need every help to get back on their feet. And for those of you saying these people don't deserve help, than I want to to live out in the street for just a week. Pretend your house was struck by a storm, and you have no money to move, buy a new house etx, than come back and tell me how grand your life was after that. I bet it won't be sweet-cherry-pie afterwards...

[puzzler125]

I have three questions for those who have not yet been helped by FEMA:

1. Did you have home owner's insurance? If not, are you counting on the government to bail you out 100%?
2. How is your credit history? Do you expect to get a loan if you have terrible credit?
3. How much money do you owe? Have you paid your bills on time, rung up large amounts on credit cards, or have other reasons why the government hasn't loaned you the money yet?

If you can answer all these questions in a honest fashion, then ask yourself why FEMA hasn't loaned you the money yet. If you've done nothing "wrong" then look for the next step...

[andreabennington]

FEMA does not loan money. They give "grants" to under insured and uninsured homeowners. The SBA has disaster loans and they partner with FEMA. FEMA = Free Money SBA = Loans

[ArmandB]

These same federal employees, and thousands more just like them are soon to be in charge of the heath care system for we the people. Congress will be exempt and have a seperate system as they do with their retirement. We are fools for putting up with this congress. Where are the term limits we have been asking for, for the last 40 years, where are the arrests for corruption! We need to have a general strike, all workers and employers united. No taxes should go to these socialists.

[girlmiami]

Yea forget about America and give our money away,, to private companies like AIG and hugh bonus.

[SkirtLifter]

by wyodutch August 31, 2009 8:23 PM EDT
Dutch...

You're way outa line. You're assuming that people have a responsibility to care for themselves.
________________
Dude! Do you have multiple login names, and have conversations with yourself? IF so, you answered yourself with the wrong username.

[Bob Fitz]

The poor will always be with us. What about the children born to some of these families who've been waiting for FEMA to assist them? Even one FEMA employee admits that agency is a mess.

[jsd330]

It's on Obama's watch now for over 8 months. Where's the CHANGE? He sure hasn't changed FEMA.

[lous33]

the change was him

[itgranny]

Some of you Prima Dona's obviously have never been down and out. Moving costs money. Are they supposed to leave whatever they have except what they can carry and hitch-hike 300 or so miles to someplace that MIGHT have a job, which MIGHT give a paycheck in the first week, which MIGHT be enough to rent a room until the next week. Where they're at at least is a roof over their heads.

Many of these folks had low paying jobs to begin with. Couple that with losing nearly everything you own plus the place where you work isn't there any more. You can't tell me rent hasn't gone up down there since the storm.

Susie, you must be seeing things because there's not a dog or even a man pictured on the page i'm looking at.

[andreabennington]

It was on the television coverage of this story. He had dogs in the smallest of cages and they were on metal only, no blankets, towels, etc...