There's no place like home! In 2005, I was displaced due to Hurricane Katrina. I'm going to spare you what I experienced and witnessed, because it's a very sad story. I lived in a Port Allen motel for about two months. From there, I drove 3hrs to work, worked 10hrs and drove 3hrs back each day. I didn't have many options, because hotel & motel vacancies were scarce due to the number of people displaced.When I was allowed to return home, the siding was torn & ripped, I needed a new roof, one room was filled with mold, I had a refrigerator filled with maggots and my doors had to be replaced. Despite the problems, my heart was light, because my home was still standing and I had a great career. I felt blessed and lucky. My problems were minute, compared to others.
Many residents returned to worse situations. There were empty slabs, where houses once stood. I saw homes filled with black mold, because they had been inundated with flood water. It was heartbreaking. People's homes were gone. The contents of their homes were gone. Worst of all people had perished. Despite the enormity of the problems, people were determined. They were determined to rebuild. They were determined to get their lives together. People lived in trailers for years, while gutting, repairing & rebuilding their homes. They did it because, it was THEIR HOME and THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
Habitat for Humanity helps rebuild people's homes and lives. They recently partnered with Warner Bros on a campaign called, There's No Place Like Home. When things fall apart, Habitat for Humanity helps put the pieces back together. The goal of this campaign is to raise money, awareness and help low-income people rebuild.
To donate CLICK HERE. All donations are tax deductible and you receive a gift back.
Giveaway: US CITIZENS ONLY, Habitat for Humanity & Warner Bros are offering AVSB readers a chance to win a 75th Anniversary The Wizard of Oz DVD. Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. A winner will be announced 12/6/13.
We do not have habitat for humanity here, but they sound like a wonderful organisation.
ReplyDeleteIt is horrible seeing the devastation on the news after every natural disaster. It's good there are people and organisations around to help those affected get back on their feet.
Away From The Blue
I can only imagine the situation that you were in then! it was heartbreaking to read about people displaced from their homes. Habitat for Humanity is such a great organization and I would definitely support their work in any way!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living
It's so devastating when disaster strikes and people lose their homes. I can never imagine having that happen, although other things have happened where I've lost things, but when we remember they are just things, I think we have the ability to open our hearts to others and help them when they've lost their homes and security. Because safety and security is more important. And no one should have to be left without a home or a home that's safe at least. I know people say leave as this will happen again, but when you love a place and feel it's home, that's not just so easy. It's more than just land or houses, it's heart and community and we need more of that in this world. I worked with Habitat for humanity when I lived back in the US, it's always been one of my favourite organizations...seeing the people come in who's home it'll be is the most rewarding and humbling time ever...we take things for granted every day. It's a marvellous way to give some back!! Fantastic post doll, loved it!! Good luck to the entrants too...Love the Wizard of Oz :)))) Happy Monday xx
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine going through what happened. I remember being at uni and a girl in my class was originally from there, her whole family was affected. I experienced a couple of earthquakes when I was in California. Habitat for Humanity is an amazing organisation, great to see you support it here as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim, hope you are fine. It's so devastating when disaster strikes and people lose their homes.It is really painfull seeing the devastation on the news after every natural disaster. It's good there are people and organisations around to help those affected get back on their feet.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim, I admire everyone who had the courage and determination to rebuild their homes. It isn't easy to be left with nothing more than a foundation and tons of damage, but you're right, there isn't any place like home. Salute to the organizations that help all those in need. Hope you have a productive week ahead sweetheart!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear what you've been through, Kim. I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult that period of time was--on so many levels. Good for you for returning to your home--the place you love! As a Habitat volunteer, my husband built a home a few years ago. Every time he drives by, he smiles and points it out. :) This is a worthy organization that truly touches lives in a most meaningful (and essential) way. Hugs, T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com
ReplyDeletethis is a beautiful campaign, Kim!!
ReplyDeleteIn Italy we have had our shares of natural disasters too. Habitat for humanity is doing such an excellent job! Thank you for sharing Kim
ReplyDeleteLove
Coco et La vie en rose
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Dear Kim, I'm so sorry for what you went through. I can only imagine how much sad it is when one day you wake up and you havent your home anymore. The organization is great and also the campaign. Kudos to you for this post dear, it is really touching. Everyone has the right to build their homes and life, is important any kind of help. Kisses, have a nice week ahead! xo
ReplyDeleteKim, I still can't believe how much you went through and to think that I first met you when you had moved out of NO until you could go back. I wish we had been better friends back then, as I wish I'd known more of what you were going through, but I have so much admiration for how you handled it. I too thought it was ridiculous that people said not to rebuild. THat's like people who say to leave California because there are earthquakes etc.
ReplyDeleteI think Habitat for Humanity is really a great organization.
xo Mary Jo
Kim, I never knew this. Like the rest of the people around the world who saw what happened, my heart still goes out to people affected by Hurricane Katrina. You have such a great attitude about your ordeal, and I salute you for that. (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you were able to return to your home, even though it had damage. I was VERY fortunate with Sandy as we had no damage, a true miracle living so close to the ocean.
ReplyDelete-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
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All power to you Kim. I can't even imagine what you went through. So happy that you are blessed with a wonderful home. Lots of love. Xxx
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear you had to go through it, Kim!!! It really breaks my heart because I cannot even imagine what it was like and what I CAN imagine looks very frightening…
ReplyDeleteJust very happy to see that you weren't hurt and are such a positive girl despite everything you had to go through. xxx
Love you too Kim ♥
ReplyDeleteHeyyy Kim..
ReplyDeleteI have entered! HOpe I win! hehe!
www.simplysassysstyle.blogspot.com
dawn
Habitat for Humanity is seriously a great organization. I can't believe people criticized the rebuilding! Disasters happen everywhere, just like you said <3.
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Kim, I can't even imagine what you and your fellow NO residents had to deal with after the devastation that Katrina left behind. I think the people of NO are incredibly brave and resilient to stand strong and rebuild their homes and it's great that organizations like Habitat for Humanity are around to help.
ReplyDeleteRowena @ rolala loves
Omg!!! Never knew you went through all these,despite all these you still share all your sweetness here with us.Great campaign. It's so sad when you see people loose their homes and lives,it's a pity life keeps on telling us the story,that we came with nothing so we go with nothing.Life is so unfair.
ReplyDeleteLove you loads kim.
I had no idea Kim and watching it on the news was devastating so I can't even imagine what it must have been like seeing it in person and surviving through those months at the Port Hotel too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this and I will donate. Sometimes it's difficult to know where to donate so I'm glad you shared because I definitely trust you.
xoDale
Wow. What an inspiring story! Thank you for sharing it with us and reminding everyone that we should always be grateful for each and every blessing. ♥
ReplyDelete♥, Jo | www.STYLEAT30.com
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GREAT ! ;D
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Kim you are going to make me cry! I am so sorry for what you have lost, but I am also so happy that you are okay! I have always wanted to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, they are an amazing organization.
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteI am sincerely sorry to hear what you went through after Katrina. Your strength and positive spirit allowed you to overcome one of life's speed bumps. Bringing awareness to these causes is so commendable & tied together with a little WOZ makes even better. Goes to show that we can all find our way over the rainbow. Wish me luck for the contest!
Clicking my heels 3X. XOXO
Maria
http://www.onestyleatatime.com/
your experience during katrina kinda reminds me of what just recently happen to the Philippines.
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It is very sad when you have to live that reality Kim, good people have now recovered little by little your home, I saw this film in black and white a while back ago, I was excited to see these pictures Kim!
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Habitat for Humanity is such a wonderful organization and I love what they do! Sorry to hear that your home was involved in the Hurricane Katrina disaster, but I think it's great that you're able to share your first hand account of what happened. Many people don't exactly understand what goes on in a natural disaster like that, and think that its pretty easy to return back to normal everyday life. Glad you're safe though and with us today! :)
ReplyDeleteI know I lived through Sandy I know what it can be like. We were lucky our house stood but many others did not. It was awful. I have a friend who lived through Katrina. She lost everything and moved back to NY. So glad you are involved with Habitat for Humanity and of course you should rebuild where you live.
ReplyDeleteAllie of ALLIE NYC
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Aww thanks Kim for followiwng. Good to have Dawn as mutual friend. I am following you on bloglovin. You want to follow eachother on gfc? You can participate in a new giveaway to win $30 certificate on my blog: Fashion Talks
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for those that are affected by any disaster and lose everything. HFH is a great cause and definitely worth supporting. I know that they came to the Philippines to build houses so that makes me happy more. I hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving with good company and great food.
ReplyDeleteXo
Sam
http://fabulouspetite.blogspot.com
Oh Kim, my heart goes to you and what you experienced during Hurricane Katrina. Same devastation and loss happened in the Visayas Region in the Philippines. Their homes totally wiped out, family members lost and the living there are currently homeless, sick and hungry. The upsetting one for me is that the Government there doesn't know how to help their own people. Thanks to the US Government, Canada and other countries for willingly helping the Filipinos in the Disaster zones. Charitable organizations like Habitat for Humanity have a project there too. Helping families to re-build their homes and their lives too. Although the re-building there will take some time. Thank you and May God bless you Kim. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that you went through so much during hurricane Katrina, Kim - you truly are a strong and courageous woman! And kudos to you for partnering with Habitat for Humanity, it's such a great cause.
ReplyDeletexox,
Cee
The comments about people rebuilding their homes greatly upset me. Home is not an easily replaceable thing, or feeling (I see it as both).
ReplyDeleteThis is an EXCELLENT post!