Folks is $2000 really enough to help

[HollynLA]

Well it's a heckuva lot more than the people who own their own home, pay an insurance premium, and pay a mortgage are getting.

In all this mess, there is quite a majority out there that so far is getting nothing. They can't get $$ from FEMA b/c they have insurance and don't qualify. They can't get insurance $$ b/c the adjusters can't get in to assess the damage. So they're basically stuck with nothing. They did a story on that on the news here last night and it's the first time I've actually seen it reported.

I feel for these people and they do need assistance but 2 things torch me:

#1) The responsible ones are left to fend for themselves and
#2) As quoted in today's Houston Chronicle one of the refugees was complaining about the Debit Card issue and said "they better give me something!". How's that for gratitude?!?!?!!

This is correct. In fact, a man from St. Bernard parish called in the radio station. Said he couldn't get any aid of any kind from Red Cross or Fema because he has homeowners insurance. But it will be 2-3 months till adjusters can reach his house, which is currently sitting in water up the roof top. So what's he supposed to do in the meantime with his family of 5?

[caribepr]

Well it's a heckuva lot more than the people who own their own home, pay an insurance premium, and pay a mortgage are getting.

In all this mess, there is quite a majority out there that so far is getting nothing. They can't get $$ from FEMA b/c they have insurance and don't qualify. They can't get insurance $$ b/c the adjusters can't get in to assess the damage. So they're basically stuck with nothing. They did a story on that on the news here last night and it's the first time I've actually seen it reported.

I feel for these people and they do need assistance but 2 things torch me:

#1) The responsible ones are left to fend for themselves and
#2) As quoted in today's Houston Chronicle one of the refugees was complaining about the Debit Card issue and said "they better give me something!". How's that for gratitude?!?!?!!

This is correct. In fact, a man from St. Bernard parish called in the radio station. Said he couldn't get any aid of any kind from Red Cross or Fema because he has homeowners insurance. But it will be 2-3 months till adjusters can reach his house, which is currently sitting in water up the roof top. So what's he supposed to do in the meantime with his family of 5?

Thank you for a hands on concrete example.

[jasons2k]

Well it's a heckuva lot more than the people who own their own home, pay an insurance premium, and pay a mortgage are getting.

In all this mess, there is quite a majority out there that so far is getting nothing. They can't get $$ from FEMA b/c they have insurance and don't qualify. They can't get insurance $$ b/c the adjusters can't get in to assess the damage. So they're basically stuck with nothing. They did a story on that on the news here last night and it's the first time I've actually seen it reported.

I feel for these people and they do need assistance but 2 things torch me:

#1) The responsible ones are left to fend for themselves and
#2) As quoted in today's Houston Chronicle one of the refugees was complaining about the Debit Card issue and said "they better give me something!". How's that for gratitude?!?!?!!

This is correct. In fact, a man from St. Bernard parish called in the radio station. Said he couldn't get any aid of any kind from Red Cross or Fema because he has homeowners insurance. But it will be 2-3 months till adjusters can reach his house, which is currently sitting in water up the roof top. So what's he supposed to do in the meantime with his family of 5?

Thanks Holly! This is exactly what's wrong with this whole process. It's sad. The very people who earn a living, pay taxes, and carry insurance are the ones left with nothing and no assistance.

[CajunMama]

State Farm is assisting their homeowners. I saw on the local news station an agent that I know here in Lafayette was writing out $2500 checks for State Farm policy holders...and they weren't even his clients.

[jasons2k]

That is great news!! Some of the other major carriers are doing the same. Unfortunately, many are not able to do so, especially the independents.

[bevgo]

OK guys--I was one of the stupid ones that did not evac. I did leave after 3 days of no power, no food other that hurricane stash food and I did have lots of clean cold water but my 2 y/o GS and I both got sick. There was no FEMA, NO Red Cross, No medical care........I left for a week and ended up spending around $600 that I really could not aford to bring backl supplies since I did not lknow what would be available here. I did get diapers from Red Cross in Meridian.

I filled with FEMA before we returned since I have no clue still what my home in Marrero LA is like and really don't know what my losses are. I lost a bunch of clothes in a cleaning plant in Biloxi that was destroyed and have to wait till the cleaners sorts out insurance to get any compensation for that. I got my 2K from FEMA. I appreciate the assistance too. I have also filed for Red Cross assistance. We will be getting $1265.00 for our family of 4. My son cannot work now and is going to be unable to pay rent on my home in LA and my daughter lost her casino job and we are back to meeting her and the GSm needs.

No amount of cash can make up for the losses but we are all safe. The assistance from FEMA and RC is in the form of a check that can be cashed at a local bank. I know there will be abuses but not all of us will abuse the system.

I know some of you have "BEEN THERE" but I hope the rest of you will never know what this hell feels like. I prefer to care for my own needs and it has been hard to accept help from strangers.

[caribepr]

OK guys--I was one of the stupid ones that did not evac. I did leave after 3 days of no power, no food other that hurricane stash food and I did have lots of clean cold water but my 2 y/o GS and I both got sick. There was no FEMA, NO Red Cross, No medical care........I left for a week and ended up spending around $600 that I really could not aford to bring backl supplies since I did not lknow what would be available here. I did get diapers from Red Cross in Meridian.

I filled with FEMA before we returned since I have no clue still what my home in Marrero LA is like and really don't know what my losses are. I lost a bunch of clothes in a cleaning plant in Biloxi that was destroyed and have to wait till the cleaners sorts out insurance to get any compensation for that. I got my 2K from FEMA. I appreciate the assistance too. I have also filed for Red Cross assistance. We will be getting $1265.00 for our family of 4. My son cannot work now and is going to be unable to pay rent on my home in LA and my daughter lost her casino job and we are back to meeting her and the GSm needs.

No amount of cash can make up for the losses but we are all safe. The assistance from FEMA and RC is in the form of a check that can be cashed at a local bank. I know there will be abuses but not all of us will abuse the system.

I know some of you have "BEEN THERE" but I hope the rest of you will never know what this hell feels like. I prefer to care for my own needs and it has been hard to accept help from strangers.

You have to do what you have to do. Pride, as you are finding out, can be a help or a stumbling block - let it be a help. No doubt there will be plenty of opportunities to give back sometime in the future, not necessarily money, but time and caring. You obviously are taking care of your immediate family that needs you, as well as yourself. Stay strong, this struggle will one day be something you have gotten through and life will be better, no matter how impossible that future may seem right now.