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12/23/2007

This action came during a nationwide week of protest to support New Orleans public housing residents' efforts to save their homes.

I spent 15 months doing post-Katrina relief work and witnessed the current housing crisis in New Orleans. Some figures estimate that 12,000-15,000 people in the city are homeless, 200,000 residents are still displaced, and the lack of affordable housing has caused rent to increase 40-70 percent.

HUD claims the agency is redeveloping the units by "replacing them," "not removing them."

But there will be a loss of 3,600 units available to low-income people in the proposed "mixed income housing" redevelopment.

The housing projects slated for demolition received minimal storm damage and many units did not flood. Over $760 million will be spent on the demolition contracts. This government decision is not only insensitive to New Orleanians still struggling to return home, but also not responsive to the city's immediate housing needs. Fixing these units would cost taxpayers just a fraction of these corporate contracts.

Livable units should be rebuilt so families can move home and participate in the New Orleans' reconstruction efforts.

HUD's decision does not address the grave housing crisis in New Orleans and violates residents right to return.

Shame on Secretary Jackson!

Emily Posner

Montville

poscreek@gmail.com

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