October 5-9, 2009

New Orleans

Before Katrina in St. Bernard Parish

Population of 67,000

27,000 homes

4% Unemployment rate

Home ownership rate was greater than 70%

Median family income was merely $36,000

Senior citizens comprised 50% of the

population

Residents worked as fishermen, in the trades,

and at oil refineries

After Katrina

100% of the homes in St. Bernard Parish were rendered uninhabitable

St. Bernard had standing water of 4 to 20 feet for up to four weeks

Homes, clothes, furniture, pictures, keepsakes, cars and tools were destroyed

Only one-third of residents have returned home, with the vast majority still living in

FEMA trailers or attics that were above the

waterline

18 Congregations

75-80 Sisters

58 Dominicans

10-12 Friends and Family

13 Airport Drivers and Greeters

10 Housing Sites

“Nuns Build. We build hope, we build love, we build peace, we build community. Let us pray for one another knowing that we are sent by Jesus to continue to build a just, peaceful and truthful world.” Sr. Mary Keefe