FEMA directs the somewhat bewildered and near homeless survivors toward local non-profit organizations who can offer “long-term recovery” to those in need. But what does long-term recovery truly consist of?

Most recently, referrals from FEMA have sent Katrina survivors to the East Bay KARE Committee – a board of representatives from several non-profit organizations collaborating in the raising and collecting of funds to meet the long-term recovery needs of Katrina survivors. To recover, within the framework of a long-term situation, would entail sufficient and consistent housing at the very least. However, life remains a month-to-month scramble.

East Bay KARE offers referrals to other organizations for free clothing, shelters, vouchers for food or directions to food banks and, perhaps, a bus pass to accompany you, but these things do not provide a foundation for recovery. They are temporary solutions to a daily threat of elimination.

As the economy continues to pulse and the gap widens further between the classes, Katrina survivors get lost in the cracks.

Through Catholic Charities of the East Bay, rental assistance is available as well as other services that have been in place for the financially unstable for some time now.

Through engaging with these organizations, it becomes clear that though there is a surplus of money donated to this cause, only a small percentage of it will reach Katrina survivors. It travels through a lengthy labyrinth of bureaucratic thievery – FEMA’s process for determining eligibility.

As the clock ticks toward the first of the month and late fees rise, FEMA creates excuse after excuse concerning future rental assistance. Their most clever delay has been to reject your rental receipts after four months of accepting them and now demanding a letter from the landlord.

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