New Orleans public housing residents take back their homes

by JusticeforNewOrleans.org (reposted)

Fri, Jun 9, 2006 6:28AM

Public housing residents took action Saturday to take back their homes, despite the efforts of HANO (Housing Authority of New Orleans) and HUD authorities to stop them. Residents rallied at the Florida, St. Bernard, C.J. Peete and Magnolia sites, forcing their way through locked and boarded doors to begin gutting and repairing apartments.

At the Florida development, residents led by the New Orleans Survivor Council and volunteers from Common Ground forced open doors with crowbars and removed flood damaged property. Tenants were visibly joyful at being in their homes for the first time since Katrina.

To date, HANO has not announced any plans for re-opening or rehabilitating public housing, leading to growing anger and frustration among residents.

This action follows a volatile City Council Housing Committee meeting this past Wednesday where groups of public housing residents expressed their frustration about the slow pace of re-occupancy. When HANO officials present at the meeting could provide no new information about re-opening certain developments, City Councilman At-Large Oliver Thomas demanded that HANO return to the council with definite answers soon.

Saturday’s protesters plan to continue their activities throughout this week and next weekend.

Read More
http://sfbayview.com/060706/publichousing060706.shtml

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