The
diaspora set in motion by Hurricane Katrina brought five busloads
of traumatized evacuees to Denton, Texas, a city one-third the size
of New Orleans and 168 percent more white. Many are still in Denton,
trying to navigate a sprawling place that has scant public transportation
and little nightlife, with foods and church services so unlike those
at home.
The evacuees are, for the most part, grateful to Denton. Many residents
gave generously to Camp Copass, a Baptist-run facility that hosted
300-plus evacuees for three weeks in September when FEMA refused
to cover the camp’s costs. Local volunteers stepped forward
to try and find housing and jobs for those being displaced yet again. |
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But
with help comes expectations, both groups now say. Many evacuees,
still pained by the loss of home, community and livelihood, aren’t
ready to call Denton home. Some came with personal problems or spotty
work histories and a profound sense that the government not only
took them far from home but also left them to figure out a very
uncertain future on their own. Those helping are wary too, wondering
if it’s time to stop giving, lest help become a handout. As
one volunteer put it, “We want to help, but…are they
working yet?”
One of the lingering unanswered questions that resonates for both
evacuees and their hosts across the United States was voiced by
a Denton evacuee:
“Where do we go from here?” |
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