3.5 years and it is still across the road from where it was before the storm. Privately owned, a catholic church built in 1868 – and it lingers waiting for a solution.
As so much “lingers” still these 3.5 years after the storm. Long Term Recovery – non existent as that organization announced months ago it had morphed into a Housing Resource Center for affordable housing – one of many along the Coast these days as we try to address the critical need for “real”affordable housing. No one is “in charge”, there is no “lead” agency, there is no continuity from the trenches to the Governor’s office. Still a blended mix of philanthropic style organizations and non profits trying to pull together a solution for the critical housing needs of clients who still do not have grant funding.
There has been no funds at the round table of olde since May of 2008 and what little is promised, in Hancock County, is actually coming to a Housing Resource Center and will only address about 18 complete rebuilds to about $80,000 or about 100 “refurbish” homes. Its an either, or, or a mix – not a complete solution by any means. Although it is mentioned again, and again, and again, and again and the process is not started yet – not opened up for applications. Excuse: HUD is holding up the process with bureaucratic red tape and convoluted rules and requirements.
