SOCIAL INJUSTICE IN HOUSING ISSUES

THE THANKSGIVING and CHRISTMAS SEASONS are UPON US and the
MARCH 31, 2009 DEADLINE for REMOVAL OF MEMA COTTAGES

Coast Housing Director Gerald Blessey was appointed by Gov. Haley Barbour to help solve the ongoing Katrina housing crisis. When Blessey met with Bay St. Louis City Council, it came to light once more that the city does not like the cottages and does not want them to remain within "regular" housing neighborhoods. One councilman expressed "concern" that it seemed the MEMA rules for the cottage time line keep trying to be changed as each deadline for removal approaches.

From the very beginning of the idea of the cottages coming into play as a viable option for temporary housing to replace the constricting and formaldehyde-ridden FEMA trailers, councilmen in general have slammed the cottages as being little more than another form of trailers and said they belong in trailer parks and not where "real" houses are. This thinking is just plain prejudicial, narrow minded, and ridiculous.

One councilman wanted to know what to tell concerned citizens who are fortunate to live in a house, i.e. "real home" that a MEMA cottage was going to be next door. More unacceptable "thinking."

Another councilman said he didn't see any need for the cottages! I suppose he lives in a nice comfy house with no worries of where he will be living or what he'll be living in nor any sympathy or compassion for those who, through no fault of their own, have worried since August 29th. 2005 when everything they had was washed away.