Janet Benjamin is a determined survivor of Hurricane Katrina. Three generations of New Orleanians have lived in and owned this former residence in the heart of the lower 9th Ward of New Orleans. The beautiful home was already raised 4 feet off the ground and the flood waters from the break in the Intercoastal Canal reached up 6 more feet and swept her home off of its foundation. Janet, her grandmother and many other family members had spent many hours on the front porch of their home, talking with neighbors and creating community. Her neighborhood is now a beautiful memory that she hopes to recapture one day. As we stood in front of her home, we were reminded once again of the destructiveness of nature. Janet said this house had provided “a place she could always go” and now she is struggling through the devastation of loosing everything she owned. Janet’s faith is strong and she states that “the Lord has seen her through.” She believes that in time she will be able to rebuild and return to this place she loves in the lower 9th Ward. Janet is a member of the Harvest Ripe Church, Gretna, LA pastured by the Reverend Jesse Pate, Sr. Janet says that her church is an important part of her life and has been critical in her continuing recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Janet’s first visit home was in late October 2005 and her house was still flooded. At that moment she said that she was reminded that the Lord would take care of her and He is even to this day.
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