The Survivors
The Survivors came from a diverse background, but they all somehow made it to Memphis. I met them either at the Memphis Red Cross, while they were seeking assistance, or at St. Peters Home, which is a Catholic Charities shelter. These people all lost their homes, some lost family members. And yet they are Survivors in the truest meaning of the word.
Ervin Broyard, from New Orleans, LA. Ervin spent the first few hours of Hurricane Katrina at home, with his Mother and Sister, who didn't want to evacuate. Then the water came! He put his family in the attic, above the water level, and then sat on the roof, waving white t-shirts until they were finally evacuated to the convention center.
Tashena Mash, from New Orleans, LA. Tashena didn't feel comfortable staying at her home, so she took her family to stay at a hotel in the French Quarters, until they were forced to evacuate the city, narrowly escaping ahead of the wall of water.
Janice King, from New Orleans, LA. For Janice, the story is one of seperation from family, chaos, and trying to find her way alone.
Eugene Tauzin, from Biloxi, MS. Eugene is a veteran of storms on the coast, so didn't plan to evacuate. He and a friend ended up spending the storm together, and learned that there can be humor in any situation, if you look for it!
Tara Ellender and Tosha Johns, from Sulphur, LA. Tara and Tosha, sisters, after seeing the devestation of Hurricane Katrina, evacuated just ahead of Hurricane Rita. Their story is one of missing their mother, who did not evacuate, and of being brought closer as a family.
Tim Allen, New Orleans, LA. Tim's story is of trying to make a new start in an unfamiliar city. He made it to Memphis with some friends, who then all went their seperate ways. But there is hope!
Lauren Finley, Memphis Red Cross, Memphis, TN. While Lauren is not a storm survivor, she shared a unique perspective of being someone who was helping the Survivors. Lauren also was the one who introduced me to the staff at St. Peters Home, a Catholic shelter, where I met Ervin, Tashina, and Janice.
