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Hurricane Laura Victims Struggle to Find Housing During Global Pandemic

Matt Haines

   NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - As first responders continue a second day of
   search, rescue and support efforts in southwest Louisiana, a clearer
   picture of the damage caused by Hurricane Laura is emerging.

   The state breathed a sigh of relief that the loss of life was not more
   severe -- the death toll is now 11 -- but the damage to population
   centers such as Lake Charles, a city with a population of 80,000, is
   devastating. Downtown buildings have been demolished, entire
   neighborhoods left in ruins and almost 900,000 homes and businesses are
   without power.

   Residents are trickling in to assess the loss of personal property, but
   it may be days, weeks or months until many Louisianians can return home
   for good.

   Finding temporary housing after a disaster is never easy, but some
   victims of the storm are saying the coronavirus pandemic has made the
   situation even more difficult.

   "My husband and I are both in our 60s," said Mary Gutowski, a retiree
   who moved to Lake Charles from Austin, Texas, less than a month ago.
   "I've been in the hospital three times in the last year, and we're both
   very worried about being out in crowds and getting the virus. But we
   couldn't stay home with a Category 4 hurricane coming at us. What are
   we supposed to do?" she asked.

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