A Story of Home
“The Lower Ninth Ward is kind of the heart and soul of the African-American experience in New Orleans.”
- Douglas Brinkley; historian at Tulane University
“When I was a kid every third house had a garden. Because they didn’t have a whole lot of money, my parents they used a bartering system. We ate some great fresh vegetables and fruit.””
- Mack McClendon; Executive Director, Lower Ninth Ward Village
“Growing up in the Lower Ninth Ward… It was a very family oriented place.”
- Stanley Stewart; Lower Ninth Ward Resident
Before Katrina
-Between 14,000 and 18,000 residents.
-Approximately 5,600 homes and units.
-Nearly 60% of the Lower Ninth Ward residents owned their homes.
-Five schools operating before Katrina.
After Katrina (2010 figures)
-2,842 residents have moved back (down from 14,000).
-2,039 reported homes/units (down from 5,600).
-One school has opened. The Dr. King Charter School.
-No hospitals have re-opened.
