Note From Leslie

Hey folks.

It's been forever. I keep thinking about writing an update, but am so sad that I am unable to do more for my families and for Hancock County that I just cry and procrastinate.

While everyone's health around here has stabilized, the monetary situation has not. I'm having to put all of my financial assets toward the house or mediations for all 3 of us.

I'm fortunate enough that this summer allowed me to garden, saving us about $1000 in food for the year, and more weather-proofing of the house, which is saving us another $1000 in reduced utilities, but I have so much more to do and am barely keeping my head above water.

I continue to help 2 families as I am able, but just can't do any more than that. I had to turn away clothes and toys because I can't afford shipping. I feel awful about that!

I continue to think about everyone, and pray they are ok, and ask forgiveness for not being able to do more. It's just been one of those lives. LOL I know it's only been about 20 months, but it certainly feels more like a life-time.

I do continue to get emails from folks, and will always answer them or direct them to the correct resource. So I know you're all out there!

Know I'm here and I'm still doing all that I can.

Love
L

HUD Being Sued

Money Steered To Port Project over Housing

POSTED: 11:11 am CST December 10, 2008
UPDATED: 11:37 am CST December 10, 2008

JACKSON, Miss. -- A federal lawsuit accuses the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development of failing to properly review Mississippi's plan to divert half a billion dollars from a hurricane housing fund to a port expansion project.

HUD drew criticism from advocacy groups and congressional leaders when it approved the state's proposal to steer the money to the port despite a lingering housing crisis caused by Hurricane Katrina. At the time, then-HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson said he was legally obligated to OK the project because of congressional language associated with the use of block grant funds.

The suit, filed Wednesday in federal court in Washington, names HUD as the only defendant. It is being brought by the Mississippi State Conference NAACP, Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center and individual residents.