Prior to Hurricane Katrina I worked for New Orleans Public Schools for 8 years, and my husband was employed with Fidelity Homestead, a prominent financial institution, as a loan officer, for 15 years. We are not lazy people and have worked very hard for everything we once owned. (Hurricane Katrina destroyed all our earthly possessions). Contrary to what one may believe, many evacuees once held important jobs and were able to support their families. However, finding a job here in Houston has been tougher than winning the lottery.

Initially my husband found work in Beaumont, Texas but because of Hurricane Rita, we relocated to Houston. Unable to find work, he seeked benefits, but was denied because according to them his move was unnecessary. As a result, he has been without a pay check since November 2005. Show me the face of a man with patience and I'll show you my husbands' face.

It may sound strange, but I'm very proud of my husband right now in his unemployed state. He could have resulted to committing crimes… But that is not the man I married. He could have blamed others … But not my gentle husband, as he continues to believe his experience in the banking industry will pay off. How can we convince employers we are not a flight risk? What can we do to prove to them we are reliable? Sometimes I think how much more can one take when not only is their faith being tested but their character is being tested when no one wants to hire an evacuee?

People desperately lookng for work,
Marie Adams
25469 Borough Pk Dr #1312
Spring, Texas
77380
281-465-8269