James Perry
The Katrina-ravaged home recently purchased by the Perrys, devastated by Hurricane Isaac early this morning before they could revitalize it.
Ed. note: Hurricane Isaac made landfall in New Orleans yesterday. Before it became a tropical storm once again, Isaac left hundreds of thousands flooded and without power. There will be more after a "deliberate breach" of one of the levees, ordered by Governor Bobby Jindal. We'll have more information on the blog later, but given the sad news today about the Katrina-ravaged home Melissa and her husband planned to revitalize and the many of you who have expressed concern, Melissa thought it best to respond to you about how she and her family are doing, and about the house. Her letter is below.
I am incredibly moved by the outpouring of support I have received in the wake of Isaac. I want to be really sure that everyone understands that the home that was destroyed today is not the home where my family and I currently live. My husband, daughter and I live in the 7th Ward of New Orleans is a traditional shotgun house that was damaged in Hurricane Katrina, but which we have fully restored.
However, in the seven years since Katrina we have dealt with reality of a large, blighted house directly across the street from us. For several years we have been mired in the red tape of trying to purchase the home. Less than a month ago we finally closed on it! James, Parker and I have been excitedly planning for this home to be our dream home. Work was scheduled to begin next week. In fact, we featured the house last Saturday on "Melissa Harris-Perry."
This house was the home that held our dreams, but it did not yet hold our things.
Early on the morning of Wednesday, August 29, exactly seven years after Katrina, the wind and rain of Hurricane Isaac leveled the house. No one was hurt. We are very sad about losing this house, but very grateful that we are all safe. Our loss does not compare the losses suffered in neighboring Plaquemines Parish. We do not want our loss to overshadow the far greater losses being suffered by our neighbors.
Your prayers, love and kindness mean so much.
You can see the profile on the house below.
MSNBC's Melissa Harris-Perry takes "Nerdland" on a tour around her home and neighborhood to share how New Orleans has changed since Hurricane Katrina.
Leave a Comment:
I am sorry to hear you lost your home. I hope your able to rebuild. My prayers go out to you. I am in the process of losing my home of 5 years so I can relate. I hope things get better for you.
It is sad to hear about this amazing house being destroyed, but it is good to hear that you and your family are safe. I hope everyone else in New Orleans is as lucky.
so sorry to hear that, hope thing work out in rebuilding or relocating
I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your home but so glad that your lives are still intact.
I'm so glad you and your family are safe.
Can't wait to hear what kinds of wonderful is going to be in store for that property now!
Sad and sorry. Glad you are ok.
I watched your show....whatever you decide to do...put God first he will give you the desires of your heart...a man in the bible lost everything yet trusted God and the desires of his heart was given to him seven folds.......♥ God Bless you and your family you are strong this is just a distraction are better yet God is busy trying to tell us I AM GOD TRUST ME ONLY....luv u Melissa and your show....watch every Saturday....♥♥♥
Blessings to you and your family for life, health and strength. New dreams, new goals, and new aspirations will develop from your heart-felt experiences!
Melissa, I saw the show last week featuring the house that you planned to renovate. I remember you pointing our the "good bones" that the house had, and I was moved by the fact that you and your family was going to undertake such a large project.
I am so sorry that the house was destroyed. but at least no one was hurt.
Viewer Susan in NY
God never gives us more than we can handle, hold on to your dream. God bless you and your family and all those in the path of Issac.
I am sorry for your loss and I know your busy with your damage to your house but can you please more information about New Orleans. I would like to know what is going on after the hurricane. All we hear is the convention with all these people suffering and the loss of their home. I would like to hear more about the clean up and rescue efforts instead of bunch of insensitive rich people at a convention who could care less about the suffering of Americans after a hurricane. Again I am sorry you loss your house. I can't wait until your show on Saturday.
Thank goodness you didn't have your things there yet! Did you have flood or hurricane insurance??
Maybe it's a blessing that you didn't have your things there yet! Did you have flood insurance?
So glad I came over here to see if you were ok. Whew! Sending good thoughts to you and your family from far away.
Everyone is glad you and your family are safe. Sucks, I know, but property can be replaced, and human lives can't.
The facade is still in good shape. You'll be able to rebuild. I'd suggest starting with the foundation, and raising the house up against future flooding and sea level rise. The fact that the rest of the house was destroyed allows you more freedom to "grandfather" in a more livable space. All the best to you and your family. Thank you for your wonderful program.
Love your show. So sorry about your house. You can rebuild as long as your family is safe, you will recover. Getting older has taught me that stuff is just stuff, not your soul.
I love your idea of a Community Garden. I would save what I could from the house, especially the columns and build a nice gazebo for everyone to enjoy. Perhaps a commemorative plaque.