Katrina Follow-Up

Herbert Gettridge and his wife lived in the Lower Ninth Ward for nearly 50 years before Hurricane Katrina struck. Determined to rebuild, Herbert moved back into his severely damaged home. At the time, Herbert says the neighborhood was empty—except for the mice, rats and bugs. "I was back here with no water, no gas, no electricity," he says. "Just mosquitoes."

Persevering through sweltering heat, rain and even a robbery, 84-year-old Herbert says he never thought of giving up. He worked hard to finish the house so his wife, Lydia, could return to their beloved neighborhood. "This is home," Herbert says. "Home sweet home."