The neighborhood where Chester Dewitt grew up, known as Chad Brown, has a reputation. “There came a time that whenever a violent crime made the news, it was called ‘Chad Brown-related,’” he said. 

When the property tax bill arrives, it is more than just a number. For some residents, that envelope signals the start of impossible choices: food or housing? Medication or mortgage? 

September is Disaster Preparedness Month, a time where U.S. residents are encouraged to take steps – both big and small – to prepare for emergencies and disasters, which are increasing in both cost and scope. This year’s theme is Preparedness Starts at Home, with organizations, including the federal government, offering ideas about creating a family emergency plan and more.

It’s not difficult in parts of New Orleans where people earn the lowest incomes to figure out which houses were built after the flooding and devastation from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. They’re often built higher, an extra layer of sustainability. They have hatches on the roofs, should residents need to climb to higher ground from the attic – something homes didn’t have during unprecedented flooding when the levees broke.