Shari L. Smothers (SS), a native of New Orleans had recently been laid off from her job when Katrina hit New Orleans. Although SS was not satisfied with her financial situation she enjoyed living in her quiet neighborhood in New Orleans East because it was “home”. Shari had attended a funeral service for her godfather the Saturday before Katrina hit. She describes her anxiety about the approaching storm and frustration with her family because they did not want to leave. SS talks about the strain of her family’s car trip to Houston Texas and the discomfort of the heat and traffic. Upon arriving in Houston SS realized that she would not be going back to New Orleans anytime soon and describes her efforts to find a job and apartment. SS also talks about how important it was for her get her life back to normal. She enjoys Houston but has been angry with those in Houston who want the evacuees to go home. She struggles with memories of New Orleans and misses her friends, food and music.