Nola Bound

Checklist

Longing for home can bring a range of emotions and a resolve to get back no matter what. Although the recovery of the Greater New Orleans Area has undergone a lot of positive change, there are still many challenges ahead—challenges that may impact your decisions, but not desire, to return.

The following set of questions is designed to help you reflect on some of the tasks and issues you should consider before coming home. Of course, every situation is different, and only you and your family can truly decide what “ready” means. This document is not intended to discourage or encourage you as you think about your future. Rather, it is designed to help you make the best decision possible given your individual circumstances.

Answer each question carefully then total the number of “Yes” replies you gave. The chart at the end will provide you with a guide for your score. In the event you decide you are ready, welcome home, we can’t wait to see you.

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Living Accommodations
If your plans include the possibility of returning to your pre-Katrina address, have you been able to determine whether or not it is habitable, that everything works (electrical systems, phone lines, pluming, etc) or that it is ready for you?	Yes	No
If you owned your home, filing insurance claims, filling out FEMA claims, and decisions about repairing or demolishing the property will need to be completed. Have those tasks been completed and your decisions made?	Yes	No
The cost of living in New Orleans has changed a lot in the last year, renting a house or apartment has increased a lot—sometimes an increase of $300, $500 or even double the pre-Katrina rate. Does this increase fit within your household budget plans?	Yes	No
Most rental properties require the payment of a first month’s rent, plus a deposit (usually the same amount as rent) before signing a rental lease agreement. Does this fit within your household budget plans?	Yes	No
Many of the Public Housing facilities are closed. Have you determined that you will not be impacted by this?	Yes	No
While many utility services are now restored, some utilities such as phone, water/sewer or cable remain unavailable. Have you verified which utilities are available where you plan to move?	Yes	No
Utility companies are requiring payment of previous utility bills plus, and in some cases, a deposit, in order to have them connected. Does this expense fit within your household budget plans?	Yes	No
Employment and Income
Have you determined that your employment and income circumstances will be sufficient to provide for an increase cost of living?	Yes	No
Many employers and business owners have not re-opened or have decided not to re-open. Have you determined whether or not this will affect your plans for employment?	Yes	No
If you are currently employed, will it be feasible for you to “transfer” back to New Orleans in this current job?	Yes	No
If you are not employed, have you investigated whether or not your skill-set and experience will match the types of jobs currently available?	Yes	No
If you plan on obtaining employment after returning to New Orleans, have you determined the places or types of employment you will seek?	Yes	No
Do you have enough information, or know how to get information in order to obtain employment or get help obtaining employment?	Yes	No
Public transportation is not widely available—buses do not cover the city and the hours of operation are limited. Have you determined how this will impact your employment situation?	Yes	No
Household Affairs
There is often a deadline for the application of FEMA benefits and for filing insurance claims for storm-related damages. Have you been able to complete these processes?	Yes	No
Obtaining or renewing a Louisiana Driver’s License or Identification card requires proof of identity. Have you been able to secure replacement copies of birth certificates and social security cards?	Yes	No
Getting replacement documents often means going to different government agencies. Are you aware of where and how to go about completing this process?	Yes	No
Often banks located in one state, may not be located in Louisiana. Have you determined whether or not you will need to manage the transfer of your bank accounts?	Yes	No
Schools and Child Care
Many child care facilities or providers have not re-opened. Have you determined whether or not this will impact your plans?	Yes	No
If someone in your family will require child care, have you made determinations regarding the availability in the area where you plan to return?	Yes	No
With limited public transportation available, will this have an impact on your ability to access child care?	Yes	No
Most private schools and many public schools have re-opened, have you determined how your housing plans will impact decisions on accessing schools?	Yes	No
With limited public transportation available, will this have an impact on your ability to access schools?	Yes	No
Do you have enough information, or know how to obtain information, in order to obtain child care services or register for school?	Yes	No
Personal Support
Have you determined whether or not your family or friends have returned to the Greater New Orleans Area?	Yes	No
If friends, family or neighbors have not yet returned, have you considered who you might call upon for moral support or companionship?	Yes	No
Many social service providers, such as YMCA’s and recreations community centers have not reopened. Have you determined how this may impact your plans?	Yes	No
Local churches and places of worship have not re-opened, or have been forced to relocate. If your former place of worship is not accessible, do you have alternatives?	Yes	No
Depending on the location, drugstores, health clinics, restaurants and stores may not have re-opened. Have any determinations been made about the availability of these services in the area you plan to return?	Yes	No
Transition Timeline
Have you determined the realistic possibility of when you will be able to return to the Greater New Orleans Area (i.e. next month, 6 months, sometime next year)?	Yes	No
Are considerations about the timing of securing housing and connecting utilities a part of your planning?	Yes	No

Results & what they mean - total number of 'yes' votes: 0 'no' votes: 0
#’s of Yes	What it Means	Level of Readiness	What’s Left to Do
25-31	You are thinking strategically about the complexities of returning	High	Begin executing a plan that encompasses all of the necessary considerations.
20-24	You’ve thought of some things, but not everything.	Moderate	Make determinations for the areas needing consideration; incorporate those items into a workable timeline.
19 or below	There are lots of things to be worked out.	Not Ready	Do some investigating about the key areas needing consideration. Based on that information, re-assess these questions. Develop a long-term timeline.