St. Margaret's Daughters' Nursing Home Reopens
Release Date: September 17, 2007
Release Number: 1603-715
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Hurricane Katrina devastated St. Margaret's Daughters' nursing home in the lower Ninth Ward, forcing it to close its doors. The nursing home was determined to reopen, however, and with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the facility will open its doors on Sept. 17, 2007.
The faith-based nonprofit facility offers affordable quality nursing care to its residents. Opened in 1931, the original building serviced the community for nearly 40 years before creating two additional wings. Prior to the storm, 95 elderly men and women called the residence home.
The building sustained both wind and flood damage from Katrina. Up to six feet of standing water caused electrical, mechanical and personal property losses. Due to the enormous amount of damage the nursing home incurred, the building was eligible for a full replacement. Because of the severe damage to the infrastructure and re-development uncertainties in the Lower Ninth ward, St. Margaret's requested assistance from FEMA to obtain a temporary facility in the former Bywater hospital. Plans to rebuild the permanent facility are moving forward with the applicant and FEMA working together.
"St. Margaret's would not have been able to rebuild without FEMA assistance, said Larry Stansberry, CEO of St. Margaret's Daughter's Nursing Home. "Because of the agency's help, the people we serve will be able to return to the city they love and have a safe, secure place to call home."
Federal funds totaling more than $8.9 million have been obligated to reimburse for the work performed at the hospital, as well as to cover costs for contents and medical equipment. When projects are obligated by FEMA through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are transferred to a Smartlink account. This allows the applicant to work with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness as quickly as possible to access the reimbursement monies. The state may require additional documentation from the applicant before disbursing the funds. Obligated funds may change over time as the project worksheet is a living grant that is often adjusted as bids come in and scope of work is aligned.
"Providing medical assistance and care to those in need is crucial to recovery," said Jim Stark, FEMA's director of the Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office. "The opening of St. Margaret's Daughters' nursing home provides families with assurance that their loved ones are being cared for."
The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations' buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 17-Sep-2007 09:23:43