Poverty in New Orleans: Before and After Katrina

This article explores poverty in New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina and the factors which contributed to poor persons being the most affected by the storm. Both the causes and results of poverty are investigated to see how they can be alleviated as New Orleans recovers from Katrina. The Tulane/Canal neighborhood is used as a case study for this. Faculty, staff, and students from the School of Public Service and the Chaddick Institute of Metropolitan Development at DePaul University were sent there to assist with recovery efforts in accordance with the Vincentian mission. Their work is described and its effectiveness is assessed. The demographics of New Orleans and the US definition of poverty are also discussed