Beatrice B. McWaters, Plaintiff In Class Action Against FEMA

Plaintiff Beatrice B. McWaters has not received any Temporary Housing Assistance from FEMA even though she applied 2 months ago. Ms. McWaters was a resident of Orleans Parish when Hurricane Katrina struck. She and her brother lived in a home that her mother owned, and paid her approximately $1,000 per month in rent. Her mother is 93 years old, and her brother is 61 years old and disabled. Her pre-disaster home is now uninhabitable. On approximately September 2, 2005, Ms. McWaters went to the Kelly USA shelter in San Antonio, Texas to apply for FEMA benefits. On October 10, Ms. McWaters was told by a FEMA worker that she, her brother, and her mother had all claimed to be owners of the same residence and that there was the appearance of fraud. Ms. McWaters tried to clear up the misunderstanding over the phone with the FEMA worker without success. The next day, October 11, she returned to the Kelly USA shelter and attempted to clarify the situation in person. On October 26, Ms. McWaters received a call from FEMA and was told that she, her mother, and her brother all had been suspended or eliminated from the FEMA system. Then, on approximately November 2, Ms. McWaters received a call from a FEMA worker telling her that she could get a trailer in New Orleans. Ms. McWaters explained that, by doctor’s orders, she was unable to travel. The FEMA worker told her it would be noted in the file. The FEMA worker did not offer her rental assistance. To date, neither Ms. McWaters, her brother, or her mother have received any housing assistance from FEMA.

(From Part III of the Complaint.)