(New York) – “Today, we honor the memory of those whose lives were lost during and after Hurricane Katrina, and stand steadfastly beside those who continue their struggle to reclaim and revitalize their communities. Though a half decade has passed, there is much more to do to support restoration and renewal in the Gulf, even as the region faces new challenges,” said John Payton, LDF President and Director-Counsel.

“One thing is strikingly clear, structural barriers persist which hamper the recovery for countless people throughout the Gulf Coast. Five years later, many remain displaced and face continuing roadblocks to opportunity. Barriers in the areas of housing, educational and economic opportunity, criminal justice, and voting guarantee a much longer struggle ahead for the people of the Gulf if fundamental changes are not made. LDF continues the fight in the federal courts to make Louisiana’s Road Home housing recovery program more equitable for the people of New Orleans, and to ensure a full recovery. More broadly, it is our duty as individuals and as a nation not to grow tired in the face of the work that remains to be done, nor to lose sight of the government’s unfulfilled commitments to the people of the Gulf.” Payton explained.