NEW ORLEANS — “You never get used to it,” Todd, our publisher, said on the phone yesterday while checking in on all of our staff. I had just mentioned that, being from the Northeast and having lived here for only five years, I wasn’t accustomed to the hullabaloo that comes with hurricanes.
It’s odd to wake up to concerned texts from friends and family in other parts of the country who don’t quite grasp what dealing with a hurricane entails. “Oh good…so it’s over?” “Wow. What a resilient city.”
They don’t really understand, and to be honest, neither did I before moving here. But one thing that continues to amaze this Yankee with a naturally skeptical outlook is how the community always seems to rally together to support each other when government resources fall short. I wouldn’t have made it through Hurricane Ida without listening to Green Day and Led Zeppelin with my neighbors, Debbie and Steve, three years ago. One of my closest friends in New Orleans, Res—who I discovered I’d actually lived on the same street in Brooklyn for over five years without ever meeting—was texting me nonstop last Wednesday to check in and share witty Real Housewives quotes.
Admittedly, New Orleans Reddit is, as they say in The Lord of the Rings, my guiding light when all other lights go out. During the storm, community members kept each other informed and checked in throughout the area. As the storm began to subside, those heading to Buffa’s to charge their phones and grab a bite reassured complete strangers that they would be there to offer a hug or a cell phone charge if needed.
It blows me away (pardon the pun) every single time.
When I returned to work on Thursday, I received emails from Ochsner informing me that their urgent cares were still open. The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans sent out a list of licensed contractors to help residents prepare. Fill the Needs was ready to collect donations to support the community’s pets. (Join them this weekend!)
In the midst of the chaos caused by Francine, New Orleans once again proved that while storms may come and go, the true strength of this city’s spirit remains unshakable. It’s clear that in the heart of a hurricane, the eye of our community always shines the brightest.
Here are some other Biz stories from this week you might have missed:
Post-Francine: Reflecting on SWBNO’s Sept. 10 Meeting and Hurricane Response
From Navy Lieutenant Commander to CEO: Kirk Williamson Takes the Helm at JLV Construction
HVS Brokerage & Advisory Closes Sale of Marina Inn & Suites Chalmette-New Orleans
Inflation’s Down and The European Central Bank Has Cut Rates, Again. Next Up: The Fed
US Postal Service Squeeze On Shipping Consolidators Could Raise Consumer Costs
Saints and Falcons Team Up for ALS: 50/50 Raffles Benefit Gleason and Green Charities
Funeral Professional Shawn Conners Rejoins Dignity Memorial New Orleans in a Management Role
45th Annual Tulane Business Forum Talks Innovation, Trade and Economic Resilience
Boeing Factory Workers Go On Strike After Rejecting Contract Offer
Film Louisiana to Host ‘Louisiana Comes to Hollywood’ Next Week to Showcase State’s Film Industry
TCI Tank Logistics to Add Rail Line at Port of New Orleans, Creating 40 Jobs
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience Is Bubbling Over On the Northshore
