Shinerbock, I'm glad that your friends were satisfied with their insurance payouts, but believe you me there are PLENTY more that are not, hence the lawsuits against many insurers (and Statefarm having to finally be forced to pay what they should have in the first place instead of trying to shuck people with the "flood damage" bit - but I digress).
Every income and skill evel is needed in NO, not just those that are well off. I can TOTALLY understand that before you can just start bulldozing private property, you do need to track down the owner and etc. (although about 2 years ago, our Congress did pass some very LOOSE eminient domain laws so there are some options there) but in regards to public housing their is no one to check with but....themselves.
However, I wonder is the economic base there because it doesn't do anyone a bit of good to come back to some nice new housing but no place to work (as before) - although I know that my company is back and up and running in NO and have jobs available but there is no one there to fill these types of positions.
Hope this makes sense 'cause I am typing with one contact lens!