Houston, TX, post-Katrina

[KillarneyRose]

I was reading an interview with Louisiana Senater Mary Landrieu in which she replied to questions and comments put forth by Yahoo readers regarding the aftermath of Hurricaine Katrina.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/judy_woodruff/j_woodruff9174

One reader comment that jumped out at me is this: ""I am from Houston. While I am proud of us taking in thousands and thousands of evacuees, the statistics are now showing that it has taken its toll…."

I wondered if anyone more familiar with Texas than I might be able to clarify that statement? It seems a shame if the people of Houston are suffering in any way as a result of their generosity toward the Katrina refugees.

[greekalum]

The NYT had an article recently comparing how the Katrina refugees have fared in Houston vs. Atlanta that I thought addressed a lot of the problems New Orleanians have had assimilating in Houston quite well.

[macallan25]

17% of homicides in Houston since the influx of refugees have been attributed to the refugees themselves.

Houston's murder rate increased 70 percent in November and December of 2005 compared to 2004's levels.

Levels for robbery, assault, and other small crimes have dramatically spiked aswell.

[RU OX Alum]

Originally Posted by macallan25

17% of homicides in Houston since the influx of refugees have been attributed to the refugees themselves.

Houston's murder rate increased 70 percent in November and December of 2005 compared to 2004's levels.

Levels for robbery, assault, and other small crimes have dramatically spiked aswell.

Yeah, I saw that on ABC. I didn't think I would like Charles Gibson, but he's doing an alright job. I really liked the working dynamic between Bob Woodruff and Elizabeth Vargas. I thouht it brought depth to the reporting.

back on topic: I'm really not surprised about these findings. I'd be willing to bet that in simillar situations throughout archeology (it's better than history). People get stressed and desperate and do desperate things in times of crisis.

[KSUViolet06]

It's interesting because I've been hearing about this for awhile from my family in TX. Alot of the murder rate increase has to do with drugs. There were many displaced drug dealers after Katrina and they had to go somewhere. Many of them ended up in Houston, where they started taking over territory from the local guys (hence the murder).

[ShaedyKD]

I didn't move here until this year, so I have no idea what it was like before...but I think Houston sucks. I know of several friends who have had their cars broken into, I have personally seen a guy destroying property in a downtown parking lot, and I'm constantly approached by bums on the street for money, using the "I'm a Katrina victim" card. I'm from Florida, I should start telling them I'm a Hurricane Charley victim, and they should give ME money.

[Kevlar281]

I’ve lived in Houston all my life. Were the forth largest city in America and it’s natural to have the crime that goes along with it. Has there been in increase in crime in areas where Katrina refuges have been placed? Yes. But in my opinion the Houston law enforcement community is taking great strides to curb this recent increase. I don’t think I have to tell anyone how Harris County residents feel about murderers and I believe that overtime the crime rate will go back to post Katrina numbers.

[Viccaman]

Yeah - Richard Geib posted an article about teaching impoverished immigrants in L.A. - http://www.rjgeib.com/biography/inner-city-blues/innerblu.html

His big problem is the fact that a lot of the kids didn't care.

[RU OX Alum]

Originally Posted by Viccaman

Yeah - Richard Geib posted an article about teaching impoverished immigrants in L.A. - http://www.rjgeib.com/biography/inner-city-blues/innerblu.html

His big problem is the fact that a lot of the kids didn't care.

That sounds like a big problem for society overall.