Housing Group Criticized as Too Slow Post-Katrina

Habitat for Humanity International, a charity that builds houses for needy people, has come under fire for the sluggish pace of its rebuilding efforts in the Gulf Coast, reports The New York Times.

After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the organization raised $127-million and said it hoped to build “thousands” of homes. But in the 18 months since, the only 702 houses have been built or are under construction along the Gulf Coast.

Some observers have criticized Habitat’s use of affiliate groups, which typically build only a dozen or so homes a year. Others, including some Habitat-affiliate leaders, have said the organization could have rebuilt or fixed up more homes rather than building from scratch.

But the organization defends its work after the hurricanes. “We had built 57 homes a year, now we’re building 57 a month,” said Kenneth J. Meinert, a volunteer coordinator for Habitat’s storm response. “In these conditions, to have built 700 homes, it’s an absolute work of God.”

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