Katrina Evacuees Move Into Permanent Indiana Homes

INDIANAPOLIS -- Many people displaced by Hurricane Katrina are moving into apartments of their own in central Indiana.

While they now have a roof over their heads, in many cases they still need the comforts of home, RTV6's Julie Pursley reported.

The Granville Cooperative on Indianapolis' south side is just one of the groups housing Katrina victims.

Claudette Samuels came to Indianapolis after fleeing the hurricane. She was airlifted out of New Orleans in the aftermath of the storm.

She moved into an apartment Wednesday night, thanks to the help of volunteers.

"Me and my family are really blessed," Samuels said.

Samuels' grandson has enrolled in school in Indianapolis.

Volunteers have been collecting donations and delivering them to apartment homes for evacuees.

Several families have already moved into the Granville co-op, thanks to Kirkpatrick Management and Century 21.

"We didn't want to move somebody into an empty unit. We're very concerned about their needs for the next few days," said Vanessa Davis Ware, of Kirkpatrick Management.

Organizers were still accepting donations of fans, window air conditioners, bedding and linens.

Anyone who wants to provide supplies can call 570-4358.