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Low Income Populations (Galveston County and Surrounding Locations)

After Hurricane Ike hit the Gulf Coast, nearly 150 apartment complexes in Houston, Texas and surrounding areas where destroyed. Most of these apartments were occupied by low income populations. Also many communities within this area assumed that residents had their own personal transportation, but in reality most of the low income population groups, especially in the urban neighborhoods only had public transportation. This was a big issue when it came to the evacuation plan set out for areas in Houston, Texas and other surrounding locations.

Most people living in low income households are more likely to return home shortly after Hurricane Ike hits because they are unable to repair their homes but not able to find an alternative home because of financial resources. Most would have to depend on local employment and they may not have the resources to move away from their home and/or job for a long period of time. Whereas, high income populations are mostly likely have savings that could get them through nearly a year of being away from home and/or their jobs.

Parts of Galveston (north of Broadway) are home to the highest volume of rental housing on the Island to low income and minority population. According to Galveston Housing Authority, Over 50,000 families were approved to participate in government programs following Hurricane Ike. There were many negative lash outs against some of the charity groups such as Lone Star Legal Aid for helping a lot of these “low income populations, criminals, illegal immigrants, and welfare-vacuums”.

Prior to Hurricane Ike, U.S. Census 2000 classified Texas as having an above national average of individuals below the poverty level. 22.3% were below poverty line. According to Hurricane Impact Report, City of Galveston total population was 57,523, with 22.3% under poverty line, compared to 16.2% Texas average and 12.7% U.S. average. In addition, homelessness in City of Galveston/ Gulf Coast is 215 people who are in shelters, while 68 are not, with a total homeless population of 283 people. This is 67.49% on an individual level and 32.51 with people in families with children.