WTHR |Evacuees find jobs, housing in Indiana

Evacuees find jobs, housing in Indiana

Kevin Rader/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis, September 12 - There are so many examples of Indiana's effort in the wake of hurricane Katrina.

We found one Hoosier who awoke in the middle of the night, knowing exactly what she needed to do.  Because of Heidi Viers, several evacuees have finally found shelter from the storm by moving into the Covered Bridge Apartments.
 
"Fifteen families have already moved in.  All different stories," said Viers who works at Covered Bridge Apartments.

These families have already grabbed what they needed from the clubhouse and moved in. 

Dekima Mikel is one of them but she's too busy to reflect upon what forced her from New Orleans.  She's busy cleaning apartments for those who will follow.

"Everybody has a part to play.  This is my part that I'm doing.  You all are helping us.  I need to give back too," said Mikel.
 
Viers decided Covered Bridge needed to offer two months of free rent to the evacuees.

"No matter how tired I get, I'm working.  Fourteen fifteen hour days right now.  No matter how tired I get I am nowhere near as tired as they are and that is what gets me through the day," said Mikel.
 
The Pike Township Fire Department is also busy volunteering.  Helping evacuees move in and doing a little work as well.

Howard Harrison checked into Covered Bridge on Monday. This New York Knick fan from Ocean Springs, Mississippi has something most Pacer fans would savor.

"I have two pairs of shoes from Rik Smits and three pair from Scott Pollard," said Harrison.
 
So you could say he has both feet in the door here in Indiana.

"They love basketball here so you ought to be able to fit in somewhere.  Twenty three points and 14 rebounds a game, I should be able to fit in somewhere," said Harrison.
 
Howard has come to the right place.