BILOXI — Nancy Tauzin had lived in her East Biloxi home on Wisteria Lane for 45 years when Hurricane Katrina washed it, and most of her neighborhood, away in 2005. on Thursday, Tauzin celebrated a return to the neighborhood and her home, rebuilt after seven years.
Tauzin’s homeowner insurance paid her mortgage off, but left her no money to rebuild.
“Everywhere I turned, I hit a brick wall,” she said. “Then I found Hope CDA. they listened to me and took action.”
Tauzin received a grant from CDA, plans from Gulf Coast Community Design Studio and rebuilding help from the Congregational Church of New Canaan, Conn., and back Bay Mission of Biloxi. This assistance allowed her to take out a loan she could afford to pay for the remaining costs.
“I feel blessed to be back,” she said.
She said the original house is gone, but the palm and camellia trees she and her late husband planted are still there, as is the neighborhood where her five children grew up. she said she couldn’t wait to throw a party there for her children and grandchildren as well as all the volunteers and Hope CDA staff.
Hope CDA Executive Director Bill Stallworth praised Tauzin for her patience, and encouraged people to come see how the devastated neighborhood is recovering.
“This area is slowly coming back,” he said. “Come take a look. It’s a great place to build homes and raise families.”
