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(39% at last remembrance) of the black evacuees from New Orleans have indicated that they do not plan to return. These people are probably not property owners and so have no interest in trying to live in wrecked housing that will remain wrecked for a very long time in a city that could go under the water again, in any case. Having lost everything once, they would be expected to make every effort to avoid losing everything again. It’s doubtful that much, if any, of their possessions was insured. Many, if not most, are on various types of government welfare and have discovered that they can collect checks no matter where they are.

The rate of home ownership to non-owner occupation in the Lower 9th Ward was 58%:42%. So, a 60:40 ratio is right on the money. That was one of the highest rates of owner occupation of any neighborhood in the city and higher than the city overall. I have not found exact numbers broken out for other neighborhoods.
Also accurate is the statement that they have found that those government checks keep right on a comin' ... and have followed them wherever they have gone.
Many people ... white as well as black ... have had enough of New Orleans. One can hardly blame them for that. These folks do not see their "glass" as even half empty ... it is completely empty ... and shattered beyond repair for them. I can feel only compassion for these folks as they begin anew elsewhere. They are the old New Orleans of the past. I can only wish them well in their new endeavours.
On the other hand, one can have only admiration for those brave souls who are intent upon rebuilding their lives in New Orleans. Many see struggles ahead ... and others see only opportunity in New Orleans. These are the folks who see their "glass" as half full and are intent on filling it to overflowing. Three cheers for these stouthearted, brave souls! More power to them! They are the hope for a new and better New Orleans in the future.