Kim Ford loved her home in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. She dreamed of spending her retirement on her front porch in her cast iron rocking chair, surrounded by grandchildren. For her, homeownership was a spiritual experience.

But then Hurricane Katrina hit, and her family lost everything.

Suddenly homeless and sheltering in Dallas, Kim worked hard to get the help she needed to be able to return home – but it was an uphill battle. In this episode, hear Kim recount how she spent years fighting for her home and how she continues to fight for her community today.

Also hear expert insights on the history and rebuilding of the Lower Ninth Ward from Marla Nelson, a professor of planning and urban studies at the University of New Orleans, and Joyce Jackson, a professor of anthropology at Louisiana State University. Check out pictures from Kim Ford.

As a “Home. Made.” listener, you’re eligible for an exclusive $2,000 credit toward buying a home. Use it to lower your interest rate or put toward closing costs. Visit https://www.rocketmortgage.com/homemade or call (866) 374-7050 to apply today.*

*Client will receive a lender credit of $2,000. This offer is only available to clients who call the dedicated phone number (866) 374-7050 or go through the dedicated website, apply, and close their loan through the dedicated program on or after June 12, 2023. Call (866) 374-7050 for cost information. Conditions and restrictions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Equal Housing Lender. Licensed in all 50 states. NMLSConsumerAccess.org #3030.