Oral History Interview with Johnnie and Kathleen Bratten, January 15, 2000. Interview K-0508. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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Abstract
Johnnie and Kathleen Bratten are longtime Tick Bite, North Carolina, residents whose home was completely destroyed in the flooding that accompanied Hurricane Floyd. At the time of the interview, the Brattens had received virtually no assistance from the government—just a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailer that let off fumes to which Kathleen was allergic. Instead, a group of religious groups and volunteers supplied the couple with money, appliances, and other aid. This outpouring of support and good will has strengthened their religious faith and belief in human kindness. This interview provides a snapshot of volunteer relief efforts and the extent to which church groups and other volunteers helped flood victims.
Excerpts
Shock upon returning home to a flood-devastated community
A volunteer group steps in where FEMA fails
Faith in local aid networks
Gratitude for volunteer aid workers
Reliance on volunteer groups in the absence of help from FEMA
Learn More
Finding aid to the Southern Oral History Program Collection
Database of all Southern Oral History Program Collection interviews
Resources for Educators
Hurricane Floyd Learning Object
Subjects
Hurricane Floyd, 1999
Floods--North Carolina
Disaster relief--North Carolina
Bratten, Johnnie
Bratten, Kathleen
Tick Bite (N.C.)
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
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