An Examination of the Role Socio-Demographic Factors Play in Access to Winter Storm Uri and Major Flooding Assistance Initiatives in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Abstract

This study examines the role socio-demographic factors play in access to FEMA's Winter Storm Uri and major flooding assistance initiatives in Lake Charles, Louisiana, during 2021. The study was purely descriptive in nature. Utilizing data from FEMA disaster datasets, U.S. Census Bureau reports, and local demographic analyses, the research identifies critical disparities in assistance distribution among different socio-economic groups, housing types, age demographics, and geographic locations within Lake Charles. The study revealed that lower-income households, particularly those earning between $15,000 and $30,000 annually and below $15,000, received the largest shares of FEMA assistance. Middle to higher-income brackets received comparatively smaller proportions, indicating potential inequities in recovery support allocation. The study further revealed that houses and duplexes bore the brunt of damages, underscoring vulnerabilities in single-family dwellings to natural disasters. Mobile homes and apartments also faced significant damage, highlighting the need for targeted support and resilient infrastructure investments in these communities. Again, the study further revealed that middle-aged adults and households with children constituted a significant portion of assistance recipients, reflecting heightened economic burdens and familial responsibilities exacerbated by disaster impacts. Single guardian-led households, especially renters, encountered barriers in accessing assistance, emphasizing challenges related to housing tenure and financial stability. Also, the study found that assistance distribution varied significantly across different zip codes, with areas like 70601 and 70607 receiving the highest percentages of aid. This geographic disparity underscores localized impacts and varying recovery needs, necessitating tailored recovery strategies to address specific community vulnerabilities. The findings highlight the complex interplay of socio-demographic factors in shaping access to disaster assistance in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Effective disaster response and recovery efforts should prioritize equity, inclusivity, and community resilience, focusing on policy adjustments, infrastructure enhancements, and targeted support programs to mitigate vulnerabilities and promote long-term recovery among socially vulnerable populations. This study informs future disaster preparedness planning and resource allocation strategies aimed at building resilient communities in the face of natural disasters.

Keywords: Lake Charles, LA, Natural Disaster, Disaster Recovery, Winter Storm, Flooding, FEMA, Socio-demographic, Socially Vulnerable Population, Disparities, Assistance, and Programs

DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/14-2-07

Publication date: July 30^th 2024