A plea for a young Katrina victim

Campbell, why don't you and CNN do something for this young man? I realize you can't help them all but you have singled him out and he seems to have the motivation if he can get help. It would seem that someone from CNN could assist him in getting into the school in PA. It can be $ or influence from the Corporate office. Just something other than just another story.

By the way, great story!

Charles' story breaks my heart, and he can be multiplied by thousands. How on earth can America, a country with so much conviction about pride and possibility, let the children of New Orleans down year after year? Charles understandably wants to get out of a place that has been all but forgotten while we spend billions killing the citizens of other countries and sacrificing our own. We have, in this, certainly lost our moral compass as a nation.

Gee back to square one. I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long.

There are a million Charles Evans today in America. Unfortunately, there are not a million openings for them at places like the Hershey School, but there are enough openings in Americas prison systems for every one of them.
I know that sounds cynical, and defeatist, but when Charles returned to New Orleans his opportunities for success diminished considerably. And it's not just New Orleans. There are some places worse and some better, but we all understand what faced him when he returned, and what is facing him if he cannot escape.

Mrs. Brown,
this is so yesterday's news. Why not do "Unemployment victims of the current Obama's recession? or "Why can't Obama get anything done including fixing the economy?

While it is sad, unfortunately today, there are many more people who are in the same shape or worse due to the economy. Everyone needs help.

yes, i agree that charles evans needs support, help, and a way out. but so do the MANY other children affected by katrina that are still in the region. i live 40 minutes from new orleans and i can absolutely vouch for the fact that they are still trying to get back on their feet. so lets not just get lost in one childs story, get lost in ALL of them, and do something about it.

I feel really sorry for Charles, But the people of Cameron, Louisiana were wiped off the map twice in 3 years, by Rita and then Ike and we have yet to see anyone from CNN or any other news organazation come down here. It does get old hearing how New Orleans has suffered, when these people in Cameron have lost everything they had twice in 3 years. A litttle publicity may go a long way in helping the people in Cameron, To bad all they hear about is Katrina.

Thanks for letting me vent.
Beverly Callis

By the way , i did try and get Anderson Cooper to come down, especially since he does his keeping them Honest show, but i guess he did not think we were worthy of a mention either.

I volunteered with Samaritan's Purse in May 2009. It was so sad to see New Orleans, all but forgotten. The schools have not been rebuilt, the houses are unsafe and boarded up, the people are without hope and jobs. A group from my church joined other church groups from all over the US to rebuild homes in Jesus' name. The group has committed to building, rebuilding, and renovating homes, giving the community, hope.

Thanks for the report, Ms. Brown.

Craig

Dear Campbell,
Thank you for still writing Katrina/New Orleans stories. I still think about New Orleans and wonder if I should go back a second time to help. I remember thinking that it would take 10 years to rebuild neighborhoods like the Ninth Ward. You have to write about one child to bring the story to our attention, but as others have noted, there are many Charles Evans out there. We need to be reminded that we still need to help Thank you.
Karen

I think the fact this story was done is great. All these negative comments are exactly what's wrong with society today... no one cares when its not about them or close to home. I agree there are millions that need a tremendous amount of help in the world but every voice should carry the same importance. This young man needs help, what makes him more important... nothing. But nothing makes him any less important then everyone else in need either. I think its amazing that Mrs. Brown was so touched by Charles that she felt important enough to revisit him. Don't be sour because he was lucky enough to be touched by someone who's voice can be heard around the world. Each one of us should take the initiative to touch someone's life who needs help.. not criticize those who cared enough to go back.

Doesn't say much for his grandmother, does it? Dragging that child from a stable home where he had a chance, hope, decent education, back to that armpit of a city. Listen to the child himself. Even before Katrina, he was trapped in New Orleans. He knows. New Orleans is like quicksand...very few people born into the 9th Ward ever find a way out. They spend their lives working deadend minimum wage jobs, then getting frustrated by the lack of opportunity, then turning to welfare, drugs, crime. I agree that he is not the only child who needs help. But he is a child who needs help. And every child matters. This child at least is willing to reach for opportunity, and willing to work. He has that spark. He can be something, with just a little help on the way.

God bless, young man. Don't give up. Don't give in.

Stick to the subject. It is about Charles.

You people are SICK. Katrina victims were NEVER given the proper support or assistance for that AMERICAN tragedy. This recession/depression could NEVER NEVER NEVER be equivalent to losing your home, your family members and being displaced to a completely DIFFERENT STATE and STILL STRUGGLING. YOU ALL SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES. People like you I wonder if YOU all could survive such a travesty and still listen to sorry folks like you be so judgmental and SELFISH.

Ms. Brown, this was great story reminds me of myself, I grew up in Compton, Caliofornia, around street gangs and not a chance of survivial. Tell Charles not to give up, I made it out by running on sports scholarships and graduated from Monte Vista Christian High School in Watsonville, California. This is a great school, they are boarding and provide lot's of love, education and nuturing that any child might need. I suggest someone call them and help this young man ASAP, we don't want too loose a bright star.

Wolf B: This is a young man's LIFE – who are you to judge whether his story is newsworthy?

It is unfortunate that every kid does not have a Wanda Felton. Or even an unfinished home to move into. May God's grace be with Charles and every child similarly in need.

Somehow I don't think these are the types of comments Mrs. Brown expected. Good luck to you Charles.

"If you can't feed 100 people, feed just one"
Mother Teresa
I think this is the idea of this story. There are millions of kids who need help. Let's all go and get one under our wings, not just complain that there are millions, then why focus on this one.
Go out and do a good deed, and feel it at heart.
I already did.

Yes,sadly there are way too many people in need. That doesn't diminish the fact that this young man needs help. The word BUT seen in so many of the responses should be replaced with the word AND. The despair felt by Charles in no way takes anything away from anyone. He needs help AND so do many others. How can I help.

being a native orleanian myself i struggle with thise dilema eacy day i know how horrible things were in the inner city before katrina and then are even worse now. my family returned to new orleans once the power was restored and began rebuilding. why? they said that this is and always will be their' home. home is where the heart is step out on faith keep your nose clean and pray God will see you thru these rising waters as well. get involved in a local church, boy and girl club there are alot of organizations right there in new orleans excessible to you. study hard apply to colleges out of state join the armed services the world is your oyster take full advantage of it and may God be with you

This is NOT YESTERDAY'S NEWS....Maybe because I am from New Orleans, or maybe because I was once a Charles and know hundreds of them. But no on deserves to be pushed back because there is a hotter topic in the news.

People came to New Orleans in 2005 saw our poverty. Some have stayed to help and more have just came as spectators leaving us exactly where we were when they came. Like Charles said, at square one! We don't want hand outs or someone else's tax money we want a fighting chance. And institutional racism and crippling poverty has given people in New Orleans an unfair deck of cards to play with. People are making it out getting an education and trying to give back. But unfortunately young men like Charles face getting lost in the cracks....

Ms Brown thank you for covering Charles and bringing him back to the spotlight. Ms Brown thank you for taking "yesterday's news" and giving it a chance...Because in every town there are yesterday's children with the cards stacked against them, unaware if tomorrow will meet them in the morning!

And yes there are a lot of towns like Cameron that need publicity to help shed light on there struggle...there not yesterday's news either.

It is a terrible thing that our government will not help it's own citizens,instead we give billions of our tax dollars to other countries that will stab us in the back if given half a chance.Disaster relief ,our homeless and the hungry here in the USA should come first no matter what. Our govenment is to blame, from the president on down.

How can I help? Is his family open to allowing him to be fostered in another state?

I'm appalled by the callousness of the posts here. This child broke millions of hearts during Hurricane Katrina. And I applaud Campbell Brown for her following up on this. Yes, there are many sad stories, but the fact that Katrina victims STILL NEED HELP is disgusting in this country - the wealthiest in the United States of America. I suggest that others here stop kvetching that perhaps they are not getting the same coverage and at least show some empathy for this child whose only crime was being born into the 9th Ward.

Campbell,

Despite the rather negative commentary from some readers, I appreciate you and the work you are committed to providing the viewers. I would love the opportunity to help Charles. Is there a way in which you can put me in contact with him or someone that can get a gift to him.

If we aren't encouraging our youth to keep their spirits up and remain determined inspite of their circumstances than who will. I was lifted merely by knowing that Charles is aware that a better life is in store for him and he's destined to reap the rewards.

My prayers go out to all who are and were affected by the many storms. Our job now is to lift up those we can help – spiritually, emoionally, financially etc. Let us all move beyond complaining to action!

Thanks again
Armond

Ms. Brown!

Like you I remember watching Charles tell the world what was going at the Saints' Dome. My wife and I rised five sons and lost 2. I hope the door opens for Charles, because His Granmother rised him with good morals and common sense. Keep your head up Charles God has plans for you.

George

I am actually ashamed of all of your comments. Your defeatist attitudes are exactly the reason why we have so much poverty and so many problems and spreading that horrible attitude to others isn't doing anything to help. You see a person struggling and say, "What's the point?" Well in order to help a large group of people, you have to start somewhere. Why not start with Charles or the people of Cameron, Louisiana? Why not start with a kid in your neighborhood? Why not start with an organization?

Where has the American spirit gone? We pride ourselves on being a nation that gives to each other and reading your comments, I am sickened by what has become of that spirit and that enthusiasm. Perhaps I have the optimism that I should have at seventeen years old but at least I know what needs to be done in order for this world to become a better place. Mind you, I'm not saying that helping one or even fifty kids will change the world, but I really think you all need to reevaluate your positions and what it really is to be not even just an American citizen but also a global citizen. Because like I said, we have to start somewhere.

"If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart."

people, why are you so jaded? can't ms. brown tell the story of a young man in need? isn't he just as worthy, particularly since she covered this human interest story before? i live in new orleans. i know countless people who need help. i know there are millions of people throughout this land and worldwide who need help. lord knows, sometimes i need help! but this young man is JUST as deserving as anyone else. so, let him shine. if he makes it even close to his dream, at least he was heard and good for him.

Wolf B don't blame Obama for this economic cricis, he just got in office this year. The economy was already in the tank from the Bush era, so if you gonna point the finger get it right.

I am amazed at the few comments I've read thus far. Yes, there are other tragic issues and other problems to deal with. But, other American cities inherited what happened in New Orleans. The city is still broken and we are still dealing with the aftermath. This will not be "yesterday's news" until we find solutions for all Americans. There are too many young people like Charles, most who have never experienced a massive flood. But their losses are important too. Charles reminds us that too many children live in the margins and as a nation we do little to provide better. A broken education system, healthcare that reaches far too few, rampant unemployment and homelessness. Those are the battlelines. When someone like Wanda Felton steps up, we should all look at ourselves and ask: Why not me?

How so sad that the first comments were all so negative and all from Americans. Have so many become so calloused that they can not see the value in praying for and helping even ONE young man. Charles seems like such a valient soul, such an intelligent young man. I would hope that others could see past their pettiness and see the worth of the individual. Start with one and others will be affected. It is a truth of life. Forget the one and none will be lifted up. Yes, there are other children, yes, there are other places. Let it be a lesson that if more Americans found just that one, maybe Charles, maybe someone else, then another one and even in another place, that great things could be done. May the self centered thoughts of others not be the norm in America.

You all sound like horrible, selfish people. Old news? Over 1000 people died, because the government obviously didn't feel like they were worth saving. It makes me feel ashamed. We have become so callous and self absorbed. It makes me sick. I care! And I know that I'm not alone. It doesn't matter who or where......All that matters is that it happened to A LOT of people, and five years later there continues to be little response. Disgusting.

(First, kudos to you Ms. Brown)

It doesn't take a lot to show someone you care By just letting this young boy take you to see "his" world at the time must have touched him deeply...

Now... "Wolf B", I don't know you, but you are obviously still bitter about the election... If you read what CNN.com reports you would have come across many stories they've done on "unemployment victims"... For each of the stories I've read I did not see too many of my kind reported on (I am Black)... but that didn't make me bitter...

In no way is President Obama responsible for this mess... he's been in office all of 9 mos and people are looking at him NOW as if he's supposed to be some sort of savior...

If you get the ,check out his acceptance speech the night he won... He spoke to prepare people like you for what may be to come... This country has been led by, and I will say it, white men, for over 200 years... All he's getting right now is 4... give him a chance...

They gave President Bush 8 years of chances and look where we are today... and look where he is... gone and sitting pretty...

I hope he gets into the school.

To Wolf B: Because Bush F'd up everything – that's why. From Katrina to the economy to the war. What he did in 8 years will take decades to fix if we're lucky. You should know that, dude. Now go and stick your head back in the sand.

Great story Campbell,

we need not forget those of yesterday because they will help us correct tomorrows problems.

If we as christian and human being can save just one child we've done a lot .if there a person i can contact please post it to let us know how we can help>

I cannot believe what I am reading. You all are heartless people that need to be very ashamed of your selves. I cannot believe that you are all playing the “well what about me “card. You must be doing a little better that Charles Evans as you have a computer. I hate this world that we are living in and people like you. We will get nowhere as a nation if we continue to not care about other people. I am not rich and my situation is not the best but to down play someone else situation is just shameful. If you are mad at what I am saying, please save it! Please tell me how I can help.

I'm deeply moved by his story. It's a hard route to continue on when you know nothing is left for you. America is getting worse with health issue, spending money on war, and trying to fix our economy. So what is going to strike next?

I suggest working and moving to the west coast because there's hardly any disasters. Yes, there is disasters, but not one we can't overecome.

Wolf b- People in Louisiana have been complete forgotten. And it is because people with your attitude. Everyone has problems in the times that we live, but these people have lived with this devastation and hardships long before they rest of us were touched by todays troubles. I live in Tucson AZ, but I work daily with people in that area, doing the best I can to help put the pieces back together, one person at a time. It is only old news because you don't live it on a daily basis.

It is unfortunate that people use these opportunities not to help, but to spread undesired messages of hoplesness and doubt about everything but the topic at hand. Yes there are many people who need help, but God laid it on Mrs. Brown's heart to revisit someone who touched her heart and the heart of millions with his plea for help. While some might not agree with her story or the timing of her story, there are others who still need to be reminded that the city of New Orleans and it's residents still need help. As for the economy and President Obama, he did not create the current economic crisis, he is just a tool that has been put in high office to try to formulate a plan to correct what he inherited. This man will only succeed if he had help. He will succeed inspite the open attacks and attempts to make his Presidency fail. He has another three plus years in office, deal with it and watch what God will do.

Folks this story is not just about Charles Evans you're missing the point! Campbell Brown did not write a story in an International Journal for one boy.
It's about all those people all over the USA who are affected in so many ways by situations beyond their control. Dont sit and say hey everyone needs help! get up, get out and go help.

Sad story, but as for Jillian – the people that died as a result of Katrina are the ones that stayed DESPITE THE GOVERNMENT ORDERING AN EVACUATION!

The government did have their own issues with regards to a timely response, but if you're one of the ones who wants to stay and brave the hurricane, you'd be smart to have a stash of supplies yourself. Don't be upset because someone isn't knocking on your door 3 hours after the event with a case of water, diapers and canned goods...

This is ridiculous, it has been four years since Katrina. These people are wallowing in their own filth because they are too lazy to actually improve their situation. It is time to actually take initiative, and get on your feet New Orleans.

This is a great story about a young man that cried out for help and received it but due to situations outside of his control he was put back into a less than desirable situation.
There are other places to complain about the economy, unemployment and the other children that were affected by Katrina... I hate too see a touching story ripped apart by people that think their situation is worse or trying to lessen the severity of it by talking about other events.
Charles, stay strong! You have seen what is out there, now it may be up to you to make your life what you want it to be. You can do anything you set your mind too and do not let anyone tell you different! Get what education you can, work hard and do not stop dreaming.

Wow i am taken back by theese cynical comments listed above. Yes CNN hasnt done a story about others in need, but lets focus on one at a time. I am a person in need however i know i am a lil more fotunate than most. So instead of all theese horrible comments why arent we asking how can we help? better yet enough w/the comments just get out and help somebody or give that homeless person on the corner a dollar or maybe2. they could have been a victim of Katrina, but you wont take the time to ask. As for the comment from Wolf B "this is so yesterday's news" take a look in the mirror! REALLY take a look, it's never yesterdays news. The prvs administration didnt know how to handle or deal with it so they didnt and people like you make them look good by trying to put it on the back burner. Bottom line is we have all types of people in need, and not until we all help out will it change. it's not about an administration its about human admiration and willingness to help your fellow man

Why should we feel sorry for this kid? His grandmother made the choice to move back to NO...so now the rest of the country should go rescue him and save him from the horrors of the 9th ward? Crap. Get a JOB!!!!

Apparently people don't even know how their government works. Obama (or any of our other presidents) can't get it done by themselves. It takes 3 bodies of government to agree before bills can be passed. Stop blaming the president for everything. Learn how your government works.

Shame on Charle's grandmother. I live and teach high school students in NOLA. This is a rough town for a teenager, black or white, but particularly for poor black kids. There are very fews places of refuge for a thoughtful kid like Charles here.

That grandmother is selfish to force him to come back here to this dead end, dangerous city. I hope Charles finds a way out as soon as possible. I hope the grandmother at least got Charles into a decent school where he will have a hope of getting a good education without the distractions of most public schools in NOLA. What a shame that he had an out and was dragged back here.

Wanda, I hope you continue being a mentor to this kid and get him to a peaceful place where he is safe and loved. NOLA isn't it. Trust.

Please let me know how I can help Charles. Thank you.

As an adult you will be able to control where and how you live. Just keep your eye on the prize. You are a hero and I know you will have great successes in life!

Joan,
Maybe you did not read the story, but he is 14 years old! How many 14 year olds do you know that are out working? And in this economy teenagers have been the hardest hit when it comes to employment.

i am really tried of hearing about this i am from lousiana and all they talk about is how they got hit worse well that is not true because we have been threw it all and it is really sad that you sit there and talk about how this and that happen in new orleans well what about us here in lake charles lousiana we got hit pretty bad as well so please excuse me if i come off on being rude about this but it is the cold heart fact we suffered just as bad as they didi

WOW ! Lot's of responses ! Many mixed feelings on these posts. I lived in Florida for 8 years and lived through many hurricanes during that time. None like Katrina. In just a few months after Katrina, my husband was given the opportunity to work in NOLA and without even thinking about it twice, we moved. We decided to roll up our sleeves and contribute as best we can to the city. My husband was part of the team of engineers working on the USS NY. All is not lost here in Louisiana, we just need a little faith and support. If we can build a ship out of scraps from something that brings chills to ALL Americans, I am sure we can rebuild this city with time. Yes, I have met a lot of "Charles" out here. And, I know I can't help them all at the same time. I do believe in the saying "Pay it forward". I am sure this will be a symbol, an example for others to follow. As people see the impact which helping at least one person can have on a society, I am sure others will help the other "Charles" out there. Lead by example, start with one good deed. Don't be bitter about the past, focus on the future. Whatever happened, happened. We just need to move on.

Thank you so much Ms. Brown for continuing to follow this young man for the many years you have and to give us an insight into how much is still needed in New Orleans. It is truly a heartbreaking story and I pray that he have the faith of the Lord with him at all times and know that God has a plan for him.

To all those who choose to turn a blind eye to this plight and discuss their own present states of themselves, shame on you for being so selfish. This story is meant to be a catalyst for changes that needed to occur back in August of 2005 when Katrina first hit. It is not just a story of one young man trying to make it in this world but of a whole city who got left behind by their country and who are still struggling to this day to get by on what they were left with 4 years ago.

Pray for those who you are told stories of; don't drown in your own self-pity or think about so-and-so or "yeah, but". There are a million stories out there that can be told but Ms. Brown has chosen this special person to speak of this week. Be appreciative that your eyes have been opened a little more to someone else's life.

I find people's reaction to this story fascinating. Here is a kid whose story has been followed by Campbell Brown since Hurricane Katrina. In the years since Katrina much has been said of the lack of assistance that actually reached those affected not only in New Orleans but in Louisiana & Mississippi. I think the fact that one person is willing to follow an individual and be moved to write about that person reflects the impact each one had on the other. It reflects that people try to reach out in some way to give and ask for help.
It is never easy to ask but the strength of character of Charles Evans is evident in his ability to ask and to seek help. For Campbell Brown or any person not to respond would be to see the worst side of people. The larger picture can only be addressed a little bit at a time.
I wish Charles Evans, his grandmother and anyone still struggling with the aftermath of Katrina the courage to continue. For that characteristic I can only admire them.

Wow,
New Orleans get off your butt? Government ordered evacuation should have been taken? The economy and Obama's fault? Where is the common decency? Have you negative people been down there to see first hand what is going on? Did you lend a hand from where you were? While you are blaming Obama for your miserys did you get amnesia about the previous eight years?

God Bless this child... and for those who suggest he work get a clue A he isn't afraid to work or he would have been sitting by his grandma crying in the Superdome. And B HE IS A CHILD!!!! I do have to wonder if this was a blond haired, blue-eyed child would we be having this same kind of vitriol?

Ms. Brown please follow up with concrete ways we can help this child. Because one day if we can just do our part he may grow up to help the very sick, sorry people we have seen reply here.

this particular story is about charles, i'm a katrina victom and agree there is alot more going on in the world today and true there are alot of kids in his same situation. but this story is about charles and how he connected with campbell brown. i think it's and interesting story. there are other stories on cnn talking about how bad unemployment is and the economy and how other residents had it bad during and after katrina. some of the previous comments should have been posted there but this story is about charles thats all need be said. i'll pray for you charles and campbell.

There are children in trouble all over the world, but it is hard to tell their stories as a group. Telling the story of this young man is a way of helping people realize they need to be involved. As a country we are all Kings, we pick our leaders and we haven't been doing a very good job. Everyone says we need health care reform, but then they worry about getting reelected first. As a people we need to get involved, we need to be involved in the issues and push our leaders to take action. New Orleans is an example of what is wrong with the system set up by a congress that wants to tell the administration how to run every program to impact their district with the most dollars. It's time to overhaul the system, to let the President lead and if your Congressman wants to get re-elected remind him that America voted for change. If the President doesn't perform we can replace him in 2012, but we need the congress to get behind him until then.

This has not really anything to do with Katrina, because I believe that Charles was in the same situation before Katrina hit New Orleans. This is a story to tell America that kids like Charles should have a chance of live the "American Dream" too. This kids where never asked to be born, and put in this situation. If we all stepped in and helped a lot of unprivileged kids could see a brighter future.

I keep reading about how this young man should have a job and help himself out....at best he is a 14 year old now...possibly a 13 year old. He was 9 years old at the time of Katrina in August of 2005. Most states have laws about how many hours a child this age CAN work.

Joan: You're a moron. The kid is now 13 years old. He is not legally ABLE to work.

Joan
You are a pathetic human being. I am appalled at your statement...Charles is a kid!! He is only 13 years old. I am sure that he has had more difficulty and heartache in 13 years than you have had in your lifetime.

If I ever become as cold hearted and callous as you I hope someone knocks the hell out of me. God help you.

Who ever wrote this:

November 5th, 2009 8:51 pm ET

"This is ridiculous, it has been four years since Katrina. These people are wallowing in their own filth because they are too lazy to actually improve their situation. It is time to actually take initiative, and get on your feet New Orleans."

Needs an education. It is an embarrassment that someone would think like this. With all of the news and education at our figure tips, someone really believes this. Maybe because he/she were embarrassed they did not write their name.

Why are we so cynical? Maybe because many of us are beaten down by life, or that we have become a very selfish society.

You tell a 14 year old to "get a job." Are you serious?

Obviously his grandmother thought she was doing the right thing in returning to N.O., but she took away perhaps the only chance this child had. Hopefully someone will be able to "pull some strings" and help this boy.

I am not into praying, but rather than praying for this child, I will pray for those whose heart has so been hardened to these stories. Charles will be fine – I believe that someone will be in a position to help him.

Cambell – Please continue to follow this child's story – we need to hear about him – perhaps some of the cold hearts who have posted here will soften.

our comment is awaiting moderation.

Some of these comments are disgraceful, but that is free speech for you. You have to take the negative with the positive.

It sad that some people have the gall to sit behind a computer and say harsh words. Although the topics about the economy is valid, but wrong blog.

I guess some are fortunate not to be in his position, and he is a child for crying out loud. At least he is motivated and wants to make something out of his life. He is not the "so-called" stereotype that many "intelligent" people like to use. Lol!!

It is not worth being upset at these individuals, God bless their positive hearts.

Campbell, thank you for sharing this story and sharing your emotions on this matter, at least you are human to understand what is wrong or right morally. I know this young man is not the only one in this situation, but at least it sheds a light on a story that I'm sure someone can relate to.

Joan, do the math. If he was 9 during the hurricane, he's 13 or 14 now. Who will hire a kid that young. He looks older, but he's still a KID.

If I'm doing my math correctly, this child is 13 years old. For those of you suggesting that he get a job.....exactly WHAT would you suggest he do? He is 13 years old. There are few jobs for adults, let alone a 13-year-old. And, yes, it was his grandmother's decision to move back to NO. But again, he is a child – how did he have a choice in that decision?

How can we help? Does he need a home in PA until he can get into Milton Hershey School? It is an excellent school, and he AND the school would benefit from his enrollment there.

My heart breaks when I read the negative comments from my fellow Americans about this story. I am a non profit attorney in New Orleans and have been since Katrina. My clients are almost all victims of Katrina; I am as well. All of us are in New Orleans, Mississippi, Baton Rouge (gustav), Western LA (Rita) and Texas. Let's not forget Alabama and Florida, or the Carolinas. And let's not forget that people from all over this country have been victims of natural disasters, and victims of other people. I mourned for months for the people of New York when the World Trade Center came down, when the Oklahoma City bombing occurred, and when the earthquake hit San Francisco. Why is it that the response to those who still mourn those events is not one of frustration and "enough?" I am from New Orleans, and believe me, there are times I would rather be somewhere else. But this is my HOME. My father is here, my family and my friends. And we still need help. The mentality of move on is like telling a widow or a mother to just move on after a husband or child dies with or without warning. The result of the trauma does not just go away. Each person grieves and mourns in their own way. I just don't understand it. Perhaps it's just a matter of you had to be there, and you have to be here now. But then again, those of you who showed your compassion on this board make me believe some people just feel more than others, and I cannot judge people for feeling less than the next person. Sometimes it is a blessing not to feel too much.

I am sadded by many of the comments that were posted on here. I live in New Orleans, I moved her AFTER the storm. I thought that I seen it all when it happen on the news, I had no idea and still don't. New Orleans is still in a place of constant rebuilding. There is still WHOLE streets that are bare, not just New Orleans, St. Bernard was even hit harder. BUT this city is amazing, and it is something like NO where else in the world, that is why his Grandma wanted to come home, NOLA is a wonderful, magical place. I just wish people could see ALL that has been done here, and all the good that happens here on a daily basis.

Hey Campbell ,
I am not rich nor am I an investment banker my spouse and I are veterans with a good descent life however, we have pretty descent schools here in Florida and I am willing to open up my home and my family to help Charles. I know I can provide a good clean stable environment if his family would be willing to allow him a chance, hey no strings attached.

I feel more sorry for some of these people that have posted cruel and ignorant responses on here than I do for Charles...he has the right attitude and I applaud Campbell for following up on a story that she covered during the Katrina disaster....

It says a lot about the character of folks like WolfB, SHill, etc. when they can't even muster up a little compassion for their fellow man....

I just saw the movie "The Blind Side" last night and met Director John Lee Hancock at the USA Film Festival in Dallas. This is reminiscent of this story line and is a must see for everyone who considers themselves part of the humanity in and of the human race. We are human beings, despite our circumstances and we are supposed to help others while we are here. I personally am inspired to do more than i have been doing and want to personally help Charles. Can i please find out how to get a message to his family? I went to New Orleans for 10 years every 3 months and know many people who can assist me in helping Charles. It takes one person to help one person to start a movement. If we all shared with our labor of love rather than pure financial imprints, this movement will come to fruition.

In response to Joan who made this comment:

"Gee back to square one. I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long."

Working to support himself? Do the math – he's 13 years old! It absolutely boggles my mind that there are people who are completely unsympathetic to fellow Americans who, through no fault of their own, were thrown into these sitautions. Especially the children.

I got a little misty eyed last weekend as I watched the St. Augustine Marching 100 and their football team parade in the French Quarter. (Yes, New Orleans is still a city where the band is every bit as important as the football team!) Every one of these fine young men were between the ages of 9 and 14 when Katrina hit, and that's a very vulnerable time for our youth. They have seen unimaginable horrors and experienced tremendous losses that will forever change their lives. But only they can decide what they will take away from the experience.

Educators from all over the nation have flocked to New Orleans to participate in our successful system of charter schools. We are getting our criminal justice system on track. And an entire world of volunteers have assisted us in getting residents back in their rebuilt homes. I am sorry to hear Charles feels he needs to make a new start elsewhere, as there are incredible opportunities right here at home.

Is post Katrina New Orleans an easy place to live? Of course not. But we are building the leaders of the future, a group of young folks with amazing tenacity, perserverence and something I see lacking here, empathy.

I have recently moved down to Baton Rouge to work with a non-profit organization that works in the Louisiana Schools. We also have a New Orleans branch and let me tell you, I feel bad for my counterparts. I have been down there 4 times since i moved here and been to one of the schools. The school is a trailer park right next to the old school. Literally these kids go to school in a trailer park and have to look at their old school just sitting there and rotting. What has gone on in the years following Katrina is criminal, they have not gotten any help and its ridiculous that we as a nation are not doing much about it.

Heartlessness aside, to those of you saying Charles should get a job, support himself, etc: do the math – he is not old enough!!! At least not to work legally... would you have him getting involved in some kind of street business where this is of no concern???

My heart goes out to the young man.
His story breaks my heart I will pray for him and I hope that he does the same for him self. never give up and never give in.

For God says: " Suffer little children come unto thee"

We want to help Charles...what can we do for him?

There ARE NO JOBS! Don't you people watch the news and the jobless rates in our country. What is wrong with you heartless Americans? Next time you rich Americans move to Florida (no income tax) to retire or purchase a second home and a hurricane hits, how about the GOVERNMENT saying NO NO NO to bailing you out. Try reading the insurance industry policies on Hurricane Insurance, Lightening Insurance, Wind Insurance and state FACTS before you made stupid comments about individuals not caring to help themselves. You think the poor are lazy. Maybe you've been giving opportunities that they haven't and the IGNORANCE to think your hard work is what made the difference. Think AGAIN. The melting pot of American is getting a changing landscape. Let's see 20 years from now when your grandchildren will face a DIFFERENT America than you've experienced. Save your comments on 'the land of opportunity' for then. I'd love to be the fly on the wall to see your reaction.

This child... he's only 13 or 14 now... is trying to better himself, get out of a bad situation and into a school that can lead to a good future.

I was sickened to read the comment from Joan a few hours ago...

"Gee [Get] back to square one. I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long."

Is this woman serious? Joan, and the many like her, are what is wrong with America today.

I wish there was a way that I could get into contact with Charles. I have a spare bedroom now that my kids grew up and moved out. Good schools and a good home life. Is there some way that we can get him a message? I would love to make a difference in his life.

you people make me SICK!!!! this is a teenager NOT an adult! he didn't have a choice to move wherever he wanted to.

How easy it is to sling the GET A JOB at someone. Have you seen the unemployment numbers? Are you blind, stupid or both? He's a kid for Christ's sake. He's a child in a city that was all but destroyed and is still in shambled with no economy to speak of, whatsoever. If he was 9 when his first story broke that would put him at 14 or 15 now (based on his birthday it could sway either way but math is apparently hard for you).

What, exactly, do you expect him to do about gainful, sustainable employment at 14? Sure he can get a part time job or a full time job and quit school but what would that get him? Can you even work full-time at 14? Is that a proper way out of his situation? No, its not and you're quite callous to think otherwise. I'm sorry you can't do math or have no understanding the kid's actual situation. It's easy to hide your ignorance behind a troll's facade. It's been my experience that people like you are down on folks like this kid because you see something in him you can't stand in yourself. I hope you hit rock bottom and hit it hard. And when you do, I hope no one is there to do anything but mock your insensitive, irresponsible, irrational self. My whatever God you pray to show you no mercy.

It’s a very sad story. The Americans should blame themselves for allowing an arrogant stupid president like Georg Bush to rule the country for two terms and fighting for other countries freedom and his own people still live the slavery life

Hi Ms Brown.
I am sad for my home town. I would love to give Charles a chance and take him into our home. This is for New Orleans families who are still trying to find their way ,look up you can get up. KEEP THE FAITH For the people who judge New Orleans people you don't know until everytthing has been taken from you how it feels.. Don't ever think for a second , oh not me. You never know when you might go through something like New Orleans people went through. I look, at the families in Bossier City La for example. They never though they would loses everything to a over night rain Be careful what you say about people in New Orleans, if you never had to walk in our shoes . GOD loves all of us . Thank you Ms Brown and your staff

Why are people from No Lo always victims! Enough of it already! The Gulf Coast of Biloxi and Gulfport were hit just as hard, harder, and even rescue crews will tell you there was a HUGE diff between the way the people acted. NoLO was "what ya gots for me me?" while Gulf Port was "what can we help with?".
This kids family made all kinds of bad choices. Why do we need to keep bailing them out?

To Joan: Perhaps in your rush to turn the story into a negative, maybe you missed the fact that boy was only 9 when Katrina hit and since that was less than 5 years ago, he'd only be what 14 maybe 15 at this point? So where do you want him to work? Maybe he should drop out of school and become a farm hand? Please people.. READING IS FUNDAMENTAL!

RE: Joan: "Gee back to square one. I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long."

Unbelievable! How can you be SO cruel?! He's 13 years old!!!

Campbell , I really appreciate what you are trying to do for this young man. You are one of the not so many people in this country that truely understands real suffering and injustice. Don't be alarmed there is not a large group of people sharing your concerns. I have watched this country that I love moved from caring about all our citizens to alarming hatred and distrust for anyone but themselves. As I read the comments many did not see a teenager in distress. They saw a black kid asking for something from the system. It's hard to believe that we progressed to such a miserable state.

To Joan who said: "Gee back to square one. I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long."

The boy is THIRTEEN YEARS OLD! How many 13 yr-olds do YOU know who can "work to support themselves"? You are heartless, woman.

To GimmeABreak to said: "Why should we feel sorry for this kid? His grandmother made the choice to move back to NO...so now the rest of the country should go rescue him and save him from the horrors of the 9th ward? Crap. Get a JOB!!!!"

Again, he's THIRTEEN!! What is WRONG with you people??

To Miss Howard who said: "I cannot believe what I am reading. You all are heartless people that need to be very ashamed of your selves. I cannot believe that you are all playing the “well what about me “card. You must be doing a little better that Charles Evans as you have a computer. I hate this world that we are living in and people like you. We will get nowhere as a nation if we continue to not care about other people. I am not rich and my situation is not the best but to down play someone else situation is just shameful. If you are mad at what I am saying, please save it! Please tell me how I can help."

I couldn't agree more.

By the way, racism isn't always about saying "I hate (blank) people and hope they die". It's also dismissing a group of people where otherwise you would care if they were like you. Racism is thinking a person's situation doesn't matter. You guys are heartless, HEARTLESS people who have lost your moral compass. I hope none of you claim to be religious at any level, because you're giving ANYONE of ANY faith a bad reputation.

Get a job?
The sheer stupidity and arrogance around here is numbing.
One of these fine days you or yours will be diagnosed with cancer or some such disease. By your logic you should be ridiculed because of your lifestyle choices. Shouldn't have ate all that cake or smoked them ciggerettes.
Funny thing is that karma will make sure you get as much compassion as you've given.
I wish all you hunks of meat would just dry up and blow away.
America is cursed by these"pull yourself up by your bootstraps" people.
Usually they are the people who have never been hungry, never had to survive anything, never seen war, and never been out of this country.
I'd step on Wolf's head to give Charles a dollar.

I've lived in New Orleans. I'm thrilled not to be there any more. This kid would be glad to work. Couple of problems, though. HE IS THIRTEEN YEARS OLD. And what kind of job would you have him get? There are no decent jobs to be had in the 9th Ward, much less for a child.

I am absolutely appalled that his foolish grandmother dragged him back to New Orleans. But it is certainly is not his fault. The only good thing is that he now has proof that there is something better out there. But he does need help to get through adolescence in that horrible place. Don't penalize the child for being dragged down by the limited vision and stupidity of his family. Instead, admire the brass it took for a child this young to reach out for help this way.

As to the people complaining about how no one came to help the Katrina people in NOLA, care to explain WHY the people who were trapped and waiting for supplies started SHOOTING at the National Guard supply helicopters? Or why they burned the Gretna mall, when it could have provided food, shelter, and clothing? Talk about culpable stupidity. I have little sympathy for adults who won't help themselves. But this is a CHILD who had no alternative but to go where his family drags him. God help him.

Charles, you are such an inspiration to young people in this country. You've experienced more hardship than some people will ever experience in a lifetime. Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth, but you were born to SUCCEED! You have the heart of a LION. Stay focused and know that the best years of your life are ahead of you. Learn to use your experiences as tools to help you grow into the man GOD designed you to be. Your future is bright and filled with promise. Trust and know that GOD has your best interest at heart and with HIS guidance you will succeed.

what is Charles Evans status?

Just another African American kid under appreciated in this messed up country. Had it been a white kid, every one would vouch for him to accomplish great things, but a young African American kid trying to do his best to make something out of nothing gets overlooked. You guys may be in this position someday, you never know. I would not be surprised to see this kid running his own enterprise in the future.

As I read this story about this wonderful young man trying to make a difference in his life, I can't help but agree with others who comment about how many other children in the New Orleans area need just as much help as Charles. The devistation of Katrina will not be forgotten for a long time by alot of people. Some were more fortunate than others. Some lost everything they had. For someone to say this is "so yesterdays news" or "Katrina victims have victimized this country long enough" obviously have no idea what this city has been through. To lose so much so fast is not only heart breaking but horrifying. To those who say such things or feel this way about a story of this kind, I say to you, Burn your house, car, clothes, all that you own. EVERYTHING. All you have are the clothes on your back. Thats it. Nothing else. No insurance. No money . NOTHING. UNDERSTAND? NOTHING. Now try having the attitude of Charles. I think this young man deserves all the good things he has coming to him. For those of you with a heart. Pray for the children of New Orleans. Pray for the people of Cameron, La.. Pray for our Soldiers. Pray for the families of the victims of Fort Hood. Pray for our country. Don't pray for problems of others, you are TIRED of hearing about ,to go away just because you are Tired of hearing about how it's not going away. Pray that Charles gets into the school he want to. One child, one dream, one success. Is that not worth it. Mrs. Campbell, please see if you and CNN can help. Not just report. Great Story.

I went to N.O. twice after Katrina with our church, feeling somewhat cynical about the whole situation. Why did these people insist on living in harm's way? After a few days, I couldn't believe how compassionate the locals were and how grateful they were to us. They didn't have much, and they lost what little they had. I saw soaked love letters and photo albums in the street, mattresses in the trees, people's stuff piled up in a heap in front of their homes. One man said "I guess the Lord just thought I had too much junk". Even though they lost everything, they knew they still had their lives and most importantly their relationships. They were all so sweet, total strangers thanked us for being there. I felt closer to people than ever in my life in the northeast. Read Rick Warren's book. You will never be happier than when you follow Jesus' words, the greatest command is to love God, and your neighbors. Please try it, and give from your heart. You'll never ever regret it.

Get a job? What exactly is he supposed to do at 13? I don't think anyone understands the war the kids down here are fighting everyday. There are thousands of Charles Evans in New Orleans with parents that pawn them off on other family members, living in the projects, taking zero responsibility for them but keeping them around for their "benefits." The throwaway kids, Charles is one of so many, it is heartbreaking. Until the government stops rewarding the parents for doing NOTHING these kids will continue to be victims of their so-called parents. How can anyone wonder why they turn to crime & drugs if they've never been taught anything different? The school system is a complete failure joke and the rest of the world is turning a blind eye on these kids 'cause their parents are societal leeches and we are all sick and tired of it. These kids need help and we're doing nothing. Shame on us.

1) There's got to be a private school that can scholarship the kid. Great press for the school. Win win.
2) It's the Grandmother who seems to be the obstacle. Sometimes you've got to make a new life, better life somewhere else for the kid you are raising.

Lessons learned:
1) We all can make an effort to help someone locally. Sponsor someone or be a volunteer. Give your time.
2) Be an adult and take care of your kids and your neighbor's kids! And that includes teaching our teenagers and young adults how to hold a job/go to school, pay the bills, handle money, set boundaries and goals, and how to have healthy relationships. Just because teenagers are bigger, louder, and stubborn doesn't mean we stop preparing them for their future responsibilities.

Yup, there are kids like this all over America and it pisses me off that adults aren't standing up to the responsibility of raising our children and raising our neighbor's children. It's called community.

For those of you out there who feel, somehow, offended by Brown's story, or by the fact that New Orleans is still struggling, let me tell you this: go there.

I lost my home, and everything I owned, to Katrina. My wife was 8 1/2 months pregnant. Our exodus to Denver took four days. Thankfully, I had family we could stay with along the way; most people in New Orleans had all of their family in New Orleans. They lost not only their homes, but what little support structure they had.

I can only imagine the daily horror of what New Orleans is like today, but I can tell you from my experience in going back in June of 2006, the destruction of major portions of New Orleans is on a scale that television cannot display. I'll never forget block after block after tens of blocks of empty, destroyed homes in the Eighth Ward, which was my area (better known as Gentilly). And the smell.

New Orleans was in bad shape before Katrina, but it was dealt a death-blow that four years can't yet heal.

Good luck to all of you, and I hope that can you can find it in your hearts to understand what happens when the "perfect storm" hit in the most unprepared and vulnerable of landfalls.

I was looking for something to uplift my spirits after sitting through hours of news footage about the Killeen massive shooting. When I ran across this article, another sad story.

I'm in the Killeen , Forthood area I stay a mile from post, where the shooting occurred. I for one didn't think it was possible but after sitting through countless hours of reports and news footage, you begin to understand that tragic incidents do happen. Just as it happen to Charles.

Charles didn't ask to be a victim, he's asking for the chance not to become one. It saddens my heart that we have reduced ourselves to the lowest of lows. When a child can no longer turn to our society for help without being criticized. If we all let go of our enter demons and focus on helping one another that blessing u bestowed on someone will eventually find it's way back. Jesus didn't sacrifice himself because he thought he would be reward with material things. He did it because it was in his heart to do so for you. Just as it was in Ms. Campbell Brown's heart to follow up on Charles. Don't belittle those who want to do whats in their hearts to do. Don't criticize those who want to do for others that are less fortunate than them. We should all walk in the foots steps of the blessed,stay in the mindset of the faithful and lose the thought on negativity. If not ,we all will end up like Charles with no way OUT.

How can we reach Charles to help?

To all of you people telling him to get a job...he's 13 years old. He belongs in school. Sure, he can get a parttime job after school like I did, but he can't live on those kinds of wages. Children are limited as to the types of work they can do, because they're CHILDREN.

One if you read the beginning of the story Charles was 9 years old when the story was written so it is now 4 years later which makes him 13 years old he is asking for an education not a job.
As far as this being an old and lame story is outrageous the city of New Orleans is destroyed in many ways if this kid want to have a better life at 13 years old I find no fault in him I hope the best for his life. This kid has a positive
Story coming out of so much negative that is reality for boys his age in many cities. If he can be rescued as one has stated I pray he is.

If the kid was nine in 2005, he's 13 now. What kind of job do you suggest he get?
You only read far enough to put your agenda in it.

Americans have always been cold, callous, individualistic and selfish. The problem has NOT gotten worse, the only thing is that there are multiple outlets online to express this hatred, the technology is what has changed, the sentiment has not...it's always been this way.

Great story by Campbell and I hope he is able to achieve the things that he wants.

I was in Dallas several years after Katrina. Met a young man from the 9th ward at the hotel where I stayed. He was in charge of the hotel heating and air conditioning. He told me he waded around in New Orleans for 10 days following Katrina before he was rescued. Told me when he ended up in Dallas he was able to get into a school and learn heating and air conditioning. I am from Baton Rouge so we talked a long time. He told me he would never go back to New Orleans.

This young man is a Katrina victim, but he is not victimizing anyone. He acquired an education, he works hard everyday for his family, he pays taxes, his kids are in good schools, he had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, but the single greatest thing about this young man from the 9th that I shall never forget his how proud he was to tell me he got an education and is taking care of his family. He finally touched the face of the American dream, but too bad it took an incident like Katrina.

Charles' story is not unique. It is representative of the hardship, struggle and pain that young people face who grow up and who try to get ahead in the 9th ward. These young people need encouragement, faith, and a kind gesture and helping hand.

Charles, if you see this hang in their buddy, and never give up your struggle to get an education. Given what you have experienced and lived through, one day you will be a much stronger man.

Get a job??? Yes, he can get a job BUT he is a child!! My god you people are horrible. He is a 13 years old and you are saying go get a job and support yourself???

So you people will be the first to say "you should have stayed in school when you were 13" when he is an adult who doesn't have the education to support a family. It goes both ways. Older generations think since they had it so hard so should the youth of America. Don't you think taking care of our children and educating them is first and foremost. Work ethic comes with knowledge. Experience is something a child should not have to worry about at 13 years old.

Yes the country is in bad shape but what about the people who didn't have a shot to bounce back from Katrina. I bet not one of you people who are making these negative remarks knows how it is to live in New Orleans at present moment. We all came home to rebuild our city with nothing. I returned home without any $$ from FEMA and I lost EVERYTHING. That didn't stop me from returning home. I lived there when there were no businesses open. You couldn't buy groceries after 6PM and you couldn't be outside after 8PM. I lived there when the closest thing you could get to a refrigerator was a styrofoam ice chest. I came home because it was just that HOME. I was born and raised there and was not turning my back. After years of busting my behind and sinking myself into incredible debt from the credit I had to use for my own recovery, after watching the world say all we want is something for nothing, after driving to work everyday still looking at boarded up homes and FEMA trailers, after seeing the crime rate sky rocket because the only business that was booming was the drug business, after watching everyone I know sink down into pits of depression and substance abuse . . .well after all of that . . I left. I live in California now. I miss my city. But thanks to cold hearts/government I don't ever think I will see that same New Orleans again.

This boy should be singled out. He isn't looking for something for nothing. He just wants a decent life. There is nothing wrong with that. Actually it is the American dream. Some of you should be ashamed of yourself. This is a child that represents thousands of children, not just in NOLA.

It just seems like most of you are bitter because you want what you think he is getting, a hand out. You are upset because it wasn't you, or your city or your state. Just be happy someone is getting help. What difference does this boy getting help really make in your life?? I know, he is one less statistic/example of what happens when child are not raised in a happy home.

I went to New orleans for the first time in June and saw firsthand, the absolute devastation of a community. Seeing New Orleans with my best friend, who survived the hurricaine in Galveston; someone who has a college education, is white, has her own home.....knowing how much she has struggled to get life back on track, losing friends, familiarity and a sense of community.....she couldn't believe how bad it is in the lower Ninth Ward, even after all this time and attention. She has something very real, raw and recent to compare it to, and even she was speechless. I can only imagine the life and world Charles is asked to endure, survive and hopefully, as any youth in this nation of abundance should expect: thrive. Charles, I invite you to New England for a new chapter in your life. Im happy to host a new beginning for you.

If my math is right, this kid is 13-14 years old, and yet some think that he should get a job? Would you say to your 13 year old son, grandson, etc. get a job? Just wondering...

keep looking up CHARLES GOD will make a way for u if it's to be

I appreciate keeping the Katrina tragedy in the light. It's true...things are still not the same. Life is different, and people are suffering but also adjusting.

One thing that has always bothered me about the Katrina coverage is that the nation completely believes that this is a New Orleans tragedy. The fallacy with New Orleans is that their Katrina problems are due to human failure. The MS Gulf Coast was COMPLETELY WIPED OUT due to Mother Nature. Yet because the story is not as dramatic as New Orleans, you never hear about the rebuilding of the MS Gulf Coast. All I ask is thatyou remember the MS Gulf Coast when you think of Katrina. There are so many forgotten people there as well.

Campbell,
Great story, I remember seeing some of the news footage of Katrina in 2005. And of all the stories and faces from that coverage Charles was the one person that I remember the most. I often wondered what had become of him. Thanks for checking in and keeping tabs on him I will keep him and his family in my thoughts and prayers.

There are so many hateful, ugly comments here it is discouraging and sad. Sad because as Americans we are usually a compassionate and giving people, which has always been reassuring to me.
However.
The caring, supportive and encouraging remarks far outweigh the ugly ones. Charles will be ok because there are still kind hearts and compassionate souls that understand and remember the horror of Katrina and every other horrible disaster that people will, even when their own personal lives are uncertain and frightening circumstances, continue to reach out with love, compassion, encouragement and financial support. It is not our weapons or hateful words that make us strong. It is the genuine kindness and humanity of everyday Americans who, across all barriers (racial, economic, religious) extend themselves to help and sustain those in need.

For those of you who are so heartless by leaving negative comments keep in mind that this is a child. He wants to do better but because he is a child he has no control over his life at the present. Where is your compassion? I'm sick & tired of the assumption that the majority of people are lazy & don't want to work. There are adults out here who can't get a job due to the economy . I hope you never have a crisis in your life & need help. Better still pray to whom ever you PRAY to to change your heart condition & teach you some compassion.

Joan: he's just a child or did you miss that part of the story 9+4= 13
Wolf: You still want to play pretend?
Brandon: 90% of the people who stayed had NO WAY TO LEAVE! No vehicle, government didn't provide transportation (guess when that sent out that mandetory evac they forgot about the people with out transportation). Why can't America be Capitalist and Socialist? What's wrong with being both? Why do we help (including some of you negative commenters) every other country that has a natural disaster?

Thank you Mrs. Brown. For those of us who have a heart and want to remember that day, that will probably be in the history books. And come on people why try to bring our President into this. He will fix things and you people will benefit from it just like I and everybody else. SO GET OVER YOUR SELF..... STOP THE MADNESS......

This is a story that really rings true to me. I'm a transplant from Katrina living in North Carolina, where I've been since the storm. I moved here when I was 20, and getting out of Louisiana when I did was the best thing I could have done. It's not an easy place to live. The economy is hard hit, the city is hard hit, the people are struggling, the schools are poorly rated, but people are surviving. I feel for this young man b/c I see my sister in him. She's 16 and lives in Slidell, just across the lake from New Orleans, and like him, she knows that leaving is what's best and that there IS a bigger world out there. Don't get me wrong, I love the city...the flavor, the culture, the ambiance, the uniqueness of the people living there. However, as a young person, it's a hard place to live(SE Louisiana) and not much opportunity. I hope that you find your niche, Charles, and don't forget that there is a world out there. Keep on fighting!

OK can all people talk sence and say what is the best for the victims of everything rather than blaming Obama while the economy died before him. I tell you all, let Obama down and you will come to regret this all your lives.

Why didnt you ask Bush what he did to restore Katrina victims?? He had all these years to make changes but oh, every dirty has to be solved by Obama!!

Wolf B wrote about the unemployment victims of the current Obama's recession. Remember that unemployment victims are so as a result of George W. Bush. Remember him?

This story is like many other stories in the U.S. at this time but need we forget that our country is only starting to suffer like many other countries and there people have suffered for many, many years. I do understand that bringing attention to there plight is important but need we forget that we are all suffering in one way or another. I live in Austin Tx, am a single person, working fulltime and paying my way through school while paying for all my own needs. I constantly think I wish someone could help me, but just have to get up and push through everyday. I wish him the best, if he needs a job and school then a move to Austin, where jobs a plenty and schools are very good could be a wise move and only 8-10 hours from his family. God Bless Him but God Bless everyone else in need. Thanks, M.E.

I remember on Friday, August 26, 2005, phoning my sister, whom resided in Metaire, La attending LSU Medical School, and asking her "what will she do??" If the hurricane hits New Orleans it will be the Mississppi. She replied with a laugh. She lived in New Orleans for 8 years, just graduated Medical School in May that same year, but still was not aware of the levee problems in New Orleans. Keep in mind this was a Louisiana born Medical doctor residing in a city for 8 years, and had no clue of the "Sinking City". So I can imagine how an individual residng in the 9th ward of New Orleans with little or no education, did not know the effects of the hurricane.

It's not just New Orleans, it's Louisiana as a whole that is suffering economically, and mostly educational. I have been a Texas resident since March 2002. My primary reason for moving was because of education, and financial stability. I can tell you some stories of school, but this is not what this story is about. However it frustrates me to here people talking down on individuals, and they can't imagine what it is like, or even come up in a ghetto. It frustrates me that I went to my local website and saw that we "Louisianians are doing away with the highschool exit exams (www.klfy.com)". It even frustrated me to find out during my Senior year in Highschool we checked out Mississippi education system to find ways of improvements which at the time Mississipi was rated 50 and Louisiana was not far from there at 48. "How can we learn from a state that is doing worse than us?"

It's not about Charles, it's not about the Katrina victims, this story is deeper.

It's about the struggling, fighting Louisianians whom don't have a fair chance at life, because our leaders are not good leaders.

It's about our kids, whom are our future. It's about me, you, all Americans. A whole state that is being cheated leaves our country at a 1/50 lost.

I once read that the Louisiana Purchase was the best deal Americans have made. When will we reap the benefits???

-------------------------------–

To the simple minded this is a 13 year old child we are referring so come sense is unless your too dumb to count he can't legally work anywhere you bufoons........And FYI Alot of Katrina "relief" never got to the victims the money "evaporated" so talk what you know!.

He is a teenager. Grab a shovel, a hammer, a pick ax, or go stock groceries at the local store. There are plenty of people worse off than this guy. If he really wants to make the best of his situation he will, or he will keep looking for handouts.

I think this is a wonderful story Mrs. Brown. And to the people who keep saying "get a job, Charles" WOW!!! This is a child! Where is he going to work? He's like 13-14 years old! He should be in school and have a safe environment to go to after school. What kind of animals live in America? You people must have been born with no heart. I thank God everyday for my sense of empathy, I feel sad for those who can look at someone struggling and choose to denounce their path as if they are better than. Just remember we all bleed the same thing, blood. Hope you cynics never have to bleed.

Joan (3:43 pm 11/5 post) , the kid is all of what? 14? How is he supposed to work to support himself? If you are going to judge, at least get your facts straight. The same goes for the rest of you complaining that this child should "get a job". Shame.

Umm..Joan he is 15. Legally he cannot get a a full time job or quit school to support himself as you suggest.

What is really sad is a comment like the one made by "Joan," who asks why Charles doesn't work for a living. Charles, who was 9 when Katrina hit, would now be 13 years old! I can understand the attitude that people should work if they are able – what I can't understand is how people are so eager to paint others with the broad brush of "moocher" that they don't even notice the simple facts that make up people's real lives.

Years ago I was impressed by the articulate young man who spoke of the plight of the people of New Orleans. I said then that, given the right opportunity, this young man would be sucessful. Even at the age of 9 he was thinking about the welfare of others. He still looks to have a sweet disposition.

I am glad to see that CNN/Cambell Brown took the time to follow up on the young man. I do believe that wonderful things are on the way for him and I hope those things include a mentor who can positively guide him on his journey.

And to Joan and other who said, "He should get a job", the kid is 14 or 15 years old. Since you believe you have the answer to his circumstances, why don't you find him a job (after school and studying) and I am sure he will work. Too bad Katrina could not wash away ignorance.

Oh, my gosh... I can't believe how many negative and cynical comments have been made. Yes, there are many other people in situations like Charles, which is all the more reason to have COMPASSION. To those of you who are telling this kid to get a job–did you read the story? He was nine when Katrina happened, which makes him THIRTEEN today. How many thirteen-year-olds do you expect to get jobs to support their families?!

How ignorant can Wolf B and GimmeABreak be???

Old news?? are u serious??

and GimmeABreak- A Job?? He's 13!!! DId you not read that part? Maybe u need the job and go back to school to learn how to read and add. OK his grandmother made the choice to move back to NO even if he didnt want to, hes still young and isnt legally capable of making his own decisions. Read ur facts 1st and then state a VALID opinion...

ummm to GIMMEABREAK...you doofus, he was 9 when katrina happened its 4 years later that makes him 13......you ever try gettin a job at 13???....

All of you be nice on here!!

Not more Katrina victems....

Get over it, get a job, go to a shelter and deal with the bad situation you have. But DON'T blame it on a year old hurricane. I'm in Houston, we had Ike and we are over it. Matter of fact I've been in six different hurricanes and no time did I label my self a "Hurricane surivior and not get myself back on my feet. Heck I fought in two war OAF, OIF , and your a surivior from a rain storm? A rain storm?!

Why is New Orleans with billions pumped into it take ten times longer than Houston who got almost no aid after Ike taking so long? Or is it they just want more free aid....

Take control and rebuild and do it now...Just like Houston did.

To Joan (from the early comments):

You have just suggested that this 13 year old should work to support himself... Did you not read the article and see his age? Please, be informed before you try to make judgments on others. I can truly say that I have never felt "victimized" by the victims of this awful tragedy. I hope that I will never have to suffer through such a terrible loss as they've endured.

This goes out to Joan...

What are you talking about!!!!

The kid is 14! Working to support himself? I wonder what you were doing at 14? I gather, probably NOT working to put yourself through school without a home.

Do you learn how to be that ignorant or is it innate?

GimmeABreak...you need to give everyone else one. Get real!

By my calculations this boy is all of 13 years old! What kind of job is he going to get? What about child labor laws?

By your logic he does not deserve to be rescued because of his Grandmother's actions.

I am sorry for whatever happened to you in your life to make you so hard-hearted.

GimmeABreak I cannot believe you and your uneducated comments. If you can add the kid is only 13 years old where pray tell do you suggest that he gets a job? You were in such a hurry to criticize you didn't take the time to think about what you were saying. I think this is a well written story and the young man has a promising future. If this was about a young black man killing or selling drugs I guess everyone would be happy.

Joan November 5th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

Gee back to square one. I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long.

I typically do not respond to posts... but Joan...
ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!? The KID is only 13!! THIRTEEN years old and you are suggesting that he get a JOB?!?! What ever happened to letting a kid be a kid? I am sure that it is not Charles' first option to stay in the city. Unfortunately, as a CHILD, he has to live with his guardian who has made the decision to return to not-so-perfect conditions.

As a New Orleanian, many citizens have the desire to improve their situations, but not necessarily the means to do so. It is a difficult fact to face, but the people who have been in charge of this city for decades have led it down an abysmal path. Just like it will take time for our country to rebound from several counter-productive years, it will take New Orleans that much longer to even the playing field after decades of ruin.

Many do not report on the changes that have taken place in the city. But having witnessed a downtrodden "historic" neighborhood slowly revitalize... ONE HOUSE at a time... the hope for the city, my city is still present.

As long as you sit comfortably in your high-rise condo, refurbished brownstone, country cottage on several acres, home in a cul-de-sac, or even a middle of the block home with HOA dues, please save your comments on what New Orleans and New Orleanians should be doing. If there is one thing that this city has RIGHT, it is that families try their best to stay close, no matter what... it's just unfortunate that this is also the reason many cannot leave the so-say "sinkhole"

Respectfully,

An Educated and Employed Native and Current Resident of New Orleans

1 – this kid is 14...so you're typical (read: privileged) "pull yourself up from your bootstraps" comments are especially ridiculous in this case.

2 – Just bc the govt mandated an evacuation doesn't mean they did their job. People didn't WANT to stay in their homes to "brave the storm," they had no other option. There was no organized evacuation. And again, from you people's obviously privileged outlook, it's difficult for you to understand that not everyone has a car in their garage...or even a garage.

3 – It's hard to "get things going" when there is little to no infrastructural help. People can rebuild their houses, as many have already done. But they can't re-pave roads, re-build levies, install new power lines and water mains.

You people are sickening. How easy it must be to cast your stones from the comfort of you shoddily built suburban homes. You people are terrible. Makes me ashamed to call myself American reading some of these posts.

Anyone telling this kid to get a job is an idiot. Unless I missed something child labor laws have not changed. Take the story and the message for what it is and do something positive and maybe, just maybe things will work out for this child or the one you choose to help. If you do not want to help no one is twisting your arm.

Ms. Brown, I applaud your work. I'm sure it's not easy to distance yourself from every story you cover, and I admire the fact that you took Charles' story to heart and updated viewers of his situation.

As for the ignorant, self-serving remarks that some left as comments, you should be ashamed of yourselves. It's clear to me that you merely have agendas perhaps best suited for say, Fox News- not this news outlet.

In addition to those fear-mongering, hateful comments, one person went so far as to suggest that Charles get a job. If this "reader" did the math, if Charles was 9 years old in 2005, that would make him 13! If you're writing your response from these United States of America, I'd imagine you're aware of our child labor laws. If not, I suggest you look them up.

If nothing else, I hope people reading this story see the bigger picture- that one young man has a positive outlook despite all he's been through, which is sometimes all it takes to get through a tough situation.

Keep your head up, Charles. You'll make it.

To those with the smart comment "Get a JOB".... She met Charles in 2005...he was 9 years old. Let me see... that makes him all of 13! Get a LIFE! Do you, or would you, make your 13 year old "Get a JOB"?

Every child should be a chance, he did not put himself in this situation. If we can give prisoners a college education on our tax dollars, why can we help our children. How old is he thirteen? Get a job our you kidding! He is not asking for a handout only a chance to better himself. I was given a chance as a young child, I was raised in a foster home, with eight other foster children by a wonderful woman who I call Mom. I was given a chance and today I am mother of two wonderful teenage boys. Who knows where I would be today if not given a chance. I would like to help, and give this young man a chance just as I was given mine. Perhaps if we start an email campaignto the head of the Hershey School he may be inclined to give Charles a chance. Campbell I would like to do what I can to help Charles, after all he is not asking for a handout only a chance.

Joan ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR EVER LOVING MIND???? This young man is still a boy and should be one of this countries first priorties. You want to talk about the "victims" of Katrina victimizing this country just take a look at corp. America and the trillions that it has stolen from those Americans that work day in and day out, breaking their backs for the theives that are located in Washington. If we as Americans can't feel and come up with a solution for CHILDREN such as Charles then we should be ashamed of ourselves.

Joan, ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR EVER LOVING MIND???? This young man is still a boy and should be one of this countries first priorties. You want to talk about the "victims" of Katrina victimizing this country just take a look at corp. America and the trillions that it has stolen from those Americans that work day in and day out, breaking their backs for the theives that are located in Washington. If we as Americans can't feel and come up with a solution for CHILDREN such as Charles then we should be ashamed of ourselves.

To Joan- You disgust me. The boy is THIRTEEN. I hope you sent your children to work at thirteen, because that's definitely normal. I'm 19 and honestly, some of you from generations past disgust me. He is a kind, dedicated, no doubt hard-working kid, and that is the best treatment he can get? Every child deserves to get an education, to have a stable household...and he's trying BY HIMSELF to do it. Do your kids show that kind of ambition? I doubt it. I bet they're popping prescription pills and playing video games. Many of you naive parents have no clue about what your children are up to. At least this kid wants to better himself. There by the grace of God go I–I wish him the best of luck and hope that he will be able to gain some sort of advantage and become an excellent student. Put a little good in the world people, give back, stop being bitter. I hope he can find some good people to support him and believe him in, it's all a kid needs in the end.

I live in New Orleans and unless you live here and went through Katrina you will never fully be able to grasp the devastating impact this had on every resident. Poor, rich, old & young. It goes beyond losing material things. The worst feeling in the world is finding out that you are homeless and have no where to go. When we came back to our beloved home and neighborhood, it broke our hearts.
My point is not to gain your sympathy, but to perhaps give those of you who did not go through this disaster a greater appreciation for the things that you have and an appreciation of the magnitude of what happened to this community, how many lives were lost and destroyed in a matter of hours.
Seeing and hearing about it on t.v.does not do it justice. Unless you have been through this personally and seen it with your own eyes, you cannot begin to imagine or understand the terror and heartache Katrina brought to hundreds of thousands of people all over the gulf coast.

New Orleanians have suffered from PTSyndrome, depression, Suicide, high divorce, anger, shock ...a wariness that is hard to describe. A loss of belief in a government both local and national that failed a group of people. "These people are people not non-entities.1,836 people lost their lives. 1836... Mothers, Fathers, Children, infants, people... people who loved, dreamed and deserved to live.

A friend had her child in a different state, had to find a new doctor and the beautiful nursery she lovingly put together washed away, A friend's Mother died in traffic from a heart attack, A friend built a home with his own bare hands and lived in it a month before it washed away. A friends lost every picture he had of his deceased parents, every memento–There is nothing left to show his children who his parents were and what the looked like. A friend watched his neighbors 5 year old son lose grip of his mothers hand and he floated away, then perished. A friend went into a home to help an elderly woman escape, the roof fell in and they both perished. A man in a wheel chair sat 2 days underwater with a pipe to his lips using it to breath above the waters. We all have stories like these.
"장휵" Your ignorance is interesting. New Orleans is a walking city and where you can't walk there is a streetcar to take you. Just as NYC many residence here do not have cars. Some people had there car at the shop to be fixed... to those at the Dome & Convention center they had no way out. The local government was suppose to send buses and never did. It was a comedy of errors. To say that "these people are wallowing in their own filth because they are too lazy." Is a terribly wrong thing to say, EVERYTHING THEY HAD WAS WIPED AWAY.
Are you aware that the insurance company STILL HAVEN'T PAID many of these people? So where do you think they are to get the money to build a home? Many do work but lets be honest how many of us can whip out the thousands to build a home immediately? Some of these people were in there 60, 70's 80's they did everything right. They worked hard, raised good children, bought a modest home and retired and now they have nothing...nothing but the traditions of the city they call home.
Get a job you say.. ok. So with the majority of college students, executives who are having difficulty getting a job–how on earth can you pass judgment on people who have been struggling, coping trying to make since of how in one day-everything they worked for, beleived in and cherished washed away. As I said prior this is much more than losing material things.
God Bless Charles for wanting to build a better life. Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic.

God Bless each soul effected by all tragedies in the world–let not make not caring about other Humans one of them.

Written about Katrina-
"the sky is not the same shade of blue
every single thing
i believe isn't true
missing in a maze of monochrome
how did i get here
how can i go home?

the echos in my eyes
of all they used to see
burning down the world
the ashes and debris
and all that's left of me
non-entity

try to stand in line
try to obey
the ghosts of what i was keep getting in the way
staring at the sun
blinded by the light
now i'm afraid i'm fading out of sight

the echos in my eyes
of all they used to see
burning down the world
ashes and debris
and all that's left of you
and all that's left of me
all have washed away
non-entity."

Get a job?Why don't people do the math? This kid was 9 years old in 2005, 4 years later how old is he now? 13 years old , too young to work with our current labor laws.

Why don't you admit it? You see a black face and immediately think lazy. As a child he had no say in the decisions that his grandmother made. He is obviously trying to do better by himself as much as 13 year old can in this world and he needs our support. But instead of being happy that he is choosing the right path the people here just want to kick him while he's down. Christian nation my foot.

Joan said "I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try."

GimmeABreak said "Get a JOB!!!!"

Joan and GimmeABreak, I hope you never have kids. The idea that you expect a 13 year old to work to support himself is abhorrent. We even passed laws, about eighty or ninety years ago, to make it illegal since most Americans think child labor is a despicable thing.

I'm sorry that the paying attention to the disaster caused by Katrina inconvenienced you. As nasty a person as you two must be, I still hope you never have to have it happen to you, either.

It CAN take more than a few years to recover from losing absolutely everything.

Joan did you not notice that this is a child. I'm not from new orleans but I have seen the affects of katrina and I know that it is not as easy as you may think. Take your entire family not just the ones that live with you and you all lose everything. What are you suppose to do? That is hard to do as a adult damn near impossible as a child. Please think and put your self in the other persons shoes before you just start spitting out B.S.

P.s Great story how can you not be touched if you are human

So many comments, good, bad, and indifferent have been expressed here and for those that are indifferent or have a poor opinion of this child...Really STOP AND THINK!! You talk about telling this CHILD to get a job. Do you realize how old he is? If he was 9 in 2005, he can't be more than 13, maybe 14!!!! NONE OF THIS IS HIS FAULT!! AND just what kind of job do you think he can get?!?! Yes, his grandmother didn't do him any favors by moving back to New Orleans...but he's a CHILD! What do you think he could have done to prevent it from happening? Not to mention that even if he could somehow manage to get a job, don't you think that him going to school (even a not so great one) and getting an education is more important? We're talking about a kid who grew up in the poorest area of New Orleans and had a horrible experience 4 years ago. Despite all that, he STILL wants to get an education & better himself! We should be proud! Would it be better if he just sat back, didn't better himself by getting an education, maybe end up joining a gang or becoming a drug addict or alcoholic? There are absolutely a lot of people out there who need help and at least this is one child who wants it! I don't have a lot but I'd like to do what I can to help if someone can tell me how we can help this boy and other children who need it in New Orleans. Children are our future....whether you have children of your own or not...and no, I don't have any children of my own yet so I'm not a mom who's sympathizing with Charles just because he's a child. I'm empathetic to Charles as an AMERICAN and a HUMAN BEING! As a country, we need to get back to why America is a great country and stop being so selfish all the time. Not just financially, but emotionally and psychologically. We've spent the last couple decades showing children a horrible way to treat themselves and others...then we wonder why we have so many problems now. The rest of the world has their problems and while what others think of us does matter some, we need to get back to a time when we could be proud of OURSELVES! I'm sure not....and I am one of those kids who grew up in the late 80s/90s! I succeeded because there were at least a couple of people who CARED!

I am amazed that in 22 years of my life the ignorance in this world has yet to be diminished. I am sure the majority of these comments come from "grown" men and women probably the age of my mother and father. Our youth are constantly criticized for their ignorant ways, and where do you think they got it from? Hmmm...

@GimmeABreak "getting a job" isnt as easy as it may sound to you. ESPECIALLY for a young african american man. THANKS.

Although I agree there are plenty of people worse off or in similar situations, everyones story cannot be publicized. Chill out.

@ Brandon – where were people whose homes and extended family all lived in New Orleans to go? Do you actually think that all of those who wanted to leave even had the means to leave? I surely do not have a summer or winter cottage to retreat to if the government says I need to evacuate.

Oh and in 2005 he was 9 years old thus making him about 13 now. And you want him to get a job to support himself? Who knew we had americans who supported child labor.

I can see both sides. Yes, this young man has been put front and center, but, he and his situation was what a journalist looks for. In today's World of small attention spans, they look for something that will focus and get the story across with a punch. When I saw the original footage, and his sincerity, desperation, and beyond-his-years intensity, it brought a lot of the Katrina struggle home and put a human face on it. So, yes, it is appropriate to do a follow-up on him. The cynical might say that there are others, even worse off, but does not this reminder also serve as a reminder for all. Even those in dire straits not related to Katrina?

Get a job? He's 14 years old? He has had to move with his family multiple times, what were his options? He needs the opportunity to get a good education, THEN, a job. Too many people choose to turn a blind eye. I hope you cynics find more sympathic people than yourselves if you are ever in need.

regarding the comment(s) made by Joan, GimmeABreak and the rest of the hit parade suggesting that the young man get on his feet and support his family. that "the Katrina victims have victimized this country long enough." or "Get a JOB!!!" although your point(s) may be valid if not coldly stated, i'd like to mention that he's 13 years old. he was 9 in 2005 when the story initially broke. do the math. exactly what job did you have in mind for this young man that he'd be qualified to perform well enough to support his family? feel free to fall off your high horse while contemplating. we all realize that there are many more stories like this as a result of Katrina. not to mention the current state of the economy and the continuously shrinking job market. it can all be overwhelming. hell, it is overwhelming. still doesn't give anyone the right to make sweeping judgements about a situation that they're barely glimpsing. dig it. that's peace. later.

Katrina was a horrible disaster that happened to this country. The problem that I have is that disasters happen all the time to this country and, for the most part, people will band together and get through them. Katrina was no different. People from all over opened up their homes and checkbooks to help out the people of New Orleans. Of course they didn't help out anyone on the Gulf Coast. The Navy Sea Bee reservist who was called up to help clear away all the debris while his own house was blown down to the concrete foundation, that didn't make headline news because he was off the Gulf Coast and because he is white. That is what this comes down too. All the "victims" in the inner city NO are black and because of our society’s norm of having to help the impoverished black person, this is a story. I feel sorry for the kid but I don't ever see any news organizations doing stories on impoverished white children. It just doesn't happen.

TO JOAN:

This is your quote " Gee back to square one. I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long."

Obviously you must've been victimized when you were educated and taught to read and comprehend a story. The child was 9 years old in 2005, simple math would put him at 14 years old if his birthday is not before this new story was published. HE CANNOT GET A JOB TO SUPPORT HIMSELF!!!

Such ignorance should not be tolerated. While some of your quoted "victims" might have indeed used the Katrina scenario to bilk millions of dollars from the U.S. Government, if you also paid any attention to the recent GLOBAL economic downturn, it's not like jobs and opportunity is overflowing in ANY U.S. CITY!

I hope you are able to read my response and fully comprehend its meaning.

To everyone that is suggesting that this young man "get a job" – did you note his age? He was 9 years old in 2005, that makes him a whopping 13, maybe 14 now. How is he supposed to get a job? And why are you acting like he had a CHOICE in moving back to New Orleans? Did you even read the story? His guardian moved him back, at 11 years old, he didn't have a flipping choice in the matter. I don't have a huge amount of respect for his grandmother – she quite possibly sacrificed this young man's future because she HAD to move back to New Orleans & bounce this kid around like a ping-pong ball. I'd happily take him in, we have one of the better school systems in GA, but that's not saying much. CNN, if you'll put us in touch with this young man or set up some kind of school fund for him, we'll help.

Joan, he is 13 where will he find a job in this economy, when we have million of adults seeking employment. This is a child who was failed by the system but continues to have faith... we should uplift not tear him down.

Get a job?! He's 14! He should be allowed to focus on school and being a kid. Childhood and education should not be luxuries in a country this well developed.

And to the person saying his grandmother moved him so why should we care? Children shouldn't be punished if their caregiver makes a choice that doesn't benefit them.

God bless you, Charles. I hope you get in to your school.

What is with all the "Get a Job" comments? The kid is 14 or 15 years old. He is trying to better himself by getting an education, so he can go to college and get a good paying job with a real future. I was Charles at one time and if it wasn't for knowing the real value of an education, I could have dropped out of school to "Get a Job". Why should Charles settle for a dead end life? Why shouldn't he dream of going to college?

Joan, you said "I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try." Do the math. This kid was 9 in 2005, which makes him how old now? Does your 13 year old "work to support himself"?

This kid is just wants a stable life and chance to go to school. Why shouldn't he get help to with that? It would be a good investment.

Joan, Your comment " I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try" makes my blood boil. As smart as you think you are, you seem to be lacking in basic elementary math. The kid is THIRTEEN YEARS OLD. Why don't you go back to school and finish YOUR GED.

It's not uncommon for people in the northeast to send their children to boarding schools, much like the British. Maybe Wanda could ask around to find one that has an opening. Then, she could start a foundation to cover Charles' costs and have Campbell Brown report on it. If each one of us that read this report donated $1, his expenses could be covered.

We can't save them all, but, we can start with saving this one. Maybe boarding schools across the nation could all add just one child to enrollment and save a bunch of kids.

From the reports on Charles, if he can make it past his teens, he'll thrive because he is a self-starter, but, we can help.

For those of you who think he should get a job, he's only 13-14. He can't get a job. It is is grandmother's fault, but, it's not HIS fault. It's a sad story repeated in every town across America.

We need to quit laying blame and looking to any administration to fix the problems. Even if the federal government tries to it, they'll make it worse... we all KNOW this. It's up to us.

Yes, I know thousands of children need help, but this child took the risk to step out in faith. He has faith inside of him. Please don;t be upset with CNN. Be upset with yourself. When, you are trying and trying comes back to you, please don;t give up and give in. It is some special about that child. You don't know and I don't know, the reason why he was on CNN. That reason has a light on it and yes, it is going to shine. That child is going to be highly favor! soon.

I'm an expatriated New Orleanian living in Harrisburg, PA about 8 miles from he Hershey School. I drive past it often on my travels throughout PA. I am willing to help Charles in his quest to go to Hershey. Not sure what I can do but I'm willing to try.

I can't understand how cruel and heartless some people are with some of the comments i'm reading on here. I understand greatly that there are a lot of other people that need help in our country but cnn trying to help one child is bad? Come on what are some of you doing that are talking down this young man woh only wants to better himself for the future. He didn't ask CNN to single him out they took it apon themselves to cover this young amn with a story that involved severe tradgedy and heartache for a Nine year boy. I hope you all see why this world is crumbling before our eyes its not obama its not bush its us as people that dont no the meaning of helping one another or showing compassion. Just give m,e my check and get in my new expensive car and F the rest. Granted some people you just cant help and thats understandable but if we dont at least try and help the few maybe the other thousands can see the effort and follow. One nation right.

I would like to help, tell me what I can do ?

Good God, the boy is what, 14 years old? He's doing what he's supposed to be doing, trying to get a better education. Is it his fault that his family chose to move back to New Orlkeans? Not in the least!

I am shocked by how evil people can be. This individual is a child not an adult.

Hey Joan – pretty low blow! This young man is ONLY 13 years old and you have the gall to admonish him for not working his way out of this situation. Last time I checked, he is well below the legal age to get a job.

We are the worse country regarding human passion. We are no longer respected just on how we treat our own citizens. How can you justify going into another country changing their culture and way of life when you are at bottom of the moral compass. Regardless of race and most of these comments are racially motivated, we are all human beings. Your unpassionate, egotistical, selfish attitude will continue to be the down fall of this country. When you have one of you killing you, it already tells our story to the world. LIke all great nations of the past, America too shall face her doom. It will take those who think they are higher than other to be lower than those they think they're higher than to understand. When Barak Obama became President of US, bigot white folks biggest fear is reverse racism! LOL
That's funny! Afraid to have a spoon full of your own medicine? But to prove that no other race can can be as evil as those who oppressed others by simply offer them peace. This supposedly a country who adhere to Christian values, but if Christ walked the earth, America would not be in favor of Christ!! America does not follow Christ example nor what he taught. I can only pray for the ignorant because ignorant is the culture of Americans.

Thank you Ms. Brown for this update on New Orleans. We don`t hear a whole lot about it here in Canada. I pray that this young man will be helped. He has been identified and singled out. We know that he has a need and I pray that that need will be met. America, like Canada was founded on Christian principles. I pray that we return to those values and help those who are in need. I also pray, that those people who have attitues about helping those who are so unfortunate to be in circumstances beyond their control, never need the help that they are refusing Charles. May God bless America.

GimmeABreak and Joan, you both are damn fools. You have no compassion for anyone. If Charles was a relative, you'd be screaming for CNN to do something. What goes around, comes around. You both will need compassion from someone one of these days and I hope to God you will remember what you said about Charles. There is too much evil in this world.

Its been a little over 4 years now. Katrina evacuees are still getting handouts to this day. Ike hit the Galveston-Houston area a little over 1 year ago and most are off the handouts already. See any difference in the class of people these Hurricanes affected? I do.

Thank you Campbell Brown for reminding us of Charles. He represents thousands in his same position. I am happy to see that he has so much hope and determination left. Keep studying Charles, stay strong and don't let your dreams fade from you for one second.

The United States of America was built using the same spirit this teen has. We've lost a lot of it in the last couple decades.

New Orleans also reminded all of us that in reality the government does not care about most of its common citizens. We spend billions overseas helping others in poverty, but only for political influence and reign so the wealthy can continue making profit.

This article rekindles my spirit and once again I am compelled to contribute my part. Also, thank you Wanda Felton for providing your support to this young man.

Great story. This is a young man who would certainly make a significant contribution to our society if afforded the right opportunities. Hershey School admissions, are you listening??? Grab this boy!

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."~Anne Frank

Hello Campbell,

I sent an email to the admissions office at Milton Hershey School Admissions office to urge them to reconsider and give Charles Evans an opportunity of a lifetime. I included the link to your latest story about Charles Evans with hopes of them reconsidering.

Chris

Joan: November 5th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

"Gee back to square one. I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long."

Marivn's Response:

What an idiotic statement. Let's see you make drinking water out of sewage or better yet let's see you go down to New Orleans and live like most have since Hurricane Katrina. Just write CNN and see if they can set you up with maybe 30 days of this tragic living situation and see how long your insensitive behind can handle being uprooted and placed in a situation where you may come home and your home is gone now you are on the streets, not knowing where your next meal will come from. Now check it! This kids was 9 at the time of Hurricane Katrina, so where in the hell is a………. let's see, let's do the math where in the hell can all can a 13 or 14 year old kid get a job to do as you put it.

Your words
"I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try"

I guess in one of those child labor camps that you must own and defend with no conscience to keep running. Maybe you don't own one, but it's your line of thinking that keep's BS like that thriving not just here in the U.S., but around the world.

Thanks for your comment, but I'm sure most people would have rather you kept your mouth shut.

simply GO to New Orleans!

My company recently held a sales meeting in New Orleans and it was tremendous. Suggest you ask you employer to do the same, or simply take a trip there to see the sights and the undefeated Saints!

Hotels and tourism create jobs – plain and simple. Jobs create schools, hospitals, roads, and law enforcement.

While you are there – do some Christmas shopping too

We need to all pause and thank Joan for her comment. It is so reassuring to know that, whenever our better instincts in this country threaten to take ahold of us, we can depend upon a Republican voice to rise above it all and remind us of reality. Thank you, Joan; you and Brownie are still doing a helluva job.

Two of the negative comments tell Charles to get a job. Charles was 9 years old in Sept 2005. HELLO !!! That makes him 13 years old now. How many of you started a real job at 13? How many of you want YOUR children to just get a job at 13? Charles wants a decent education, a worthy goal, an attitude you want your own children to have. Yet somehow you manage to disparage him. Why? Why are you so mean spirited to a 13 year old who is attempting to plan a better future?

Charles, if I had a bed, and a bedroom to spare, I'd invite you to share my home with my own family. Unfortunately, we're struggling to make ends meet with the resources we've got. Today, it's 52 inside because we're out of propane and broke. However, what I'm trying to say is that there are loads of people out there with simple resources like a bed and bedroom, who live in nice areas, who can help and should. When I was a single mom on welfare while I worked and went to school, I frequently rented places with more room than I needed. I assisted more than 100 kids your age finish school and get to work while providing them with a place to stay and a reference. In this society, we have to look at why we're more interested in chatting online than waving to our neighbors.

His determination is inspiring. Yes there are many unfortunate stories..but I am reading this one. People need to just concentrate on the basics.. faith, love and compassion..without that we are little more than drones. Seems this kid has a good heart and mind and my prayers are with him.

Yeah get a job. How old are you? Thirteen? We don't care. We are pissed off at you and everybody who dares to have something bad happen to them. So your city was trashed because your levee system didn't get proper upgrades and the Corp knew or should have known ten years before the event. Too bad. Why are you living there? Just because 70% of the U.S. population lives near the coast? Just because all your family and friends are there. What are you? Crazy?
Get a job New Orleans and quite whimpering about old news. Can't you see your country has moved on to the next big story. We are tired of you. You make us sad. We don't care how hard the people are working who returned to the city they loved. We don't care how many times the state or the feds lied to you about how things were going to work for the recovery. We want to worry about us and fighting all this change. We hate change. We don't want to be bothered. We don't want to see ourselves in you. You scare us. Get a job– leave us alone. It's your own damn fault.

Some of the people posting are so stupid. If this kind of thing happend in NY and they ordered an evacuation 2 days before. Do you honestly believe EVERYONE would leave their home? Do you think everyone would BE ABLE to leave their home? Espcially since the city was offering NO HELP to those who had NO CAR and NO MONEY to go somewhere else!

And how do you propose a kid get a job when he's trying to simply get an EDUCATION first! It's so easy for people to say do this or that when they don't have the first clue what it's like to live some place where they do not know any way out. Have no support system. Have nothing!

Nobody's trying to put New Orleans back on track. They want to do whatever they can to get rid of the hood and the people that they finally got out of that city. Period! Do you see any other place in america that has had a natural desaster stay in ruins like a major port city like New Orleans has?

GimmeABreak November 5th, 2009 8:54 pm ET

Why should we feel sorry for this kid? His grandmother made the choice to move back to NO...so now the rest of the country should go rescue him and save him from the horrors of the 9th ward? Crap. Get a JOB!!!!

The boy is 13, not at the legal age to get a job you idiot!

I am appalled at the comments of some of the closed minded people who are to selfish to give anything of themselves to another individual in need. This young man truly seems to have tried to help himself and his family from being a child and still now. I've seen plenty of stories about the homes, jobs (none) and devastating conditions still in New Orleans. It is a TRAGEDY when this country will help millions outside of our own borders but will not take care of our own. I don't have much but I would open my door and my home to someone who is down and out and truly making a conscious effort to better themselves in whatever way possible. He is still a kid after all and maybe the people who think he ought to "pull himself up by his boot straps and move on" are the ones who need to grow up! Come to Ohio, Charles, and I will take you in and do what I can to give you an education and a home.

well i can say its good to be good cause no one knows how it will be tomorrow as they say touch some's life to make it better. its nice helping him................

To Joan; I survived hurricane Katrina and "we" were not given as much $$ Financial support as those in other areas; 911 victims get help still to this day. This is a child; and I am an adult who still suffers when the winds blow too hard or the rain storms are strong. This story is just throwing reality in your face and you don't like it. We, America, can help EVERY 3rd world country; why don't we help more here at home.

I live on the Gulf Coast and was here when Katrina hit. Yeah, the government ordered an evac, but that was just a few hours after we were reassured on TV that the hurricane was going a different direction. We were only given a few hours notice to leave and by then it was too late!! How can you run from something when the highways are jammed packed with other people running too!! At the time I had two jobs and still could not afford to leave and stay at a hotel(the nearest opening was over 6 hours away) for several days which turned into weeks and months for some. After the Hurricane hit, the roads into towns were shut down and people were not allowed back home until after the water receded. And the other thing you people don't realize is that in the area where I was, Mississippi Gulf Coast, there was a news outage for days! So no one knew if myself and child were dead or alive! That young man is only 16 years old, so for those of you who keep telling him to get a job, why don't you create one for him? People don't just give away jobs to poor, black men living in the ghetto!! This may be America, but we are talking about the South. And I'm telling you things haven't changed as much as you think! Some of the good ole' boys may be dead, but the mindset is still alive and well down here!!
Some of the people on here need to get out and travel more. You have a very closed mind!!

None of us has gotten where we are solely by pulling ourselves up from our own bootstraps. We got here because somebody bent down and helped us.
-Thurgood Marshall

What is wrong with you people? "Get a job?!" Charles was nine in 2005, which means he's 13 now. I don't know what the laws are where you live in, but here in the South, its illegal for a 13-year-old to work. And why should a 13-year-old have to work to support himself?

God bless you, Charles, and everyone else on the coast. I've been down to NOLA and witnessed the devestation. I've known too many friends and family members who lost everything. We should be talking about it. We should be angry that more progress hasn't been made.

Our country deserted the people of NOLA and the coast when they needed our help. We send billions overseas to help with famine, disease, and disaster relief. This is all good, but why can't we devote more to our own people? Why haven't we provided the resources to the coast to rebuild schools and hospitals and other immediate needs? Hospitals across NOLA sit vacant. Why can't we provide basic resources to our citizens?

This reader Joan, were you not taught math in school? This child is 13 years old! All you can say is what about a job. You make me sick! I have a 13 year old son and couldn't imagine him in this boy's shoes. Granted, we are from Baltimore city and I am a single mom, but a young boy like that with not one person to share the weight of the world! It just makes my heart actually ache. I have nothing but my words to offer, and for that I am truly sorry! I wonder sometimes how people with plenty of money could read things like this and not do all that they were capible of doing. Good Luck Charles! Do not lose your way.

Ashley could not have set it better. What is interesting is of all the efforts from HGTV, Hollywood stars, orginazations ect that have been put into New Orleans and still you hear that it is far from being the city it used to be. From comments it still is ground zero. What are the politicians in New Orleans doing? Are they keeping the movement going and funds coming in to rebuild? One other thing that strikes me is that many people found new citys to live in and started new lives and took avantage of the opportunities other community had to offer yet others who had something going on in a new community still yearned to returned even it meant placing themselves and family in dire conditions again. I think Chares sends a big message and that is there is a big World out there and I want to see it! Do not waddle in pity and be sad because no one is doing anything about New Orleans. Take the move you might be surprised what God may have in store for you

Why is "GET A JOB" repeatedly being spewed at this CHILD? Do you want him to be a drop out? Another statistic? He has not even made it to high school yet. He is only 13 maybe 14 years old tops. Doesn't he have the right to just be a child and try to first get an education? Then he WILL be an employable, contributing citizen; of that I am certain. I remember his precious little face vividly. I too would love to have contact information so that I may contribute to his endeavor to progress. Thank you Campbell Brown for caring! If only more of us would just CARE.

Uhh, GimmeABreak, having reading problems? The story is about a CHILD who was 9 years old in 2004. That means he's a great big grown up 14 now. How many jobs had you held before you were 14? Idiot! His grandmother's decisions were probably based on economics and family support. Where would you be without those little items? Did you expect him to stay alone and take care of himself at age 10? Get an education, and try a walk in someone else's shoes and stop the selfrighteous crap!

Good story, but.......

Why move back to a bad situation in New Orleans? I personally know 3 families that relocated with FEMA assistance. NONE of them said they would ever go back after having gotten out of there.

Charles sounds like a smart, empathetic young man. He should certainly consider the U.S. Military as an option. Educational opportunities abound.

He was 9 in 2005? That makes him wat, 13 or maybe 14. Yeah, call him a loser and tell him to get a job. What horrible heartless people you are!

Gee joan, the kid is only 13 years old. What type of job you expect him to get? Sell drugs, maybe? Give me a break! This is a great story about a young teenager wanting to better his life. And it's people like you Joan, that makes me angry. Instead of telling him to get a job, how about you and the rest of Americans reach out to him and those alike and lend a helping hand. Until you start paying his bills or taking care of him, stop posting comments

I applaud this young man. He hasn't fallen to the easy way out i.e. drugs, crime, not caring. These cynical, cold comments here are safe because of the anonymity the internet allows. I dare everyone of you cynics to look this young man in the eye and tell him to "get a job". Hurricane Katrina was a devastating event that touched many, many lives mine included. In this day and age of immediate satisfaction, too many people believe that long time is two weeks. Yes, there were many systematic faliures that accompanied this storm but don't damn the ones who still live there and are trying to do the right thing. This young man is not playing victim. He is doing the American thing: he's pulling up his boot straps and helping himself.

God forbid any of you cynics one day may need help. Don't expect anyone to help you in your time of need. Charles Evans WAS A CHILD when his grandmother moved him back!! He is doing everything he can to better himself. I for one, would help him in an instant.

So to you perfectionists, continue to sit behind your computer screens, continue to be an internet tough guy, continue to spout self righteous banter and just continue to SIT and do nothing but complain. That's just what this country needs.

Achieve your dreams Charles Evans and may New Orleans rise up and prove everyone wrong.

GimmeABreak – Did you (or can you) even read the article? In 2005, Charles was 9 years old. If you can add, that only makes him 13 or 14 now. How many 13 or 14 year olds are working and taking care of themselves?

Hey, I feel sorry for this young man but let me tell you that Waveland, Mississippi was almost wiped off the map and everyone seems to have forgotten that. Katrina made a direct hit on this area, New Orleans, La suffered levee failure. I know people who were hanging on trees because their houses washed away. So please let us set our priorities straight. I know a whole family who drowned, CNN seems to have forgotten about the Gulf Coast and so has the President of the United States.

People like "GimmeABreak" is what is wrong with this country today. I mean you see a young man trying and wanting to do better, but you have people posting all of this negative crap. I wish that all of the negative posters could live one day in someone else's shoes. Just because you have what you need now doesn't mean that you will have it later. I wish they would experience disaster like Katrina. We all could need a helping hand at any given time and to turn your back on people..Americans...and just say dumb crap like "Get a Job"...that's your answer? People of Louisiana need to rise up against the state gov there and vote out all of the people who are blocking progress....Louisiana has been in trouble long before Katrina. Jindal doesn't seen to be doing anything to help the people in his state. I don't have alot, but I would like to help this young man in any way I possibly can. I am sick and tired of the attitude that because it doesn't personally affect you, you shouldn't care. That is not the spirit of America...we should be way better than that. When I see this young man I see someone who wants to do something with his life. What do you think Jesus would do? What can I do to help?

"Get a JOB!!!!"
First, he's fourteen. He has no control over what his guardian does or does not do nor does he really have the means to get a job in a place like New Orleans as it is (especially considering the fact that he's fourteen). Which is really the crux of the matter. I think many of the commenters before me are correct: What happened to our sense of community? Are we supposed to drop them because they are poor? Or because they make up a huge sectionality of black culture? There is no reason that we can't feel compassion for the people of New Orleans and unfortunate CHILDREN that happen to be effected by the tragedy. I'm pretty sure Mrs. Brown did not do a story so that we could throw a pity party for Mr. Evans. Rather, I feel like this story needed to be done so that the conscious of Americans doesn't forget about what happened in New Orleans. It's so easy to forget about it if you're so distant from it but the people there get to live with the destruction day in and day out. This goes for the people in other cities in LA and MS and AL and FL.
"A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step." Why can't we take the same approach to helping the children of natural disasters that have no other recourse? Would it kill us to care just a little bit? Would it kill us to abandon a little self interest?
-Justine

To all those that keep saying, Get a JOB!, if you could only count. This child is only 13 years old( 9 in 2005 + 4 years to 2009). How many children in the USA should have to support themselves or their families at the age of 13. This child spoke beyond his years during a horrible situation. He didn't just sit and wait for help he went after it at the very young age of 9. His heart went to others, which many of you do not. It's nice to say all of these negative things when you sit in a warm home that is insured and will be replaced when a tragedy strikes. Do your children have to work to improve their living situation at 13,14,15 or 16? I am sure this child will go to work and do all he can when he is of age. Let this intuitive child get an education to help him make sure that his future is better and never to live in destitute conditions. I know the economy has hit many people and their lives are much less than they ever imagined. Does that mean we turn our backs on CHILDREN that are in bleak situations that they have no control over? I am sure with any opportunity that is shown to him this child will blossom and make all that he can of it. I pray he does not give up on his future and is given the chance to be the productive and exceptional citizen he shows he was meant to be.

How can I help?

I dont know how people can write some of these things below. i really do hope he gets into the school. He deserves it.

Tell me the difference, a big storm rolls in and you lose your home your job, your displaced and have no hope without help from someone a little more fortunant.
Does this not sound like exactly whats going on today? Lose your house to the bank, your lose your job and health insurance, you lose everything you own, you run out of unemployment benifits and you don't have acess to welfare to help feed your family
TELL ME WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? Katrina happened over night.
Our economy is dragging the nation thru these bad times in a slow and agonizing and painful way.
Lets face it, life deals us all mountains and vallies, We are rarley on top forever and we are rarely on bottom forever. Most of the time we make our own breaks.
We take what life deals us and how we handle these situations and tragedies is what makes us who we are

Some of you are so insensitive and I pray for you because as God giveth so shall he taketh away. You may be blessed with finances and material things but those things can be easily taken away. Ask the victims of Hurrican Rita and Katrinia. Ask the victims of Madoff and Stanford. God said to feed the hungry and clothe the poor. I am a victim of Hurricane Rita but I am one of the fortunate ones. I over came with a strong family and faith. God is good. For those of you who were making the ugly comments remember that you reap what you sow. When you are down wouldn't you want someone to lend you a hand. Life will not always give you a bed of roses. When it gets rough, how will you sustain. Think before you speak because one day it could be you.

sometime we need to think before we open our mouths. children are a gift from GOD and we just want the BEST for all of them not just yours but for all. when we talk about kids always look out side the glass charles may well be your family. we can all pray he as a way out. think ten years from now he may very well end up has your son- in -law. be BLESS :}

He is 13! How is he supposed to get a job to support himself??? People should have a little more sympathy.

This is crazy why are we the Gov't still trying to pick up the pieces to people who can but won't do for themselves? I was a victim of horrible flooding that swept thru the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and West Virginia back in 1985 my family like most others in the area suffered terrible losses our home was filled with water, our barn and most of the tools and parts Dad used for his buiness was washed away. Did we set around waiting the the Gov't to give us a new start, hell NO we did it ourselves neighbors helped neighbors we did not ask or expect help from the Gov't we recovered by our own blood sweat and determination. It is way past the time to pull all federal funding, FEMA trailers and the like out of there and force the citizens to make do for themselves... since when did this country turn from being doers to sitting around with our hands out waiting for someone to do for us. Wake up America! No owes you anything, It is up to each of us to pick ourselves up when we are down and move forward.

Kudos Brandon!!! You took the words right out of my mouth. What part of "MANDATORY EVACUATION" did they not understand. They stayed behind on their on will..... Stop blaming the government on the aftermath of Katrina. Blame the people that ignored the mandatory evacuation.

We will gladly take Charles into our home. We live in PA and my husband works for Hershey Medical Center. If anyone is reading this that knows a way for me to contact this young man and offer him a loving family (licensed foster home with ALL background clearances as well!) We would give him a fresh start he is looking for and help him get into the Milton Hershey School! CONTACT US, please!

Joan....he's a teenager for Christ's sake!

A little bitter are you? You should be ashamed to have even posted your comment. Get a grip on your emotions and tell whoever took your dolly to give it back. Haven't you ever been told that if you don't have something nice to say then don't say anything? Well....consider yourself told.

You are a disgrace.

Being currently active in offering aid to victims of natural disasters, our organization has met a good number of people from New Orleans and Galveston. The common theme from everyone is that they not be forgotten. I believe this to be true of anyone that has lived through any type of natural disaster that takes your daily life & routine from you. While everyone has an opinion, until you see and meet the people, you have no idea what it is really like. What I took from Campbell's story is that we should all get involved, at some level to help improve the lives of anyone that needs our help. It only takes one!

Did you really just tell a child to get a job and get himself out of New Orleans? Exactly what did you do for yourself at 14? I'm sure you were running your own chain of successful business and curing cancer.....

I applaud this kid for not giving up and trying every angle he can to get out of his situation. Learning to fight for what you want that early will only do him good. I wish him luck. In a time where people everywhere are down and out, this kid could probably teach a great deal of people a thing or two on hope.

This is in response to Joan's response. She indicated he should get a job. He's only 13 years old. Get your facts straight before you make such a disgusting comment. And CNN, please use all your connections to get this child where he belongs....the school in Hershey. He will be a viable and valuable asset to society given the opportunity that the school could provide. Just look at what he has achieved on his own and just think of the contributions he will make in the future, just given the chance

the 9th Ward is no place for a child. Its his family that's holding him back. He had a nice stable place to live beccause of Ms. Felton, but his grandmother just had to go back, even though it was going to be a hardship on her grandson. I applaud Ms. Felton, but there is only so much she can do since she is not his guardian. Hopefully though, Charles can still get out.

OMG Joan are you serious? You have no empathy. He's a kid for Gods sake. I feel more sorry for you than I do him. At least he has common sense.

Joan regarding your comment:
Gee back to square one. I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long.

~~~~~
Clearing your reading comprehension skills need some work. Did you not read he is a teen? Should he quit school and look for work? It's cold heartless people like yourselves that ruled the country at the time of the Katrina disaster. And yes, they were victims, victimized by the country they call home.

GimmeAbreak, keep your mouth shut and no one will know how stupid you are; people will only speculate, but you had to confirm it now didn't you?

I got an idea !!! Bend down and pick up the garbage seen in the picture and put it in a contractor bag. That goes for everyone in the neighborhood. What is so hard about that. If you start with taking pride in the place you live, other things just fall into place.

to all of you telling him to get a job........
the child is thirteen unable to work yet.
Great story, keep sticking by his side. I hope he gets into the school.

Campbell, how can we help Charles? Please let us know, okay? I think there are lots of people like me who would like to help this young man. I vividly remember him from those terrible days right after Katrian – I didn't know what had become of him. Thanks, Gayle.

Charles should apply to Happy Hill Farm Academy near Glen Rose, TX. A wonderful boarding school for underpriviledged children.

To Joan who thinks he should support himself and everyone else who said "Get a job," THE KID IS 13 YEARS OLD. Are you daft? How can you expect that of a young kid who's priority should be to stay in school and graduate?

If we could divert just ONE of the billions of dollars that are going over seas, so many of these children could have their lives turned around and families could be saved. We need to rethink our priorities and start taking better care of our own before we worry about changing other countries.

Most of these comments are ridiculous and sad. What the heck does President Obama have to do with this? He wasn"t even in office at the time. @ Brandon who said they should have evacuated, HELLO did you ever stop to think that they didnt have the means to leave? Without money you cant fill your gas tank, hey you might not even have a car. The poorest areas were hit the hardest, I doubt that any of them could just hop on a plane. I am so disappointed and disgusted with you guys. Have a nice life and lets hope tragedy never strikes you and your loved ones.

Joan says: I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long. Do the math Joan. He was nine in 2005, he's a thirteen year old kid who wants to do better for himself. Jeez, try a little compassion.

Are we really this insensitive to where we can't even read a story of someone in need without passing judgment? Really? This is where we're at as people? Amazing... Do you think what YOU think really matters to this young man or will make a difference in his life TODAY? All he want is an opportunity to live a better life. Show some compassion people! He is still a child and we're so quick to throw our kids out like garbage & then wonder why we have a generation of kids floating around in a destructive state of mind with no hope... When was the last time you took a trip to New Orleans? How about visiting FIRST and then make a comment on how you think someone should better their lives living in the 9th Ward. I know times are hard and everyone wants Obama to fix something in a YEAR that took Bush, I don't know 8 years to jack up, but let’s be realistic. We will never rise & become “that” great nation again if we continue down this road of being a selfish society. Everyone needs a hand in these trying times, period!
Charles – keep your head up! You stay strong & focus and don't allow anyone to steal your dreams...

I am utterly disgusted by some of the comments here. Especially you, GimmeABreak. If you had read the article, you would notice that at the time of Katrina, Charles was only 9 years old. Today that would make him 13, maybe 14 at best. And you say "Get a JOB!!!" First of all, there are adults in our country with masters degrees that cannot find a job, what on earth makes you think that it will be any easier for a CHILD to find a job. In addition, how can you hold this child responsible for the decisions that the adults in his life made. And Charles, if you are able to read these comments, I want you to know that it takes an immense amount of maturity to recognize at your age that you want a better life. PLEASE, never give up on your dreams. You can do whatever you want to do with your life, and you are choosing to take a step in the right direction. Your family has raised you well, and I wish you nothing but the absolute best in life. You have given every child just like you a voice, and perhaps that will motivate the rest of America to work towards providing a better future for you and other children.

Typical of the liberal media. He is a victim because he chooses to be.....you all (Brown & CNN) are just perpetuating his choice to be a victim. He's 19 years old....if he wanted out, he'd get a job, earn some money, buy a bus ticket and LEAVE. He is not looking to earn his way in this world, he is looking for someone that will hand him everything.

This story breaks my heart, because he wants a way out and needs help but no one is willing to give him that opportunity.. Sometime you just have to take a chance on someone else besides your self b-c at the end of the God will lead the way. Coming from where i come from i know how hard it is to get out of an area you want to leave. You need the finances and family help. But fortunately for me I had a older sister who took my hand and help me get out of the way. And now i'm thankful I'm out of LOUISIANA....

JOAN SAYS:
Gee back to square one. I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long.
---------------------------

What do you mean work to support himself? He's only 13 idiot!!!!

I commented on here yesterday and may have received a response that went to junk mail that I deleted.

My comment: How can I help? Is his family open to allowing him to be fostered in another state?

Please contact me.

Hang in there Charles! Hopefully the Hershey school will see your application and realize you have the skill and determination to succeed. Don't give up. There's a whole world out there waiting to meet a wonderful person like you.

Anybody who dares poke at this young man is an idiot. Having his story told means there are more people like him trapped in the same quicksand. Yes his grandmother made a wrong move and he is the one getting punished. You say get a job? Millions of adults cannot get a job today and he is simply trying to get into a school and you say get a job? He is a child surrounded by a situation he cannot control. The least we can do is spread the story and other stories like his. We are spending billions of dollars helping Iraqis and Afghans, people that are kiiling us yet we poke at this young man for trying. I sure hope he does not read some of the inbred comments on this story. He deserves better than this. Forget the adults around him. This is about Charles! If you don't get it, you won't get it.

After reading the negative comments above re this lovely young boy, a total victim of circumstance, I am so glad I am Canadian (for sure not a perfect country – I'll take 'boring' and whatever other comments you care to throw around) rather than admit to being from a country that is undeniably the greatest in so many ways but harbours such cold-hearted, callous citizens such as those expressing their views here. Good thing the story wasn't actually asking for their help if they could not even bring themselves to show this young man a little compassion. I really hope that if he reads these comments he can see past the moronic musings of more (sadly) than a few and focus on those that wish him nothing but the best. Good luck Charles. Peace.

This was a very interesting story. I agree there are a lot of comments on here that are not only cruel, but ignorant!! Yes, we have lots of people who are suffering hard times throughout the US, but if EACH person were to just help ONE person.... Can you imagine if we were to give unselfishly towards helping one another, problems such as these would not be so high in numbers. Money is not the only way to make a difference either, so get over yourselves!! Providing job training, education, money management, and countless types of training can and will go a mighty long way. Do not assume that someone is living in poverty stricken conditions because they want to. Some people are working two minimum waged jobs and still fighting to keep their heads above water. Yes, many were warned about Katrina, but if you barely have transportation to get to point A to point B, why is it that we expected everyone to be able to leave for the sake of Katrina? Those who were able to were blessed to ,however those who were unable to could have been the few that asked for rides, but were turned away because some people were more concentrated on saving themselves than themselves and others!
Charles keep your head up and keep striving to be the best that you can possibly be!! I myself would have been a statistic if I allowed society to label what my successes and failures were to be, but I STRIVED to be the type of person who could serve as an example of many coming after me!

The 9th ward Katrina "victims" were given tons of help. For example, $2,000 debit cards. They used them to buy big screen t.v.'s then complained that it was too big for their trailors. Then they wondered why they had no silverware to eat with. They were given tons of donations and then turned around and reaked havoc on the very same people helping them. Murder rates increased drastically in every city that they went to. Obviously, they don't want out of their 9th ward lives. Being a burden to society is what they live for.

Let's not forget that this is a 13 year old child. Screaming for him to get a job is just like telling him to drop out of school at that age.

I was there, I went through Katrina, I was displaced (still am) but I made it through it. I did not do it completely on my own though. I had help from FEMA, Redcross, and friends. So yes, It is possible to make it. However, this is a child and from what has been written here, he is child with very little guidance or help.

We as a people spent 30 times the amount of money on bank bailouts as we did to help an entire city. Complain about that, not some child struggle to get out of the ghetto...

GimmeABreak...did you have a job at 13...it's not even legal in the USA....So give us all a break!

For Joan and "The Sign",

Remember we all reap what we sow... and by the way you both think, I hope you are both on your knees daily praying that your life isn't affected through no fault of your own...

Approximately 15 million people are out of work...

Let us go to the HOUSE OF GOD----I am assuming that one of the prolific preachers has read this article. Several offerings every sunday---prosperity message preached frequently--–informing the congregation how they are triply blessed---–be a blessing to a child of GOD.tAKE THIS YOUNG MAN UNDER YOUR WINGS , even if it means one car, plane etc less.You preachers do as GOD COMMANDED you----he blessed you so that you can be a blessing to other people.

To Joan and all you other idiots who obviously have not really read this story: This is a child of 13. How on earth is a child of 13 supposed to get a job to support himself? And don't give me any of that "back in the day" or "when I was a kid". We are talking about NOW. TODAY. Do you honestly expect a child to work of 13 to support himself? How? Where? A child of 13 isn't even allowed – by law – to work full time. Think before you post, people!!

GimmeAbreak and Joan, the kid is 14 years old! If grown folks with education can't "get a job and support" themselves, how do you think this kid will fare? Let's not be so insensitive to the plight of others!

To Joan:
Do you live in Louisiana? If not how can you even say what you have said. This was a tragic for our state and these kids deserve better. Oh by the way where we are from you have to be 16 to get a job. If you would have read the article you would realize this kid is only 13 and can not get a job to support himself but I'm sure if he could he would. Just imagine if this were you and your family would you be so judgemental....I think not.

Do your math, it says he was 9 years old in 2005. That makes him 13 or 14 now depending on his b-day. Should he have to get a job to support himself? NO, He needs to go to school! Some of these comments make me sick. I wish the best for him!

You people are so cynical... i have to assume that you have never been involved in a disaster that has displaced and killed so many people. You are blaming Obama for this young man's misfortune, when this disaster clearly happened during the Bush administration.
I hope when your turn comes when you are in dire need of assistance someone will show you the very same comments you have made on this blog. Some of you are so chicken that you would never have the nerve so say these thoughts out loud, that's why you hide your ignorance on sites such as this..

Has anyone done the math? Katrina happened in 2005 this child was 9 years old. It is now 2009 that means this child is only 13 maybe 14 years old. How would this child get a job? Why is Campbell speaking of only Charles...maybe his story touched her the most. People broaden your mind. We are talking about helping a child not an adult. Had this been an adult I would agree with some comments regarding getting a job and taking responsibility for their life, but this is a child someone that has depend on adults so why not help this child?
Wolf B Obama didn't sink the economy Bush did.

First of all, I would like to say that I agree since you singled this young man out Campbell, who seems determined to try to make it, why don't you get with CNN and help him. It is just one person whose life you can make a difference in. So please, do whatever you can. It is times like this when you know someone wants to do better and not become a statistic that you should help if you can. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to help anyone myself. Trust me, if I could I certainly would.

As for the lady (Joan) who made the negative comment about this young man. Obviously she did not read that he was 9 years old when Hurricane Katrina hit, which means he is probably only 13 or 14 now. Can't get a job until he is 16....do the Math...if you can! People should stop being so critical and help these people who are asking for help so that you don't have to worry about being their next robbery victim. If you have nothing positive to say, then maybe you should STAY IN BED!

Good luck to Charles, please don't give up. Keep praying and never forget God has your back, even when you think HE has forgotten.

I'm happy that this YOUNG boy is crying out and I'm glad that Wanda and so many others are listening! We don't choose the circumstances that we are born into. Yes, it's sad that his grandmother returned to what was familiar, but that's not Charles's fault. Besides all of the angry comments ("Get a Job"), there is great LOVE in the others. Thank God for people like Wanda who showed Charles that life is so much better than the ninth ward! This young boy WILL survive because he has the WILL to survive!

I am so thankful to Valerie,Kim,Jillian,Former Republican and Raysor 725 for already addressing the stupidity and cold heart of Wolf B and Gimme a break. Therefore, I will direct my comments to the person or persons asking that they please submitt infomation on how I can help this precious young man and how I can send items he needs on a day to day basis. Please let me help! This will be a great way for my sons who have enough to reach out and help someone else by giving up what they receive and passing it on to Charles. Charles could use some penpals his own age. Get me the info please on how to reach Charles.

Charles if you happen to read this message I want to enocurage you to keep fighting, call on the name of JESUS and HE deliver YOU. Don't you give up or give in! Press forward! Keep your hope ALIVE! Find strenghth in the WORD OF GOD! I am praying for you that the opportunities you need will come. In the mean time read every book you can find starting with a dictionary. Teach yourself until you reach the classroom. I love you!

Joan you are a true IDIOT. This is a child we are talking about. To tell him to get a job to support himself is truely heartless and wrong of you to do. I tell you had a horrible childhood.

Ignorance is an opportunity to teach or learn.

Less critcism, more love. He was 9 when this started and if my math is right he's now 13 so the comments about him getting a job aren't really logical now are they?

Campbell, thanks for the story. It's unfortunate whenever a story of
an african american male that's trying his best to survive in this world,
the real hate comes forward. This young boy is just 13 and we have
people saying to get a job and survive on his own, just sad!!

I think it is truly heartbreaking to know that we live in a country that can help other countries when they experience disaster, yet here it is Americans in need of help and nothing is being done to assist them. So far, the only thing that has been done is the government has thrown a few bread crumbs here and there and left these people to fend for themselves. What kind of country can send millions of dollars to people who don't even like us, and not help the ones who live next to us. Come on America, wake up. Some of these people who are affected by this disaster could grow up to make decisions for us when we are older, and won't that be tragic if we don't prepare them to make the right ones?

All these people telling him to "get a job" - He is only 13 years old for heaven's sake. What he needs now is an education. It is so easy sometimes to be judgemental. If we only would help one person, then we would be one step closer to eliminating hunger and homelessness in the world - it starts in our own back yard.

why doesn't Wanda Felton adopt him and take him to New York.? I would but I live in Canada

In response to some of the post-This kid is 13 years old. Wanting to get an education is HIS job and HE wants to do it. There is nothing in this story that suggest he is playing a "victim". He is a kid that sees that the life around him has obstacles and he is trying to look for away to give him the opportunities he can so HE gets HIMSELF out of a cycle of despair! He was 9 years old and pointing out conditions rather than looting and other things people did.

It's so disheartening to read comments such as those made by "gimmeabreak" and a few others. You people have obviously encountered some tough times in your lives that have calloused you to the point of having no compassion for people in need. Charles is a CHILD... yes, a teenage child, but nonetheless, a CHILD. "Get a job"... what kind of job do you expect Charles to get, without any training, and being under the age of 18? He needs to graduate from highschool, and go on to either a techical school or college, where he can secure a better life for himself. How dare you blame Charles for his grandmother's actions! He is a minor, and unfortunately poor choices on his grandmother's behalf have become his problem.

Charles – I see what many other people on this post see – and that is that you have spark about you, and a will to survive. Keep your faith and know that there are people nationwide rooting to see you thrive!

I agree with MA Jones' comment. Since he has been singled out by CNN, why can't a way be made. It would be nice.

This article was great. I know tragedy has touched many of us in so many different ways all over the country. It is sad that such tragedies have to touch our lives before we want to help one another. For some, these tragedies are sitting on our front porch and we aren't even aware. There are so many Charles' in our country and by telling this one story, I hope we as Americans can see in our hearts that Charles is our future and we can not forget that nor can we sweep it under a rug and think we will not trip over that bump one day. Whether you like it our not when you are gone from this world there will still be a Charles standing their next to your child. My goal is to make it a better place for my children. I don't have much but I can give some of my time to help in any way; through volunteering in my OWN community. New Orleans is not close to me but I see families and children heading down the wrong path every day. I don't feel sorry for him but I feel his pain. He didn't ask to live in New Orleans nor did he ask to endure all that he did during Katrina. Remeber he was only 9. He didn't want to go back to that place and well because he is a child, he didn't have any other options. You say get a job, however, their are children out there who are not old enough to work or lack the education to seek employment. These children go out and get illegal jobs to feed their families. They are standing on the corner selling crack and meth to your children and then you want to point the finger at them. This is the problem. Stop it here! Stop it now! Educate yourself and others. I agree New Orleans is not the only place that has been affecting by devastation. Wake up and get off your lazy hump and do something in YOUR community or a community near you. At least try to make it a better place. Get up from behind your computer and do something. Read a book to a child who has never had a book of their own, let alone been in a library outside of school. Do something about it. I will if you will.

GOD WILL BLESS YOU CHARLES AND Y0U WILL START A NEW LIFE.

GIMMEABREAK Hopefully you are not a parent and never will be ONE. Your bitterness and hateful comments are RIDICULOUS!!!!!! And I can guest just how successful you are.!!!! By the way how are things at 99 cent store? We are all praying that you get that head cashier position. What a Winner, you keep up the great work. OH one MORE thing, I would like for you to GIVE ME A BREAK’’’’’’’’’ I AM PRAYING THAT YOU WILL WALK CHARLES'S SHOES.

This is in reference to Joan's comment below: "Gee back to square one. I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long."

- This comment is outrageous...did you ever think he wasn't old enough to work? Ignorance is definitely a sickness, please educate yourself! If he was 9 five years ago then he is only 14 possibly 15 and in this economy adults can hardly find employment. Victims of Katrina were treated worse then citizens in third world countries during times of war or devastation. I believe that there is something that CNN can do to help. If not the school in Pennsylvania, there has to be others.

How sad to see how many people can read a story like this and come to different conclusions. One poster said that this young man should be looking for a job, he is only about 14 years old now. Were you looking for a job when you were 14? probably not. As a Katrina survivor that lost everything but was fortunate enough to pull through because I had insurance, I have sympathy for this young man and all victims of disasters. There are too many mean-spirited and vile people that just have to be negative because that is all that they know. Put the blame where it really lies, a President that was too slow to react to this disaster, and did not send in the necessary help until it was too late. "you're doing a good job brownie".

I would like to see the story continue and show what the impact of highlighting this child's plight accomplished. I would like to know what happened to all the millions of dollars that was contributed to the victims of Katrina. Is all the money accounted for and is it all gone? Is money still coming in? How was the money used?

Where are his parants ? Maybe a good place to start with fixing his life should begin at ground zero. Punish people who abandon their children to the jungle. Take away all benifits to people who do not take care of their kids...and take their kids away also.
Seems like a nice enough young man.

You are bound to suffer when you are stupid enough to live so close to the ocean in a hurricane zone, in a city built below sea level. Why do you expect the rest of the country to keep rescuing you from your own folly !

To all that responded in a negative way, This is American and we
should help all that in need. It is not that boy fault to be born in
a poor enviornment. How dare you tell him to get a job. "where"
Also, New Orleans is not filled with lazy peoples it is a poor State
with high unenemployment and lacking funds to build. So take a look
in your own back yard before you point fingers of righteousness.

Ms Brown,

As a successful single mom I would love to see Charles complete his formal education and become a US tax payer. How can I be of help?

Yes he does need a way out please don't give up. I'm an adult and he's a child, he's had it so much harder than me. My family is still struggling behind Katrina. But when you have people who take advantage of the system it hurts those who are in need. There are people in MS, AL, LA that lied and stole money that could have help others. But with God I know I will make it and so will this young man. We have to keep the faith. I went back to New Orleans to visit I hate to say but they need to shut it down. It will never recover. It breaks my heart to read these cold comments. Why can' t we cover one another in prayer. I needed help but I fought, cried kicked and plowed through. This young man is not equipped. I feel a lot of the people got use to living off the system. Learn from this and make your own way or you will feel trapped. The system will fail you it's temporary not long or life long. Be blessed

Charles Made Throught By Grace Of God I Think That Charles Has
Change To Let People Know And World That He Can Do All Things Throught Christ That Strenght Him.Please Give Him A Change So That Let Others Know That They Can Make It Throught With Hope
God Bless You Charles

I was born and grew up in New Orleans and I am still sad to see what has happened to that city. I find it distressing than no one has come forth to offer this boy a home or to adopt him and support his future. New Orleans was in dire straits before the storm as everyne knows.The storm only brought it to light. There is a lot more out there than staying in the ninth ward of the city and this boy knows it so helphim find a better world. This city is a pearl that has been left on the bottom to disappear into the marshes when another storm hits. It isn't about being lazy or not wanting a job. It is about a system that has been bad since the city wasa formed. So if you are a racist as some of these comments indicate, change your ways and help another human being. If you are a liberal, put your mney where your mouth is and help this boy. If you can put yourself in his shoes for a minute, you will see the strength of this boy and how he has had to live and this should make you want to help him. The city can't.

Why is it that all of you have such harsh comments on this young man? I understand that it is hard times we're facing, but come on. Perhaps if this was a white peson, you all would show little more compassion, you racists. How about that, huh? It is people like you and all your negativity that have this beautiful country messed up. Ya'll do anything to make a good thing bad not matter what the cost is. You all should get a life, intead of blaiming other people! By the way, you all should be thankful Obama is the president, he's the best ya'll ever get, suckers!

People have to help themselves FIRST. Why don't you (Brown) do a report on the 100's of Thousands of Katrina virtums who have "Gotten back on their feet, under their own steam or with the help of Gov assistance" and are back to normal.
Seems that is this case, the Grandmother should be the one being held responsible.
Seems there are lots of New Orleans residents and POLITICANS who seem to think Katrina happened yesterday and have their hands out. But are not helping them selves.

Enough is Enough, call it Tough Love. After all these years, Katrina is NO LONGER as excuse.

First, I resent the fact the my email is required. To think that it will not be displayed somewhere is a lie. The so called "victims" of Katrina are really not victims. The fact of the matter is, is that the majority of these people are known criminals, thiefs, drug dealers, child molesters, and basically lazy people. What happened to them was deserved because of their lifestyle. They deserved to get hit by the storm.

Does he know why he wasn't accepted at the PA school?

Seriously, "get a job"???
This kid is THIRTEEN YEARS OLD. There have been two comments telling Charles to solve his problems by getting a job. I agree that many of these hurrican victims did not have to be. But Charles had no control over 1) being able to evacuate or 2) having to move back. He deserves some compassion. Granted, he could do small odd jobs but that would not be enough to move his grandmother and himself out of there. Plus, he should be able to focus on building a strong educational foundation that will allow him to make changes WHEN HE IS OLD ENOUGH.

"You people are SICK. Katrina victims were NEVER given the proper support or assistance for that AMERICAN tragedy. This recession/depression could NEVER NEVER NEVER be equivalent to losing your home, your family members and being displaced to a completely DIFFERENT STATE and STILL STRUGGLING. YOU ALL SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES. People like you I wonder if YOU all could survive such a travesty and still listen to sorry folks like you be so judgmental and SELFISH."

I was a Katrina victim. Although things could have been done better I am reasonably happy with the help I got. The difference between me and others is that I spent 40 hours a week looking for work after Katrina. Since I received extended unemployment benefits I could be choosy about the jobs I applied for. I ended up with a better job else where.

It is all about making lemonade out of lemons, not whining and asking for more than you truly need.

GimmeABreak,

Charles is 13 or 14 yrs old. How the heck is he suppose to get a job??!! If any of us "fortunate" people were EVER in this situation, it would be a whole different story and attitude. Everyone needs to think of it as this could be them one day. American human beings need to help more than we do. Everyone needs to step up! Kudos to Campbell and Wanda Felton. Hang in there Charles..."All things are possible, if you believe" Mark 9:23

As I read these negative comments, my head shakes in anguish, wondeing how a human being can be so stupid, this young man is crying out for help, because he wants something better for his life, you tell him get a job, don't you think if there was any jobs there the other people living there would have one, and he could be in school getting his education, no they did not do the Katrina victims right, and to this day they are still struggling, but if they were blue eyed with blonde hair it would have been a different situation. And these people (white) kill me talking about the economy and wanting to blame it in President Obama, Bush the one who got us in this situation that's who you should be mad at.

Joan, if my math is correct, Charles is 13! How can you say he needs to work to support himself? He cannot legally work until he is 16. Do you suggest he sell his body or sell drugs? I came from the "ghetto" and I now have a family and child and live in the suburbs and work in corporate America. I am as conservative as one can be when it comes to pulling ones self up by their bootstraps, but Joan, even I can see that a 13 year old has no such choices. Come down off your high horse Joan and offer a better solution than insisting a 13 year old work to support himself when the state doesn't allow children under 16 to work!

I totally agree with MA Jones. He wants so much to make something of himself and succeed. Please do something to help this optimistic young man. Great, touching story !

Everyone whose comments involve "get a job" (I'm talking to you, Joan and GimmeABreak) need to remember that this boy is FOURTEEN YEARS OLD. How about instead of complaining about how people expect handouts from the government, you get up and HELP someone yourself? You don't want the government taking care of people? Fine, me neither– so let's put the government out of this business by taking care of people ourselves. Where is your kindness? Where is your compassion? This is not a twenty-something deadbeat who's never worked and doesn't support his seventeen children: this is a CHILD, a child who's seen that there's more to the world than what New Orleans can offer him, and who's willing to work hard to get ahead. You should all be ashamed of yourselves; when did your hearts grow so cold that you can't even spare a few positive thoughts for a child who's lived through absolute devastation?

Campbell- Thank you for sharing.
Joan- Supporting himself? Did you read the article? He is 13.

You people who are negative; are heartless, inconsiderate and THANK GOD! You REALLY don't matter. Because, the world is filled with so many wonderful people who care and are willing to help. When you help others, it becomes a domino effect and that person grows and is willing to help others. It works!
I pray that this young man gets the help that he needs.

Hello all of you! Ebony, you have a heart of gold and I agree with your words and your compassionate heart towards the reality of the situation. I pray everyday for all of us and for our enemies too, so that we may all find peace one day. I agree that the flood was horrible and that the help was not there fast enough and there was never enough of it to begin with. Maybe those with more can just on occasion give a hand to those in need. The reward of seeing someone smile is so worth the effort. Life is Hard. Any yes, haters and judgers are simply not needed in this world!
<3 to my common brothers and sisters!

It grieves me to hear so much ignorance. First, Charles was 9 in 2005 so how much older can he be now, so I doubt if they have many jobs in New Orleans for a 14/15 year old. Appearantly, his grandmother is his guardian and where she goes, Charles go. I can remember the day that I saw Charles on the news and thought, "he has more sense than an adult". I often wondered what happened to him, so I thank you for the update. I hope Charles continue to push forward and don't become encourage (ESPECIALLY BY THE STUPID REMARKS BEING MADE - IF HE IS READING THIS). And if the opportunity presents itsefl again for him to move away from New Orleans (when he is OF LEGAL AGE to make his on decision) I hope he takes it and run with it. I pray that Charles find that light at the end of the tunnel. DON"T GIVE UP!!

Get on with your life and stop using Katrina for an excuse. What did you use as an excuse before Katrina?

Congratulations to Ms. Brown for keeping us mindful of others.

At most, this young man is 14 years of age. How many jobs can he acquire? I'm checking out "Impact your world", any others?

I cannot abide by what I read here today . Charles Evans was a kid who watched his life get blown away by a natural disaster and then had that compounded by a catastrophic lack of response. Honestly when a couple of undergrads from Duke and Sean Penn can make it into NO and begin to render aid ahead of FEMA or the National Guard there is a real problem in how we help our own citizens. I was in NO last year and it is still on the mend and slowly at that . Truth be told NO will never be the same again. As to people like Wolf B and GimmeAbreak , hate will not solve the problems we face as a nation only make them more difficult to solve. And Charles you will find the strength and wisdom to be whatever you choose to be , never doubt that my brother , never . Namste.

"I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long."
Stop and do the math! Charles was 9 years-old when the levees failed. That means he is most likely 13 or 14 right now. The quoted comment is beyond stupid. 13 and 14 year olds should be in school not working to support themselves.
As for 'victims' yes the people of South LA, including Charles, are victims of theUS Army Corps of Engineers, victims of the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, victims of corporate and insurance fraud. These 'victims' are now survivors. Charlie is a survivor. He is fighting everyday to improve his life and has been doing so at least since he was 9 years old. Have some respect for a child that has been through more than most Americans will go through in their entire lives.

GimmeABreak–this is all his grandmother knows (N-O)'s the LOWER Nineth Ward...that's why she wanted to return, she doesn't know anything outside of the kind of LIFE she's always LIVED which was in HELL.

It's like having TERMINAL CANCER and being content with it...

I just returned from a vacation to New Orleans. All I can say is everyone should go...truly a city of "haves and have nots". OPRAH and MADONNA where are you? Take a look at what's happening in our country!

Perhaps if some of the more negative commentators directed their rather cynical and hurtful comments towards the people who allowed the tragedy of Katrina, the unemployment and housing crisis and trillions lost on a personal agenda war they could get out some of their anrgy agression and frustration out without wasting your other readers' time and hurting a child who had nothing to do with any of their issues. I sense that they voted for these failures it took 8 years to get rid of , take your frustrations out on them.

To Joan and GimmeABreak:

I think both of you need a reality check. Please tell me how someone who is only 12-13 years of age is supposed to get a job to support themselves? Since Katrina he has been too young to work or are you unaware of the labor laws?? Did you parents force you to work at the ages of 9, 10, 11 and 12?

What exactly is a minor supposed to do if his grandmother wants to move back to her home? He's a MINOR!!!! No one asked you to rescue him. But if there are those who admire the young man's will to succeed and are willing and able to help, then why are either of you complaining? Please tell me how Katrina victims victimized this country? Most are still displaced because of a NATURAL DISASTER followed by government INEPTITUDE! I hope you never have to suffer as they have.

The is an old saying...."Think before you speak." We need to change that to "Think before you type."

I'm also from Louisiana Baton Rouge to say for people to say Katrina victims are victimizing America until you live thru something like this you have no idea I witnessed somethings you couldn't imagine, people with nothing food, shelter horrible I now live in Milpitas, Ca now and was fortunate to be ok when I left Baton Rouge I left everything behind and donated al my possessions to hurricane Katrina victims. I totally agree with Tom Green that there are some people who are so insensitive to what happens to the poor people of the land if they would have and the help from our goverment at that time GWB not only did he abandon the people of Louisiana he also abandoned us as a whole when he left his country in shambles to blame Obama for whats happening now is absurd you try fixing a country in 9mos when it took 8yrs of Bush, face it when it comes to change people are afraid so the best way to face it is blame Obama. Republicans keep attacking his health care reform but why didn't they come up with some ideas in those 8yrs Bush was in office. To end I say we as a country need to come together and support our president all the energy we put in criticizing him does not help with that said I tell my fellow people in Louisiana hang in there.
"Go Barack Obama"

I can't believe some of the comments that are being left in response to this story. Number one, Joan and GimmeABreak, if you actually took time to read the story, you would realize that Charles is only 14 years olds. Ms. Campbell stated that she met him in '05 when he was just 9 so what type of job could he actually get besides mowing a few lawns. And he if was able to support himself financially somehow, he legally can't live on his own. He is just a minor. And to those who are trying to blame Obama for the current state of our economy, this economy was going nowhere fast prior to him taking office due to the greed of the people in this country. Americans (not all of them of course but many) tend to want it now, want to flaunt what they clearly can't afford, and try to one up the next man and look where it has gotten us. Housing prices at all time lows, joblessness, people losing their retirement funds, and it just goes on and on. And to those who claim what about me, what about you? There are millions in your situation as well, he just happened to be spotlighted. At the end of the day, you all need help so no one person is more important than the next. And as many have said he should help himself, I could say the same for you. If you think the government is not helping then you have to find your own way to get beyond your circumstances. I know its not easy by no means do I believe that but if one plan isn't working you have to move on to the next.

The mid-west flooded just as badly as New Orleans. Homes destroyed, lives devasted. Those people picked themselves up, forgot the victim mentality, and moved on. Bad things happen, it's always tragic and unfortunate. When they do, the "victims" need to save themselves. Plenty of help has been give to New Orleans and people affected by Katrina. It's not a "get out of jail free" card, it doesn't mean they can expect to be taken care of the rest of their lives. At some point those people who still complain need to take some personal responsibility.

Ms. Brown,

Although my email address will not be displayed publicly, if you or someone else authorized by CNN will contact me, I would appreciate it. I am not wealthy, but I would be happy to have Charles move into my home. I have six grown step-children and a young adult son that my husband and I adopted, over twenty years ago, when he was a pre-teen.. I am a widow in my 60's with a spacious house and a desire to adopt or foster one or more teens. I have a home study completed by our local DFCS office and would like to help Charles either through DFCS or privately. I could not afford to send him to a private school, but we have a good local public high school and an excellent private school near my home. I would gladly advocate with the private school in an effort to obtain a scholarship for Charles if he would want that. We also have an excellent technical college less than six miles from my home from which he could obtain an associate degree and/or certification in any of many different fields. If Charles would want to obtain a four-year degree, he could then transition to one of our nearby state colleges or go directly from high school. Georgia offers the Hope Scholarship to all technical college students and to any other college student who has maintaied a "B" average in high school. This scholarship pays full tuition at state colleges and partial tuition at any private college in Georgia. Thank you for taking my request seriously and offering it to Charles.

Awesome story, Campbell.

It is too easy to allow ourselves to become overwhelmed at the enormity of the task of helping everyone who needs help! Just help one. Just one. We can start with the young teenager, Charles Evans.
Imagine what would happen in America if each one helped just one other. We can certainly see from this teen's initiative to date that if he were in fact a young adult rather than a teenager this same energy, wisdom and commitment would be directed at employment as the earlier writer, Joan suggested.
God bless you for having the courage to write about Just One...keep it up.

Get a Job....what? The kid is only 14 years old. I can't believe you people are blaming this kid and his family for their troubles. We as a country should have been there for them. It sad we jump to help other countries before we help our own. I see kids his age not caring about their future and act like they have it rough. At least he cares about where he is going and is trying to better himself.

@Brandon:

Four years, and you've apparently read none of the coverage about Katrina. Most of the people who stayed in the city could not get out. They had no money, no transportation, and no help. How dare you blame the victims?

If New Orleans had been a city in another part of the country with a majority white population, it wouldn't still be struggling four years after Katrina.

Joan November 5th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

Gee back to square one. I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long.

REALLY??? How is that fair to even say? I do believe that NO ONE asked for Katrina to hit New Orleans, and NO ONE thought of it as the best thing that could have happend for people to get out! Obviously this child, just like the other thousands that have been forgotten are trying to find a way out in a situation that looks like there is no hope! You are absolutely ridiculus! He has been supporting himself obviously, but sometimes you need HELP! and it's okay to ask for help! NO ONE makes it in this world without a little HELP! INCLUDING YOU!! You enrage me!

while a sad story....the government cannot and should not be helping those who won't help themselves. kartina was a disaster, but new orleans was a disaster before this happened. the best thing they could have done is let this city go and spent the money re building these people's live some where else.

Ok, Joan and Wolf... yes, everyone needs help! Everyone has problems, issues, and concerns because of today's economy and wars...but you are missing the point here! The point is...sometimes there is one person who crosses your path in life and there's a connection you can't break. Someone you saw on the street that broke your heart and their image is burned into your conscious. That person for Campbell is Charles Evans. And he has been taking care of himself and he's still struggling... he's not critizing or blaming..he just wants to do something with his life but can't find the way to get there. Everyone needs a helping hand at some point in their life and perhaps you will give and receive one (or already have) and that person could be a victim of any number of injustices. This story is just one.

WOW, lots of emotion about this story. I agree that the grandmother made a horrible mistake in not realizing the opportunity this boy had for another life. He needs to stay in school, focus on education and get HIMSELF out of this situation. There's no bail out being given to these people so they have the choice to sink or swim. No one can change the situation but we all can make choices about how to handle the situation we're in.

MA Jones, Joan, WolfB you are what is wrong with America today. You have no humanity. Lets drop the 3 of you off in New Orleans for 3 months and see how long you would last and after that experience I really would like to know if a comment like "The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long" would come out of your mouth. Selfish people like you make this country a very unpleasant place to live.

Seriously, some people on here a are just so insensitve. Okay GimmeABreak says to get a job.First of all the kid is 13. This kid clearly wants a better life for himself unfortunatly he just had to have a grandmother that didnt seem to care to much about his happiness. People are so quick to judge others but if you where in the same shoes I'm sure you would want the help of just one person. Yes there are many people out here who are in this same situation all over America, however it takes one person at a time and the help of good non judgmental people to offer that help!

Some of the comments are very heartbreaking. One writer says that they shouldn't have gotten out when the government said to evacuate. Although there may have been some who "chose" not to evacuate, what about the ones who didn't have the means to do so.....ie. money for gas (if they had transportation), money to lodge, etc. It takes funds to evacuate (remember the Ninth Ward was a poor community). Another comment reads "get a job". Ok, this kid is approximately 13 years old now. What job is he going to find, if there's many to chose from, for a 13 year old that would allow him to support his family. Another comment reads "they are wallowing in their own filth because of their laziness". Interesting...what constitutes laziness? A person not having the resources to better their situation or a person passing judgment on a situation they've never experience and does nothing to help.

I myself have been affected by this economical downturn. I was unemployed for eight months and had a home that I could have lost, but I was fortunate enough to sleep in my own bed (not a cot, not on a strangers sofa, or in a abestos filled fema trailer). I had to eliminate extra curricular activities and expenses (movies, dining out, travel, internet, cell phone, new clothing), but I was still able to eat, wear clean clothing, watch TV via antenna and go to the library for internet use. Long story short, I've had many misfortunates, but the are many others who have had and are now experiencing worse.

I do what I can to help, despite my circumstances and I pray that none of you, who responded with such negative connotations, ever have to experience what these families have had to endure.

All of those crying "why him, why his story?"..Well why not him?? Katrina is not yesterdays news and I'm glad that more light is being brought on the continuing struggles. This boy is what, 14 years old? And yet there are people jumping to blame him for any misfortune brought on him. It's embarrassing to see the selfish and bitter comments from those who are upset that their story wasn't shared. He's a kid who has endured tough times just like most of us, so you would think there'd be more understanding and support rather than harsh and discouraging words.

Joan,

You are a heartless shell of a person with poor reading skills to boot. This young boy was only 9 in Sept 2005 when CB first met him. Adding the four years that have passed sine the federal levees failed his hometown, he is now 13. And now you want him to now go out and support himself!? What about school, sports, the arts, best friends, movies, and all the other good things that go with being a kid? And what about those pesky child labor laws?! Yes, he is truly to blame for victimizing your soulless vision of this country. Thanking you for helping us see the light.

Get a job? He's 13 years old.

Why the negativity people? This boy is a TEENAGER.....a CHILD..... Where are your hearts?........Im just saying......My mother shoved me out of the nest after highschool...whether or not I went to college...and told me I was on my own. I went to college and she kept me close to the nest for 4 more years......why are we telling a teenager to get a job.......he should be in highschool taking advantage of those fun years like we all had.....also...telling someone in NO to get a job is hard when there are no jobs.........so should a 15 year old move to a different city and get a job....no.....we as a country owe him compassion and an education....

GimmeABreak, Wolf B, Joan – May God bless you. With your evil dispositions and none caring hearts, you will need all the blessing from our lord that he will allow. I will pray for you and all the others her like you, as evil has touch your spirits.

Thank you and may God bless you, Ms Brown, for not forgetting Charles. If each one of us that feels symphony and kindness in our hearts towards the ones who need help, if we just reach out to as many of the Charles of the world, as we can, it would make this selfish, selfish country a much kinder place. I will try my hardest to do my part. . .will you?

I understand where everyone is coming from and I believe everyone is right. I agree that we cant just focus on on child......give him money and hope for the best? I mean I have never gone though any close to what he went though, i will say that, but i know its more than just him trying to move on ,do better for themsevles....thats everyone. I am fourteen years on and I in the past 3 years i have seen and heard of a lot.....i understand a lot more.....I know everything its handed to you on a sliver plate. But like he said there are hunderds of people without homes or food and hunderds of children raising themselves.
All im saying is how about instead of just focusing on just this one child and thinking that helping JUST him we have made a difference .....WHICH we really wounld not be.....think of somthing to help all or more kids who are raising themselves.....

My daughter (age 15) was one of just ONE a big group from my church that does fund raising and goes to help rebuild homes for those whose lives were forever changed, not just by Katrina but by subsequent Hurricaines. My church and others near me send a team every year. There are lots of these teams all over the country, groups that consist of adults that give up their vacations, pay their own way, students who willingly give up time during their summer breaks to do backbreaking work in the heat and humidity. Countless celebrities still work to raise cash for relief, and lend a hand with the physical labor. It's a slow process, but it is still happening, people are doing the work. These people are not forgotten.

I think that those who say NOTHING is being done need to realize that were it not for folks like my daughter and the organizers of these groups the situation would be far worse and I am proud of their accomplishments. BTW, we are pretty conservative where I am. Far too many of my liberal friends talk the talk but do not walk the walk.

God bless this kid, and I hope for his sake he is able to go back to Texas with his extended family.

Here is a question no wants to ask, where are his parents? Raised by his grandmother, happy and well adjusted in TX and then she wants to move back to povertyville and now Americans are going to have to what? Pay for this kid to have a private education...

We would not have as many stories as horrific as the one you are reporting on, if parents would raise thier kids instead of expecting Grandma, Aunts, or the Gov't to do the job.

Good luck kid your gonna need it! Without PARENTS it is a tough, tough world.

Campbell,

New Orleans got what God thought it deserved. It was the Sodom and Gommorah of America, drugs, prostitution, crime and corruption. I'm still waiting on God to work on other areas of the country. I don't like to see people suffer, but the bad ones can't complain about their bad luck. I've had my fair share for some of my own actions.

"Brian November 6th, 2009 7:18 am ET – Its been a little over 4 years now. Katrina evacuees are still getting handouts to this day. Ike hit the Galveston-Houston area a little over 1 year ago and most are off the handouts already. See any difference in the class of people these Hurricanes affected? I do."

So True, Brian. Moreso, there are still areas in Houston/Galveston where low-income people live, that are still in shambles. I live in one of those areas where the city is either constantly leaving violation notices, hundreds maybe thousands of homes are abandoned, or homes and buildings are just being razed. Coupled with this economy, it harder for many of our less affluent citizens to make ends meet. God Bless Charles and all those who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. Lord knows we need Him. Norene

despair and hopelessness. We feel lost, out of breath. Anger towards the world around us that just won't stop spinning long enough for us to feel balanced again.

These struggles happen to all of us, at all times of our lives. No one is immune from them. We all began with the struggle to take our first breath outside of our mothers wombs. Struggles, hardships, sadness, pain- they are all necessary for us to build our lives. They are the cement that holds us all together. One by one, as we get those stones and build our lives, we use that "cement" to hold those stones securely in place, because of that "cement" we know our lives our stronger.

There are those of us that have had to work so hard to build their lives, that they forget to build windows to look out and see others. People who have no glass windows, have no problems throwing stones.

It is so inspiring to see Charles pick them up and use them to build his life. He has aspirations, goals and ambition; That if it could only be multiplied among others his age, we would all have better lives. It is children like Charles that are our future. It is the young that will determine what our lives will be like in the years to come. We all hear about tragedies that young people are committing and it is so unthinkable how they seem to show no remorse. Dare I say 'Uninspired' to care?

Some people may say "what makes him so much more worthy than anyone else?" The simple answer, nothing. He is JUST AS WORTHY as anyone else. Charles is not asking to be more worthy than anyone. He is simply asking to be AS worthy.

I try to teach my children every single day to value all of the things that come their way in their lives. To understand that life is not easy, but it is what makes it hard that makes you value it. I do not have much as far as material things go, but my heart goes out to you Charles. You inspire me to continue to be the best mother and best person that I can be, and to give all that I can, even if it happens to just be words.

I know that there are those who will keep throwing stones at you and some of those stones may seem like boulders.... just remember it is those boulders that will make your life bigger and stronger. Continue to dream big and do not forget to build yourself some windows.

We all struggle at one point or another in our lives. Sometimes it seems as though the struggle will never end. We feel despair and hopelessness. We feel lost, out of breath. Anger towards the world around us that just won't stop spinning long enough for us to feel balanced again.

These struggles happen to all of us, at all times of our lives. No one is immune from them. We all began with the struggle to take our first breath outside of our mothers wombs. Struggles, hardships, sadness, pain- they are all necessary for us to build our lives. They are the cement that holds us all together. One by one, as we get those stones and build our lives, we use that "cement" to hold those stones securely in place, because of that "cement" we know our lives our stronger.

There are those of us that have had to work so hard to build their lives, that they forget to build windows to look out and see others. People who have no glass windows, have no problems throwing stones.

It is so inspiring to see Charles pick them up and use them to build his life. He has aspirations, goals and ambition; That if it could only be multiplied among others his age, we would all have better lives. It is children like Charles that are our future. It is the young that will determine what our lives will be like in the years to come. We all hear about tragedies that young people are committing and it is so unthinkable how they seem to show no remorse. Dare I say 'Uninspired' to care?

Some people may say "what makes him so much more worthy than anyone else?" The simple answer, nothing. He is JUST AS WORTHY as anyone else. Charles is not asking to be more worthy than anyone. He is simply asking to be AS worthy.

I try to teach my children every single day to value all of the things that come their way in their lives. To understand that life is not easy, but it is what makes it hard that makes you value it. I do not have much as far as material things go, but my heart goes out to you Charles. You inspire me to continue to be the best mother and best person that I can be, and to give all that I can, even if it happens to just be words.

I know that there are those who will keep throwing stones at you and some of those stones may seem like boulders.... just remember it is those boulders that will make your life bigger and stronger. Continue to dream big and do not forget to build yourself some windows.

Joan,

This is a 13-year-old kid. Cut him some slack.

Campbell,

As a proud New Orleans resident I'm incredibly offended by your portrayal of our city. Charles' grandmother wanted to move back to New Orleans, back to her hometown, because she loves it, as do many of us down here. To suggest that the best answer for Charles is to lift him out of this misery down here is misguided. How about asking rich New York investment bankers and CNN to better Charles' situation down here, to make our schools better, our infrastructure better, our lives better. The answer is not to airlift this kid away from his home and his family. Its to look at the larger picture here and say, how can we fix this place and this kid's life? Your biased attitude towards New Orleans is not helping our recovery.

This is a story of how the future of america will be if things don't change. This child understands the need to survive. CNN and Ms.brown understand a good news story. The fact of the matter is that Charles will survive but we may see that survival in the form of a child turned into a bad adolescent with the intent to be do whatever is necessary to survive. The stories about individuals who survived K-Ville will always be there, its' life in that "other" america. The america that can't wait for things to change, it can't wait for the government or the people like Campbell brown to shine a light on them. The country is moving in the direction that the "other" america will be the norm...America will finally become like other third-world countries with little to offer anyone....

"Joan" who made the third comment on this story should be ashamed of herself. The kid is 13... THIRTEEN! Really? Let's not forget that employment is now at 10.2%. I'm sure you've been working since you were 13 and while you were doing it you lived in a city that had just been destroyed. Joan, you need not only grow a heart but a brain as well.

We had a home on the Gulf Coast prior to Katrina and now due mainly to Katrina (and other storms like it) we don't.

The devastation from flooding, mold, rot and mildew is not a short term damaging process. It is insidious. Many homes and building had to be torn down or abandoned due to these factors after Katrina's passing. Some of this damage still is not repaired or replaced. New Orleans suffered about a 1000 times more damage than Houston but has not received aid to the level necessary to sustain a healthy recovery. It's not a linear process folks. It's more like a square law or even a times four type of thing. This means that a 1,000 times more damage requires something like a 1,000,000 times more assistance.

Young people and black people in the South are some of our best Americans. They are our future whether we understand that or like them. This country will suffer one of those square law devastations in its productivity and potential if we let them down now. It will take a 1,000,000 times more effort to fix this country after it is broken through neglect than the 1,000 times of effort we should be investing now.

Wake up America! Your future is being destroyed by your own neglect.

My college age daughter just spent a year with americorps giving back to Katrina relief, she still lives in NOLA, and I have been down to visit several times. The city is coming back slowly, her group Phoenix of NOLA, has helped many families rebuild their homes, and there are many, many new constructions going on right now, in small ways.
New Orleans is a wonderful city, and many wealthy groups are giving back.

Its hard to believe that Katrina victims still are sitting around waiting for handouts. Billions and Billions have been sent to New Orleans and they are still wanting more. When asked to leave, they sat around refusing to go waiting for someone to make them. They re-elect an incompetent mayor and can't even rebuild houses. These people sit in FEMA trailers waiting for someone to come along and do the work for them. No wonder New Orleans is a crime infested slum built down in a bowl below sea level. Move away from there and you willhave to work for something instead of waiting for the govt to do it all for you.

As a current New Orleanian and a native one as well, I can understand his frustration at the neighborhood he finds himself and without a support structure, but I don't think leaving New Orleans is necessary.

If the resources exist to help move him to a different state, I would think those same resources could move him to a different neighborhood in the city and attend a better school. New Orleans has one of the best magnet schools in the nation, Ben Franklin, which is free if you pass the admissions test (a version of an IQ test).

The city is far from foregone, it is thriving now and getting better every day following the Storm, I think he needs a change in his personal environment, not necessarily a different city, to do better.

I wish him luck and good will. I also wish the bigots posting in these comments feel some karmic wrath; what New Orleans went through is incomparable to anything else any other city in the United States has had to suffer in living memory. We did not just love jobs, homes and employment, we lost entire neighborhoods and had to start over from nothing in some cases. The people high on the socio-economic ladder suffered during Katrina, those like this young man on the lower end suffered exponentially worse in ways many of you will never be able to fathom.

Wow, the New Orleans bashing is thick in here.

Too bad most of you don't have a clue about what you are talking about. I have lived here only in a post Katrina New Orleans and let me tell you....people here work extremely hard, and have dealt with far more than most of you.

New Orleanians are AMERICANS and know what that means, many of you obviously DON'T.

I left a message earlier, but the comments you have received border on bigotry and ignorance. I volunteered in both Katrina and Ike, I have seen people work hard to put their lives back together, while our government official scramble for photo ops. The press can only cover the surface, but I believe they have done a better job on Katrina than our Government. Most of the recovery has been managed by volunteers, but those making comments about get a job are selfish, those commenting on the Grandmother didn't read the story, this young man was looking out for his Grandmother in the convention center. He may have options in New Orleans, but if he wants to go to the Hersey school a call to them from CNN should get him an interview. My family came to America before New Jersey was a colony, they fought for a free America in every war in our nation’s history, but they would be ashamed of the lack of concern, some of these people have shown for this young man and his grandmother. Campbell keep telling the story, I’m proud of all those who were outraged by the comments of the few, the good news is, good people outnumber the bad people. What good people need to do is make sure they vote, so the sick people don’t control us anymore.

"Just another African American kid under appreciated in this messed up country. Had it been a white kid, every one would vouch for him to accomplish great things, but a young African American kid trying to do his best to make something out of nothing gets overlooked."

REALLY?? Did you not read that someone helped him? It was his own grandmother that ruined his chance. I hope he gets another because it wasn't his fault that he was forced to go back but let's stop making this a race thing. Does no one remember all of the money donated for the victims of Katrina? People from all races want to help but how much can you do when family members are holding back their own children. I feel so sorry for him and all of the kids out there that just need love and support.

Response to Joan: At 14 it's difficult to work and support yourself Joan, but I guarantee if there is work to be done, he's doing it. He is an incredible role model for not JUST children his age, but for the adults that aren't taking a step forward.

I read most of the blogs here. I am not surprised by all of the negative comments about his child's plight. There are many people like Charles in and out of New Orleans. Greed, hate, total disdain for those not like those who comment negatively about a child's plight. This country is great but it continues to falter because of people who don't care about or for others. Hate will never, ever be a tool for prosperity for those who hate others because those others are people just like those who hate. What goes around comes around and that is a fact. None of us will be living forever and if those who are gone could speak, they would probably say that they wish they had loved people rather than hate people. What will we say in our last breathes?????????????

Joan, I guess you did not read the story in its entirety. Charles was 9 when the storm hit, which was 4 years ago. So that makes him the grand old ripe age of what, 13??? Please tell me where a 13 year old kid can secure a good job at. Also, the unemployment rate is 10.5% in this country so that leave him competing with people with Bachelors, MBA's etc. I do agree that the "Katrina victim" story is kinda played out however, you should be more mindful before posting your thoughts on a public comment board.

What's really sad is that so many people donated funds to help the victims of Katrina and to help rebuild New Orleans. What we really need to be angry about is the abuse of those funds in addition to federal dollars allocated to the emergency. I don't want want to hear about victims using a couple of hundred dollars to go on a shopping spree, tell me abut the contractors who got hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars and the 9th Ward is still a dilapidated ghost town.

We need to review who was responsible for those contracts and hold them accountable, and then the contractors should be held accountable. Those found guilty of abuse of position or fraud should then serve time and be stripped of what ever assets they have. All funds collected (which would be a nice sum) should go back to the victims of Katrina and the 9th Ward.

Campbell, folks – forget the less fortunate – even the wheeler dealer big shots on wall street are cutting their bonuses this year. Noones going to offer a handout – get a job at Subway and stop complaining. Everyone likes $5 subs – there's one on every corner. Realize that the $8 an hour food service position is all you can aspire to and don't worry, be happy. And if you don't want to suffer through hurricanes, then don't live near an ocean! Kinda simple...

Joan, what on earth makes you think a 13 year old boy should be "working to support himself?" That just baffles me. This child needs to be in a good school where his classmates value their education above all other things. He's not going to get that down in New Orleans. I tried to stick it out down there after Katrina and finally couldn't handle it anymore and moved out last summer and now my son is in a much better school. I've been working the entire time and would never consider myself a "vicitm." That doesn't make it an easy place to live now and it is not a place for children to grow up healthy right now. New Orleans needs some fresh blood – young adults with the energy and determination to make a change and help revive it. I wish I could've stayed without feeling like I was sacrificing my son's future.

Campbell...you work for CNN, why can't CNN or Ted Turner step up to the plate, maybe open a Milton Hershey type school in the South...Charles could be your first student. In case you haven't heard things are not going very well for many of us here in the US at this time. For those of us fortunate enough to still have homes and jobs we are trying hard to keep up with the increases in taxes, fees, insurance prems. food costs, fuel costs, etc., while at the same trying to support all of the comers asking for asistance, With the constant threat of losing your job and raises that dont keep up with the cost of living we are all burdened. I wish Charles all the best as he appears to be a young man of good character. But for many of us Americians we're in a struggle of our own....Sorry Charlie...good luck.

"As a proud New Orleans resident I'm incredibly offended by your portrayal of our city. Charles' grandmother wanted to move back to New Orleans, back to her hometown, because she loves it, as do many of us down here. To suggest that the best answer for Charles is to lift him out of this misery down here is misguided."

Alex:

I agree with you and many others here that the handling of New Orleans' (and many other cities' disasters) has been lacking, at best. Before I'm flamed here, I want to make it clear that I wish things were different for New Orleans and its residents.

But the fact is they're not. There have been many, many people working hard to repair New Orleans, but enough progress is not happening quickly enough. It's time to accept that, and for a youngster in his position, the best thing would be to move elsewhere and get (another) new start.

And yes, shame on his grandmother for moving back there. Whether or not it's her hometown doesn't matter; she (apparently) accepted the responsibility of raising young Mr. Evans. With that responsibility comes the duty to provide for his wellbeing and education. Both are threatened if he remains in New Orleans, and his future is also much less bright if he cannot obtain a quality education.

I hope people do not think I am being insensitive here. I feel for this young man and his grandmother, but his grandmother should keep his best interests in mind, and it doesn't seem as though she's done that. I hate that people are even placed in these kinds of situations, but that's the way life goes sometimes. Mr. Evans's family needs to do what's best for him, and in this case, it appears to be getting him out of there. I sincerely hope that with the help of others they will do just that.

Dang, how insensitive can some people be? Can't you see this kid is suffering? Please give him some handouts, because he needs to learn the new American way – hard work is not the way to success, demanding someone else give it to you, or even better – going in front of a camera and telling a sad story to get sympathy and more handouts – that is the American way now. It is ridiculous to think a 14 year old would get a job. Besides being too young, he will never have the skills to get a job because he grew up in dysfunctional New Orleans where Mayor Nadel jived everyone for so long. All you people who think he should get a job should stay at home and sit at your keyboard and lecture everyone on how mean they are and how the government should pay for everything, because obviously you are almighty and all righteous, and are really helping out by lecturing everyone else from behind the keyboard. Give up people, the whole nation is going to become a New Orleans. One giant ghetto of unskilled, unemployable citizens demanding a free ride. And plenty of news people to go sell it. Unfortunately there will be no one left to pay for it.

Brandon – Most of the people who stayed and didn't evacuate did so because they were too poor to leave. They had no cars, no money for hotels, the shelters were already crammed with evacuees, they literally had nowhere to go and no way out if they did. I personally know people who endured hellish conditions in the city because they couldn't get out. I live about 40 miles away, and the interstate taking people out of the city was using contraflow, i.e., going North in BOTH directions. I-55 is just past my property line, and it was in gridlock for hours and hours. My town was the first town anyone could get off the interstate on, and the gas pumps ran out early. People were stranded, hungry, thirsty, needing bathrooms, with pets and young children. It was HORRIBLE!

People who stayed who lost everything, literally lost everything, as did all of their friends and relatives. Where do you go to start over when there is nothing left? People, have some mercy and compassion in your hearts! God forbid that you and your families should ever tread in those shoes . . .

Come to Canada my friend!!! Free health care and no "U.S. like" divisions between black & white. It's funny, I partly agree with most comments. It's true that the the authorities response have been pathetic, it's true that too many "victims" are a victim of their own doing, and it's true that there is hope. However, hope is useless without action.

Message to Wolf B. This is still yesterday's news news because when this Hurricane happened, good ol "W" did nothing about it. The whole mess should have been cleaned up by the time Obama got to office!!! Then again, this isn't a high class suburban neigbouhood. As for the economy, you don't fix the catastrophic mess that the previous administration left in just one year!! It is the worst economic mess left by any admisnistration in history and I'm not only talking US history. It will take 5-10 years to fix W's mess, not the click of a mouse.

May God bless this young man. He has seen more in his short years than many have in their entire life times. My prayer is that he will find peace.

Thanks for sharing this story. I pray Charles will find someone to help him immediately, no one with that much passion for life should have to do it alone. Although I will say, his parents are the ones that should have given him a better life, and its so sad that people have to get drivers licenses to drive, but anyone can have a baby and not even take care of him. Charles times a million is what we have in America because people don't think how importatnt it is to give a child a stable home.

It's an absolutely deplorable situation – so many AMERICANS in Lousiana have been abandoned by their own government. Your article on Charles is moving – but he is one of thousands of children needing help. Slightly confused on your point of the article – CNN has more power than any of us who read your article – use that influence and get Charles into that boarding school..that would make for a much better ending to your story.

What I think is interesting is all the criticism President Bush got for not doing enough. Well, now that Bush is out of office, the criticism has stopped. Funny how President Obama isn't getting any criticism for the so-called same old story! I'm guessing rebuilding just takes more time than we realize. Obama can't magically fix things any faster than Bush. I've been to New Orleans a few times and love the city. I sure hope that things do turn around for the city as soon as possible, and that they are spared from any future natural disasters! Also, the energy spent on partisan politics could be better used if all that energy was channeled together to work as one. Imagine what we could accomplish!

To everyone that responded to my initial comment – the issue you bring up with not having transportation out of the city is a valid one – for those without the means or funds to get themselves out.

However, if you can't make it out of the city, it is YOUR reponsibility to make sure you are prepared to hunker down and survive on your own! At what point do we start assigning some personal responsibility here? You don't have enough money or a vehicle to get out of town? Fine – understood. If you have absolutely no way to get out (friends, car, bike, feet), ok, I guess that's plausible. However, at least go buy a case of water for $4.99 and a few cans of pork and beans for $.69 each!

What are these people expecting? A government-sponsored bus out of New Orleans and free hotel rooms in Shreveport everytime there is a *chance* of a hurricane?? And those that were displaced were given trailers by FEMA to live in FOR FREE for a ridiculous amount of time (3+ years in several cases)... AND SOME PEOPLE HAD THE AUDACITY TO COMPLAIN THAT IT WASN'T LONG ENOUGH!!! Give me a freaking break.

To make a comparison, every year people in California have to deal with wildfires. Often, the government will recommend evacuation if the fires are bad enough. For whatever reason, some people choose to stay and brave it out... it's a gamble, for sure.

But if they stay and their house burns down, does the government owe them lodging for the next 36 months because they couldn't afford insurance on their house? Do we hear sob stories four years later about people that were forced to relocate or whom the government didn't get food supplies to soon enough? Heck no! You *NEVER* hear about that – but four years later, in New Orleans (a city that is located BELOW sea level), people who didn't have insurance, didn't evacuate, and didn't prepare are still whining that the government didn't do enough!

Stop being victims and take charge of your own life – or you will always be at the mercy of someone else...

In response to Peggy, No he does NOT have to live in PA. From the MHS website, "To be considered for enrollment, the child must:
* Come from a family of low income, limited resources, and social need.
* Be from the ages of 4-15 years old.
* Have the ability to learn.
* Be free of serious emotional and behavioral problems that disrupt life in the classroom or the home.
* Be able to take part in the School's program.
* Be born in the United States.

Although preference is given to children born in Dauphin, Lancaster, or Lebanon counties in Pennsylvania and children from the rest of Pennsylvania in accordance with the School's Deed of Trust, current students come from many states. The School examines need, motivation, and personal character in making its final selections. Enrollment is not guaranteed and prospective students must demonstrate the capability to benefit from the programs the School offers.

The School admits boys and girls of any race, color, religion, nationality, or ethnic origin.

I spent seven years at MHS; graduating in 1978. It was the hardest time of my life; but it was the time that changed my life. If I could go back and change my experiences at MHS, I wouldn't. MHS saved my life and 1,000's of others. At the last homecoming, a former classmate said this of MHS, "Milton Hershey is one place you don't want to go; BUT you are glad you did." I couldn't agree more...

BTW, I thought the article was about the Charles Evans, not about New Orleans or Katrina. Stop the bashing...

I think the comments on both sides of the issue have merit (as is very often the case).

I lived in a nearby suburb of New Orleans (La Place) when the storm hit, and was a born and raised Cajun. I didn't lose much besides a roof. What I did see, though, time and time again, was the unwillingness of a population to help themselves. They insisted on staying in their homes, and then opened fire on the rescuers they insisted come get them. They sat on their hands and waited for a hand out, instead of picking up a hammer and start to rebuild. They stayed in their trailers until they were forced to move, not trying to pick themselves up in the interim. For myself, I have no pity on these people. And you only have to be minimally observant to note that the vast majority of these people are African-American, so infected with a defeatist mindset that they blamed anyone and everyone instead of trying to help themselves. I was disgusted by the image they projected on behalf of all Louisianians.

(Compare that mindset to the people of Waveland, or Biloxi, who only weeks after the storm were already marshalling themselves to rebuild their destroyed homes and neighborhoods and towns.)

On the other hand, this young man shows the spirit that most of his fellow New Orlineans would be well-advised to absorb. He took some initiative to draw attention to a deplorable situation (I cannot personally attest to the horrors that took place in the Superdome and the Convention Center, but I worked with people who stayed there, and the stories I heard from them are sickening).

I am sending prayers to him for God to grant him the strength to overcome his predicament, and for the vision to see that he is not trapped in an inescapable situation.

I like this story Campbell. You definitely followed up with this one. What saddens me though, is how a lot of people still don't get it. We are often times too critical of others and never stop to look in the mirror. Now is a time when we all can help one another. Life's most urgent question should be, what are you doing for others. YOu'e done your part, now it's time to do ours.

Campbell

Good story. You are right that sometimes stories get lost after a time and people forget...

To the posters that say "Get a job"...please read the article. In 2005 the boy was 9 years old. It is now 2009, that is 4 years later for those who cannot do math. That makes him 13 years old! In most states, a 13 year old boy cannot get a job.

The article is as much about Charles as it is about how the country turned its back on the people of New Orleans.

To Joan from November 5th, regarding your comment that he should get a job and support himself.

Please do the math. If he was 9 years old in August, 2005, that would make him 13 now. He should get a job and support himself? I think there are some laws against child labor that would make that a bit difficult. Why shouldn't he be able to go to school and study like other 13 year olds? Sure, he could get a paper route, but I bet he can't support himself on that.

He is a child. Shame on you.

I can not believe the small minds of of you mean-spirited posters. May you wake up someday, grow a heart and feel something for others.

Why doesn't Obama do something about this?

Hey, Joan, this boy is 13 or 14. What kind of work should he do to support himself and his grandmother? I guess you've never experienced total devastation of your home and all your possessions. Those folks were hurting before Katrina came along and destroyed their worlds. I could say more, but it would be rude.

Being an America does not mean you get a hand out.

Personal responsibility is the KEY................anyone want to trun it in the lock???????

Hateful, mean spirtied people are posting here. Joan he is 14 years old for pete's sake. Could you please tell me a legal way he can go out and support himself? What has happened to the people of American that they can be so selfish and mean. This young man has a dream and I pray he will be able to escape the life he dislikes in New Orleans and find happiness, education and a good occupation somewhere else.

There but by the grace of God go I.

I moved to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Those of you sneering at this city are pretty ignorant – you're relying on anecdotes and extrapolating them to extend to the whole of this city.

The reason we still talk about Katrina as it relates to New Orleans isn't because we forget what happened in Waveland or Pass Christian or St. Bernard Parish. It's not because Cameron has been wiped off the map on multiple occasions. It's because it's a manmade disaster in a major American port city with a very death toll.

But this story isn't about your prejudices towards New Orleanians, America, and it isn't about whether one city should be getting more play in the national media than another.

It's about a child looking for a better life despite tremendous odds.

Ms. Brown, I'm only 30, but my husband and I call this amazing and flawed city home now, and we'd like to help, very much. If the person responsible for moderating the comments would be so kind as to forward my e-mail address to you or someone who is in contact with Charles, I'd be grateful.

And a note to those sitting inside their comfy glass houses – we find grace in the lowest of beggars. No matter what your religious or spiritual beliefs – this country was founded on compassion and ethics that seem to be sorely lacking these days.

Thank you for following up, this young man touched my heart so. I wish him the best, is there a fund set up for Charles? I'm unemployed right now but I can sacrifice to keep this brilliant child going.

I will pray for Charles more, but he's going to be ok.

I will also pray for the ignorant posters, unless you can walk a mile in a man's shoes YOU CANNOT JUDGE...the final judge is GOD and he's also judging you and your ways.

Be Blessed

yep, we all know about getting lost in the news. That's exactly what happened in Mississippi during katrina with all the NOLA coverage. You all might not remember this but the gulf Coast of Mississippi was damged too by katrina. There are people there who are newsworthy as well. the very fact that we picked up and rebuilt without crying victim should be worth reporting on. Nola is filled with Katrina VICTIMS but Mississipi's gulf Coast is filled with SURVIVORS!!

Note to poster named "Joan"...had you made more of an effort to PAY ATTENTION to the article instead of judging it through the preconceived notions which you clearly have, you would have realized that Charles Evans was only nine years old in 2005 which means he is only thirteen now. Perhaps Charles is one of those teenagers who happens to look several years older than his actual age (I was one myself) - but in any case, to the best of my knowledge, the laws of nearly every state forbid a child of thirteen from holding down even most part-time jobs. This is because in the 20th Century, the American people decided that we would no longer be a nation which relied on child labor - and ironically, it took the Great Depression (when many adults were so desperate that they were willing to accept the wages which children typically made) to get such laws passed!

With all due respect, lady, do yourself a favor as well as the rest of us - get off your high horse, find some way to soften that hard heart of yours, and have some compassion!! One of the reasons why some of the victims of Hurricane Katrina have found it difficult to get back on their feet is precisely because of people like you who were showing them nothing but contempt and indifference even before the storm had blown itself out. If there should ever come a time when you need a little help and sympathy, why should anyone feel kindly towards you if you're not willing to spare any kindness for others? It could be a much better world if more of us did that.

It seems Brad Pitt is rebuilding New Orleans all on his own, why don"t the Politician get out of their comfortable offices, and go to New Orleans. and help the people, instead of concentrating on the war in Iraq,The people in Iraq do not want help from West, leave them to sort out their problem, and concentrate on people in America, as they are lots of people hurting now.

Veronica
Toronto.

No sympathy for idiots that live below sea level when they get flooded.

Come on People...Celebrities...Oprah...whoever....help this boy. Brad Pitt...Angie...save this one. We all want a happy ending. There are not enough happy endings.

In the world full of sadness...illness....dire situations....let's pull this one out....send him to school.....educate him....he could be one of the bright lights the world needs.....Lets save one. Just one.

Joan evidently has no idea what New Orleans was like before Katrina nor what it is like now for the people that were barely hanging on. The crime in N.O. is worse now and the kids are they prey for the older criminals to recruit and with extremely little parental supervision they have no where else to turn. New Orleans is equal to Africa or Cambodia and I'm sure they're not the only place in America that is like this so next time you spew your opinion let it be informed. Instead of all these celebrities adopting kids for another country maybe they should adopt a child in desperate need from their own country...

To Joan who said that Charles should try working to support himself - -he's 13 years old! Are you that stupid? Even if he could work, most child labor laws would only allow him to work 10 – 15 hours a week. And what about his education?

Response to Andrew Carr's quote below:

"New Orleans got what God thought it deserved. It was the Sodom and Gommorah of America, drugs, prostitution, crime and corruption. I'm still waiting on God to work on other areas of the country. I don't like to see people suffer, but the bad ones can't complain about their bad luck. I've had my fair share for some of my own actions."

I hate to break the news to you Andrew, but all the societal ills you attributed to New Orleans exist everywhere else in the world including wherever you live. I can only hope that God is more merciful to you than you would be to those you deem deserving of his/her wrath and retribution. Judge not, lest ye shall be judged tough guy.

Response to Joan's quote below:

"Gee back to square one. I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long."

What do you expect a 13/14 yr old kid to do to financially support himself? Open a medical practice? Most parents can't get their teenaged kids to take out the trash without asking repeatedly. You're lucky if your children are half as mature as he is. You're obviously not.

Ha!. White America likes to pat itself on the hback, point to Prez Obama and declare that we have overcome and racism is dead. But i'M here to tell you, just read some of these posts and yo9u will see.. It is alive well and thriving! If this story was about a white thirteen year old or a 65 white man, or anybody white, the sympathetic, I;ll send money right away, "why isnt the government helping posts would be rolling in. But some people see this ambitious, Black child and assume his is a grown thug, dropout drug addict, begging for a handout and not willing to work. I don't have exaggerate... read for y9urself!

What is it exactly that you expect a 13 yr old child to do to support himself. America did not step up to the plate to provide the support necessary for anyone damaged by this natural disaster. This is not a color issue it is a moral issue that we all should be ashamed of.

As for why the president can't fix all the ills that plague us, you need to look no further than the halls of the senate and congress for your answer. Those that have are positioning themselves to remain "those that have" if you don't believe me check out how many in congress and the senate are receiving contributions from big insurance to ensure that the status quo remains the same.

@ Joan your an idiot. It's people like you that make the world look bad. He's a kid for Heaven's sake for you to say "go get a job and support his family" you are pathetic and if you were you and your family you wouldn't have typed the words you just typed.

One more thing, I believe everyone is forgetting this is a kid and he didn't have a choice when he moved back to New Orleans he had to follow his ADULT grandmother who wanted to go back. He couldn't raise himself in NY. It just sickens me to see how people are so quick to talk so down on young African American boys especially the ones who are trying to help themselves. I am praying for this young man to strive to the top and become the best young black man that he can possibly be because he hasn't given up on himself and neither should we.

I suppose it is politically incorrect to expect self-help from these people who obviously are dependent on the government for their survival. It is not like this happened a month ago.

I know some of you are trying to focus on your own situation, but this kind when first ask to speak with the media was concerned for everyone. He did not ask for the spotlight to be turned on him nor was he seeking it. Don't look at someone else's blessing and become envious of them. This is a child and victim of circumstances beyond his control. I would hope that anyone would have compassion for you if something of that nature were to happen to you. May God bless him and keep him safe. I would pray the same for anyone else reading this that needs his mercy. God Bless!

Hey, Joan, he's fourteen. In America, we have child labor laws.

These posts contain on the one hand compassion and what I would call Christian principles - on the other hate. Everyone seems to forget that the Midwest floods and tornados leave thousands just like him behind without a home. Everyone seems to think their house won't flood .... their roof won't blow off .... their house won't burn down ... their house is on stable ground .... what is that Christ said - what you do to the least of me you do to me...

Our government's only real job is to provide the infrastructure and security, safety, for you and me to get up and around to make our living. Our government failed miserably in Katrina - I hope it does better when and if there is another natural disaster, like a dam breaking in Wisconsin or Nevada. Or maybe the next bad hurricane will hit the east coast - New York or Washington - so we can see New Orleans isn't hte only US city on LOW ground with poor people.

Nuff said.

He's only 13. Where is he going to work to support himself? geez.

Please someone tell me because Im confused.....President Obama has been president for almost a year. How long did Americans think that it would take to fix the economy? In two to three months? How long would Bush have if if inherited the country in this state? I know what he would say "We have to stay the course" So please stay the course to all of the unpatriotic souls who disrespect our President

I live in Harrisburg, PA, not far from Hershey. Is there any groundwork I can do to help? I know little about the school other than it is a great place for a lot of kids these days. Charles deserves that chance!

So a choice was made to give up on a life in Texas and move back to New Orleans. We all have to live with the choices we have made and why is this a story again? I dont feel a bit sorry for this family.

Campbell,

What can I do to help Charles? I'm willing to assist him in realizing the future so many like Charles deserves. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

@joan: That was a very insensitive thing to say about a child. Did you forget that he was and still is a child, but that goes to show how much people like you and believe me there are plenty who think just like you don't have a clue to whats been going on underneath the American people eyes for decades. That's the problem with American society people think it's so black and white when in the grand SCHEME of things it has nothing to do race. "Victims have victimize this country for too long" not a very intelligent thing to say, sounds like this child has more common sense than you. Get past your stereotypes and racist thinking and have a heart for someone who doesn't look like you. Geez!!!!!!!

How many billions have we spent on Katrina? How many more should we spend? If I build a house below the dam and the dam breaks, should I ask the taxpayers to rebuild my house or give me more money than the house was valued? Just askng.

Joan, you said: "I guess he never has figured out that working to support himself might be something to try. The Katrina "victims" have victimized this country for far too long."

Do you realize this child is only 13-14 years old? How do you expect him to support himself?

It seems as though, despite his circumstances, he is a good kid. I hope he can get into the military academy program and get a great education. I'm sure we'll hear of him again some day.

Bill,

It is obvious that reading for comprehension was not a class that you excelled in. Re-read the story and see if you can figure it out.

"It is not like this happened a month ago."

Is that supposed to be a joke?

I'm curious. Have you woke up one day with absolutely nothing? You've lost all your belongings, all sentiments, all sources of food, clothing, perhaps even family members and friends. If you were not well-off to begin with, it's almost impossible to scrap up enough just to get out of town. These people are starting over with nothing, and they're trying to do so in an awful economy.

A couple of questions spring to mind. Where are the parents of this child? People need to learn that children are a responsibility and if you're going to have kids you've got to take care of them, not pawn them off on a grandparent, who appears to be looking out for her own interests over her grandson's. Secondly, why weren't/aren't the locals rebuilding the city? I know the economy is down now, but for years, while the locals were yelling for help and handouts, thousands of immigrants risked their lives to pour over the border to do construction work. These were people who had no mone and no contacts. Not even a basic grasp of the language. Yet they came and survived through hard work and determination. Why weren't the locals doing more? Why weren't they working 12 hours a day doing reconstruction work and manning cleaning crews? Now obviously Charles is a child and cannot work, but had the locals done more to improve their lives and surroundings, then perhaps Charles would be in a better situation today. My last point, while many here are clamoring for Charles to get into the school on a scholarship, there are only so many spots available. To give Charles a spot in this school is to deny another student his or her one and only opportunity. Perhaps it would even mean bumping another displaced Katrina survivor.

It's such a shame to think that the great USA can't even step up and help it's own people. Instead we are wasting our money on the war and helping other countries in need. I'm not implying that those less fortunate countries aren't deserving of the help I'm simply saying that the USA as a country is deterating. Isn't there a saying, "If you don't love yourself, how can you love another?" This shows clearly how we are not loving ourselves as a community and as a union. This is a very touching story and i truly wish the world for this young man, but what about the others? There are thousands of people in our counrty just like this young man and they're being ignored by the people and covered up by those in other countries. That's something to think about.

I will pray for this young man–I see a lot of potential in him. I don't believe one has to be rich to help him. If ppl sent just a little bit and let it add up, he could get out. Perhaps he'll also get a scholarship that'd cover everything, so he'd only need a little bit of help. Instead of judging (as a few are), empathize and help–not just him, but also kids like him as well.
I lived in New Orleans years ago, so I know how entrapping it can be. Add to that few to no jobs and rampant crime, and too many are doomed. Why let this young man go through that when he genuinely wants to get out?
I agree with an earlier poster: a few coins from the CNN staff; some businesses, and some celebrities should really get him on his way. All he needs is a chance, and I suspect he'll get that chance and go very very far with it.

So many are concerned about the child as if he is an orphan. His family had moved him to Texas and life was good.... his grandmother moved him back to New Orleans. That was a choice and Campbell Brown is wrong to have interfered in a family decision and make it out to be a tragedy which it is not. And the sameo sameo bogus references to FEMA and Katrina are stale. Hurricane preparedness is the responsibility of the state & local governments, not the federal government. Want to balme someone... look at nagin and Blanco – 100%. If Campbell Brown wanted to help the boy, who seems like a great kid in a situation because his parents are not there, why didn't she? Why did the grandma move him to a cesspool? This story has so many back channels... I would rather see Campbell do a story on 70% child abandonment in the black community.

This is such a touching story....I pray that Charles's situation will change for the better he really wants to have great life you don't find to many young people and especially young black men that are truly sincere about having a positve life

what can i do to help?

could CNN get a scolarship to 'charles evans to help him get into a boarding school? i did not see a link for people to donate to this particular young man's education. Please let us know what we can do. im sure that all of the readers would like to help one life as well as I believe that cnn can help him as well.
he is a high risk candidate and there should be a school out there for him if we all work together.

See you have a lot of comments about this story so I will make mine short. HELP CHARLES!!! He is a good kid and smart, dedicated, and caring. Not many today are like that. He took my heart and if I could, I would reach in my pocket for him. Not many good kids like him around. He took my heart and will be on my mind a long time. Whenever I hear "Katrina" Charles will always come to my mind and hope he has advance somewhere other then there.
Tony

WOW such an amazing story. If anything Charles has humbled me as to how fortunate I am. How can we allow so many people like Charles to slip through the cracks? I would LOVE to help him. Please let me know if there is a way to donate to his cause. Truly an inspiration and a testament to the human spirit!!

Moving story on Charles Evans. Now what? Will Charles Evan just be re-visited five, ten or fifteen years from now? Is there a fund available for Charles should someone feel so moved to contribute?

Each one help one...........

I know Charles personally,he's the PERFECT gentleman. He's very smart,outspoken,caring,loving,helpful, still very outspoken {for the right},etc. I can go on for hours 2 describe this 14 year old that's 2 much for words. He is on the right track in life,regardless to the atmosphere and negative people around him. He has NEVER given up on his grandma and has become a very good friend 2 my grandma as well,he has a very big,warm heart. He's always in a good spirit,he can brighten anyone's day with his beautiful personality and of course his smile. He is DETERMINED 2 provide a better life for his family,especially for his grandmother and him self. I pray all of his hopes and dreams do come true,he may be young but he has so much to offer not only his family,but the world. I know in my heart Charles will RISE TO THE TOP.

Great and inspiring story of this young lad I kinda felt sorry for the fact that hes moved back to the same run down 9thward. I truly believe that now hes in the spot light that things will change for the better. After he get his schooling he really should consider leaving n'orleans especially when it all seem to be a dead end.

It is ironic that I just signed up for information on becoming a foster parent because I feel compelled to help a child. I turn on the television and there you were airing this story about Charles. My heart immediately went out to him and I felt his eagerness and hopefulness. I thought about Shirley Caesar singing this song about two sons whose mother was getting old and the rich son wanted to put her away, but the poor son said, "Momma, I don't have much, but if you don't mind what I have to offer, you can come home with me." He said, "I don't drive a fancy car or live in a fancy house, but Momma, you can come home with me." That mother, got out of the rich son's limo and climbed into the poor son's old klunker and drove off. I say that to say, "I don't have much to offer Charles, but what I have to offer is far more valuable than money." I have love and patience and consistency, and I will help him as best I can to achieve his goals. I have a sixteen year old son who is currently attending Valley Forge Military Academy on a full academic scholarship, so I know that you don't have to have money, just quality time spent with a child, and that's child ability will help himself. I mean this from the bottom of my heart. Nothing would gratify me more than to help this child help himself. I believe that by myself, I cannot physically help the world, but if I help somebody, I am helping the world.

A very moving story, Campbell! I think Katrina is perhaps a spiritual place in America where many people, some strnagers and some more familiar ( including some from outside, like myself ) it seems have met and keep on meeting!!! What could it all mean?

Campbell, please read my comment i posted concernig assisting Charles on today.

Thank you

Campbell, I think that you have done a very courgeous thing by focusing on this young man. I am sure that he appreciates every little or big thing you and others have done for him to enhance his life. some of the comments I have read seem to be so selfish and uncaring. Sure enough many lives have been devastated by the travesties of life/nature they cannot help. AND, surely, they are all looking for a better way. But why should one try to focus only on him or herself when news of helping others is mentioned? If they would just wait, stay focused and seek continous guidance, help will come. It came to Charles. You have to start with someone. It so happens that this young man Charles Evans was the one. (After all, you cannot eat the whole elephant at one time : ) One bite, one step, one day at a time!

Thank you for following and sharing this story. With so many people being spotlighted with the modern media, it is rare when a story actually reaches out of the screen and touches your heart. I couldn't help but notice the "bullies" comment in regard to school. I hope for Charles to get to a place where being human can be without fear or harassment. A place to learn and grow to be whatever that spark of a personality will lead him to be. I understand the caring for family that he does, I once did the same. It appears that he sees getting out and on with his personal growth is what will be right for him. Please update us as Charles follows HIS dreams.

Will the video be put online?

Re: Charles Evans
I have two suggestions, one short term and one long term, which may be of some help for Charles Evans. First, I would think that the people who have befriended him would speak on his behalf to his grandmother about allowing him to take the path which would prepare him to become an independent adult with the ability to care for himself. Unfortunately, he can not do that if he stays in New Orleans. As a Chrisitian woman I know she realizes her duty to do all that she can do to prepare him to be all t hat he can be. She has lived her life, she should allow him to do the same. Finally, if necessary I hope individuals would help him seek emancipation, so that he can move forward with his life starting with obtaining an education.

Regards,
Charlyse,
Chicago

I remember watching Campbell covering Katrina and seeing the special little guy who has now grown into a smart teenager. Very glad that Campbell is keeping in touch with Charles. My prayers are with him and many others who are facing difficulties from the aftermath of Katrina.
Keep these stories coming.

I I think the Kartina victims, largely, have become the palestinians of the U.S.
Nomadic and can't go back home.
This is a vast story of a society that has largely, no education, skills or social graces.
I've heard of Texas teachers horrified at the lack of social graces displayed by Katrina children. And of stories about the entitlement issues many Katrina victims have.
Tough to help a people who four years later are still lost, physically and emotionally. After four years, these type of victims are largely the last off the roofs, the first to ask for help other than from within and, sadly, convinced they were somehow wronged.

I hope a tragedy doesn't befall some of you. many think that because it happened 4 years ago things should be back to normal hence this shouldn't be a story. Please note, SHOULD being the operative word here, it isnt the case. To simply say we need to get past this, that these are govt dependent people looking for a handout, that this CHILD should get a job etc is crazy/ heartless/ hateful and grossly simplistic among soo many other adjectives I could use. If the govt cant be of any adequate assistance, why do we need one? When this tragedy occurred, the response was inadequate and frankly, shameful for a country such as the U.S who likes to intervene in other countries domestic affairs. and some of you have the gall to come on a public forum and post garbage about people who have there lives disturbed by a natural disaster and will spend many months or years for many to finally find some stability. People like JOAN and others need to INFORM YOURSELVES, and step out of the box that you live in, and if your own life is miserable, keep the bitterness, stupidity and insensitivity to yourselves.

Joan said why doesn't he go work to support himself. If you read the story it says he was only 9 years old in 2005, that makes him about 13 now. How is he supposed to work to support himself? Read the facts and give me and this poor kid a break!

Hi,Thnx to everyone and I feel that your opiions should be heard however crtism shouldn't!

Cry me a river...another trained number looking for a handout. What about all the other misfortunate kids huh?

To "Questions" - Here are a few for you. Where are the locals suppose to get the lumber, nails, tools, machinery and skills to rebuild? You make it sound so easy! But it is not. Often times immigrants are given start up money and education opportunities to be trained in a skill; something that these "locals" will never see. Even prisoner in some states are released with $200.00 of start over money. A "local" would be overjoyed te receive such. Unfortunately, you could barely purchase a replacement door and the hinges to hang it upon for $200.00. Then once in hand, who knows how to install a door. I do not, but if you are so able, it would be greatly appreciated if you go to NOLA and just install one door on one home in need. PLEASE!

To Stephanie,
The hispanic population in NO exploded immediately after Katrina. Illegal immigrants came over with nothing but the shirts on their backs, looking for work and found it. I'm not suggesting the locals pony up the lumber, tools, etc themselves. I'm suggesting that there were plenty of contractors hiring manual labor. And while the illegals were more than willing to work long, hard days for a little money, it appears many NO natives would do no such thing. They simply held out their hands, expecting help. Now here we are, years later, and some people are still looking for handouts. Again, I'm not directing this towards Charles, who seems like a go getter and willing to improve himself. I'm directing it to those able bodied adults in NO who are crying 4 years later about not getting any help. Those are the ones that have let Charles down.

It kills me when so many people get on here and talk negative. I know everyone has heard if you don't have something nice to say don't say it at all. Just keep your negativity to yourself because it is helping no one. And to Wolf B your comments had nothing to do with the story you mentioned Obama why? If you think you can do a better job then by all means why don't you run for office.

"How on earth can America, a country with so much conviction about pride and possibility, let the children of New Orleans down year after year?"

Ummm... AMERICA didn't let NOLA down year after year (America keeps bailing NOLA out).
You know who did let NOLA down?
Politicians... the politicians that NOLA keeps electing back into office.

Charles, don't worry you will have a bright future regardless of where you live. I made it out of the hood and was raised by my grandmother. You didn't ask to be put in this situation. With your determined spirit you will make it too!!! I had to ignore ignorant comments from my own race and still made it through. Keep your head held high.

I watched Campbell Brown's interview with Charles Evans, the young boy she met four years ago during Hurricane Katrina. I'm deeply moved and would like to help. Certainly I could throw money into helpful organizations, but I heard mention of his being accepted into the Milton Hershey Schoold for Boys. I live in Lancaster, PA, not more than 45 mins. to Hershey. If there is anything, at all, I could assist in helping this young boy should he come to Hershey, PA, I would be available. Keep me posted.
Mary Beth