Katrina Family Finds Hope in Minneapolis

Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, a family displaced by the storm is sharing their powerful story of resilience and the extraordinary kindness they received in Minneapolis. The Bruno family found unexpected refuge and support in a community that rallied around them during their most desperate time.

Stacey and Harold Bruno, along with their two young children, Tiara and Harold Jr., fled their New Orleans home with little more than a few suitcases. Initially hoping to wait out the storm, the escalating devastation prompted their journey north, accompanied by Stacey’s sister and in-laws.

A Journey North and Unexpected Welcome

After a harrowing 20-hour drive to Minneapolis, the Brunos turned on the TV to witness the full extent of the destruction back home, realizing they couldn’t return anytime soon. It was in Minneapolis that the local community’s generosity truly shone.

Businessman Greg Lawrence and his wife, Janet, offered the family a rent-free home for an entire year. “They’re charming people,” Stacey recalled. “They pulled out all the stops. They made sure that we had bedding, clothes, and food. They were really, really hospitable to us.”

Community Support Beyond Measure

The outpouring of support didn’t stop there. Other Minneapolis locals contributed generously, donating items such as a bunk bed, a television, and even a car to the Bruno family. “We really got everything that we needed,” Stacey shared, emphasizing the community’s comprehensive assistance.

The family briefly returned to New Orleans to salvage belongings, managing to recover cherished heirlooms and mementos despite the widespread damage. Upon returning to Minneapolis, they stayed until their children completed the school year before eventually returning to New Orleans to rebuild their lives.

Lasting Gratitude

Though the Brunos lost touch with the Lawrences over the years, Stacey expressed enduring gratitude for their kindness. “I always wonder how his family is doing, and I always like to let him know, ‘Hey, my family’s doing fine,’” she said, reflecting on the profound impact their generosity had during a devastating period.