JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — This week marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans community and surrounding areas.
The hurricane barreled through southeast Louisiana on Aug. 29th, 2005 – killing 1,833 people.
Many people lost everything that day or the months that followed, with many having to relocate, including one family who chose Johnson City.
“At the time, we were like most people in Louisiana; we had experienced hurricanes before, so it didn’t seem like a big deal,” Jessica Moor, who owns Owl’s Nest in Johnson City, remembered.
She grew up in the New Orleans area and wanted to stay after Hurricane Katrina swept through the region.
“We even hosted some folks from New Orleans at our home. But once the levees broke, the scale of the disaster became clear. We tried to tough it out there,” Moore recounted. “We didn’t relocate until seven months later, but in the meantime, we dealt with frequent power outages and found getting essentials like milk, meats, and gasoline very challenging.”
That’s when the entire Moore family decided to move to Johnson City.
“We moved in one swift motion, loading up a truck and heading out,” Moore shared with News Channel 11. “At the time, we had a seven-year-old, a five-year-old, and an eight-month-old, which made it quite daunting. After getting settled, I launched my business, [Owls Nest]. I began small, in a 900-square-foot space, which was very modest. We quickly expanded and relocated to our current place a decade ago, and I have no intention of moving again.”
When Hurricane Helene hit the region, she knew she had to step in and help.
“Having witnessed the destruction firsthand, I understood exactly what those affected were enduring,” Moore explained. “We made trips with water, supplies, clothes, and essentials like diapers and formula. Whenever there was a need, we ensured we had a contact to deliver those supplies efficiently. Both my family and my employees made several trips back and forth to assist.”
Now, Moore says the Owls’ Nest and Johnson City are something she would never leave.
“We’re definitely staying put, even though many of our relatives are still in New Orleans, and as my sons have grown, they’ve actually gone back there; but for us, this is home,” Moore mentioned to News Channel 11. “The community here has welcomed us warmly, and we’ve grown to love the area.”
You can find out more about the Owl’s Nest by clicking here.
