KATRINA UPDATE: Some receiving FEMA assistance unwilling to help themselves:

What are people who receive FEMA assistance doing to help themselves? That’s the question NBC 15’s Andrea Ramey asked those who have been staying for free in hotel rooms after they moved out of FEMA supplied travel trailers. What she found out is there are some who are doing very little.

The scorching heat puts many at the Quality Inn poolside, but for Gwenester Malone, she chooses to beat the heat by setting her thermostat to sixty degrees. Malone’s room for the past three months, along with three meals daily, have all been paid for by taxpayers.

“Do you work?” asked NBC 15’s Andrea Ramey.

“No. I’m not working right now,” said Malone.

Malone says she can’t drive and it’s too hot outside to find work within walking distance. “Since the storm, I haven’t had any energy or pep to go get a job, but when push comes to shove, I will,” said Malone.

Just a few blocks away, Kelley Christian also stays at a hotel for free. She says she’s not taking advantage of her situation, but admits it’s easy to do. “It’s too easy. You know, once you’re there, you don’t have to pay rent,” said Christian. “I kept putting it off and putting it off and now, I’m tired of putting it off.”

Read the whole thing.