Katrina Cottage

They were designed as a response to the inadequacies of the trailers issued to flood victims by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Though designs may vary, the main aesthetic criterion is that Katrina Cottages resemble traditional homes in the area in appearance, scaled-down in size to reduce costs and ease construction so that multiple units can be built quickly as needed.

Home improvement retailer Lowe's offered pre-packaged Katrina Cottage kits, including plans and all materials needed for construction.

A FEMA pilot program accommodating 900 Mississippi coast families encountered strong opposition from local government officials opposed to permanent small housing units, fearing they would lower property values.

On the other hand, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour urged local officials to accept the cottages as safer than trailers.