Houston received the largest number of evacuees of any city outside the state. The Astrodome initially housed the thousands  evacuated from the Superdome and the Convention Center.  Mayor White provided an hospitiable environment, moved quickly to find housing alternatives and although he offered free bus transportation to those wanting to return to New Orleans, few have taken him up on that offer.

A September 2006 NSF study conducted by Rice University researchers shows there are still 150,000 displaced New Orleanians living in Houston. Of these the 35,000-40,000 poorest were sampled and 69% said they planned to stay in Houston (the actual sample was 1,081 persons).

These include unemployed, uninsured, renters who would have trouble returning to New Orleans. Houston continues to struggle with the special needs of these evacuees. Houston schools, police, employers and hospitals all report problems. 59 murders among Katrina evacuees have been reported between Jan 1, 2006 and September 1, 2006. Only 20% of those surveyed had jobs.

Non-existant public housing, lack of rental space, school problems and healthcare woes continue to make New Orleans difficult to return to although many of the new Houstonians express dismay with their current situation. Although Mayor Nagin has been a frequent visitor there is little he can do.