most have left the city, lost their homes or disappeared without trace. Across the river in the West Bank of New Orleans, a Home Depot do-it-yourself store has opened after bringing in workers from across the country. Black-clad security guards stand at the entrance. Customers file out with generators, gas canisters, hacksaws and asphalt felt and tarps to fix roofs. A couple of Missouri National Guard troops filled a truck with brooms, mosquito repellent, cleaning materials, batteries and other supplies. Store manager Kristian Roane said there were a lot fewer customers than normal but on average they were spending a whole lot more. "The customers have been fantastic. We've had no rioting, no fighting, no cross words because these guys are helping us out," he said, pointing to the security guards. Roofing contractor Steve Brown from Jefferson Parish bought a load of blue tarps to cover the gaping holes in people's roofs. "That's just the beginning," he said. "Now I've got to find a crew."
