Some members, whose homes were completely destroyed, are now living elsewhere with friends, relatives or rentals while they decide whether to rebuild or relocate to another area, perhaps even move back to Massachusetts.

A major complaint of those, who still reside in damaged, but livable, homes, is the inability to find qualified workers to repair the damage. Certified repair workers have a backlog of six months to a year in many areas. Many insurance adjusters have also been very slow in resolving claims.

Bob Hickey, a retired Lynn firefighter, who lives in hard-hit Fort Pierce, estimates his damage at $40,000. At last report, his adjuster has been to his home twice, but there had been no settlement. His home is in Tropical Isles, a 345-unit manufactured home park. The homes are sometimes called modular homes.

Gloria Dias, a Department of Welfare retiree, who also lives in Tropical Isles, says she has only received one-half of her insurance payment and has been told that her insurance will probably be cancelled this January.

Hickey says that 38 homes in Tropical Isles were totally lost. "Almost every home suffered damage. There are a sea of blue roofs everywhere," he said. "FEMA supplied blue tarpaulins so that owners could cover their roofs, most of which were lost or badly damaged."

"We've maintained contact with most Florida members," said Association President Ralph White. "However, there are a few that completely disappeared. With their homes destroyed, especially in the Punta Gorda area, we have yet to hear from them. I'm sure they're physically okay, but like others, it's been a tough emotional struggle."