Uninsured like Kilgore, and living on Social Security, he has no long-term plan but decided to hold onto the property and camp in a recreational vehicle.

Others received insurance payments. Retired pastor Edwin Isaacs, 64, paid off his mortgage and is happy to live on his property condition-free in recreational vehicle, while Marialyce Pedersen has parked a trailer on her property while she rebuilds.

"I was 61 years old and ready to retire and enjoy my pool and my life. I love that my land is still here," she said. "Here it feels familiar, like the right place for my body to be."