Helping Out
This week, I am headed to New Orleans for an amazing opportunity. Nick and I are volunteering to help rebuild New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It was the costliest tropical cyclone to ever hit the US and is responsible for an estimate $81 billion in damage. It's hard to believe that 3 1/2 years after the storm, families and communities are still trying to rebuild. From what we've heard, the volunteer efforts have tapered off so we are really excited to help out and offer our support. Here's some info about the two projects we'll be working on:
St. Bernard Project removes barriers for families who wish to return to their homes in St. Bernard Parish. They are able to completely rebuild a house that has been gutted to the studs in 12 weeks and for $12,000, with a lot of volunteer labor. Since August 2006, they have helped 184families and recruited 10,000 volunteers.
School at Blair Grocery is a project started by teacher, Nate Turner. He has turned this neighborhood grocery into a home school for community youth. The goal is to teach the kids not only the standard disciplines, but also environmental education, community awareness, social justice and organic farming. They are even using adjacent abandoned lots for their own organic gardens. Check out the video of Mr. Turner discussing the project.
If you're interested in volunteering, the organization we're working with is Jewish Funds for Justice.
I hope to blog while we're there, with before, during & after pictures, and more information about what's needed in NO, so be sure to check back.
