We do what we can…

Our group of 12 volunteers went to fix houses ruined by Hurricane Katrina (similar to Habitat for Humanity) in New Orleans in July . Why July I asked??? Could it get any hotter, could the conditions be worse?? We worked in the 95 degree heat, 80% humidity, 6 hour days. I had heat stroke by Wednesday, but carried on because the need was so great. What a feeling of accomplishment as we put the finishing touches on three houses by completing paint, varnish, installing closet doors, grout, trim boards, plumbing, etc. The final day was cleaning every inch of each room so the families could move in. At night, we slept on air mattresses in sleeping bags on the floor -- a small inconvenience compared to what so many have been through.

We visited the very contemporary houses Brad Pitt is building and went to Musicians Village where Habit for Humanity is building houses for the musicians. Those houses were featured on This Old House for a few episodes. so it was exciting seeing the area first-hand. We spoke with a bass player and drummer about how they survived the hurricane; so many stories of tragedy mixed with up-lifting, positive outcomes of a community held together with spirit and hope.

We still saw people still living in FEMA trailers -- outrageous! Many people have just abandoned their houses. With the roof torn off and the yard a mess, you can only imagine the condition of the inside. Two of the ladies we worked for had been ripped off by their contractors – one left in the middle of the job and the other took $80,000 and didn’t even start the job. That contractor lives 2 blocks away from her house. He put a second story on HIS house—the state is not even doing anything about putting the guy in jail!!

We stayed stayed in a church near Tulane University and were able to go out at night for walks to view the gorgeous, stately mansions -- such a contrast to the houses we worked on during the day. The trolley was the perfect way to visit the French Quarter for a historic guided walk tour. No comment on Bourbon Street.

Meeting the people and the feeling of accomplishment were the highlights of the trip. Now to get the word out that there is so much more to be done...