New Orleans Habitat - Operation Home Delivery Blog

Volunteer Groups Bring More than Hammers to New Orleans

What more could a volunteer do than give up their summer vacation to travel to New Orleans  and spend a few days working in 100 degree heat to help a family in need? Well, some groups find a way to make an even greater impact.  They raise money to further support the mission of New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity.

This week we were pleased to host three incredible volunteer groups from the Branson School, Mellow Mushroom, and the Association of Government Accountants.  They all worked together on homes in the St. Roch neighborhood and built floor systems.  We’d like to share a bit more about these dedicated partners!

The Branson School, located in Ross, California, sent a group of students to work with NOAHH; this is the school’s fourth trip to New Orleans to help rebuild the city.  Not only did the students volunteer their time, they worked hard to raise over $4,000 to donate to NOAHH by hosting walk-a-thons, car washes, and collecting donations from family and friends.  The school’s mission says , "Branson believes that diversity of people and thought enriches us all and promotes responsible leadership in the global community." These students have certainly embodied this spirit of responsibility by helping the citizens of New Orleans. Thank you Branson School and Students!

Mellow Mushroom, a collection of southern style pizza restaurants started in Atlanta, GA, sent a group of 15 volunteers to build homes with NOAHH.  Additionally, the company partnered with Abita Brewery to create a limited edition commemorative glass featuring Abita and Mellow Mushroom artwork.  The glasses were available throughout all Mellow Mushroom restaurants with a dollar from the sale of each glass will be donated to NOAHH.

They had 46 stores participate and sold nearly 4,000 glasses in the last two months; and that means they raised $4,000 for NOAHH!  Thank you for your support Mellow Mushroom! 

And finally, the Association of Government Accountants was back this week for their third volunteer effort in New Orleans.  In conjunction with their annual conference, AGA participants boarded buses and headed to the St. Roch neighborhood to build homes.  Additionally, on June 23^rd AGA member company Savantage Solutions hosted a reception featuring music played by Habitat Musicians’ Village homeowners and presented NOAHH with a check for $5,000.  Their guests also donated over $500 on the spot!  Thank you AGA and Savantage!

NOAHH Bids Fond Farewell to Camp Hope

On Thursday, May 28^th, NOAHH celebrated the accomplishments of NOAHH’s Camp Hope as it closes its doors to volunteers who have become an integral part of the area’s recovery.  New Orleans Habitat developed Camp Hope into a premier volunteer base camp which offered a safe, affordable place for volunteers to stay while working with local non-profits.  This effort was made possible with the tremendous assistance received from St. Bernard School Board and Parish officials.

Since November 2006, Camp Hope has provided over 200,000 bed nights to volunteers and over 50,000 bed nights for AmeriCorps NCCC Teams.  These volunteers have assisted NOAHH with gutting over 2,000 homes and constructing 52 new homes in St. Bernard Parish in addition to building 150 homes is Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. Next month St. Bernard Parish School Board has plans to remove and rebuild PGT Beauregard Middle School where Camp Hope is currently housed.  With this impending timeline, NOAHH has decided to maintain its focus on building low-income housing and seek alternate options for volunteer housing.

“St. Bernard Parish has been key to the success of New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity in the rebuilding process,” stated Jim Pate, Executive Director of NOAHH.  “Housing volunteers was a challenge in the post-Katrina era and St. Bernard Parish Council and School Board’s partnership allowed us to economically house thousand of volunteers who have given their time to rebuild the region and work within the St. Bernard community.”

As a member of the St. Bernard Parish Community, NOAHH’s volunteers have also participated in many community-based projects including the St. Bernard Project, H.O.P.E. Project, United Commercial Fisherman’s Association, St. Bernard Community Center, St. Bernard Council on Aging,  St. Bernard Battered Women’s Program, PLAY HELPS at Andrew Jackson Elementary School, Neighborhood clean up in Lexington and Oak Ridge, and the Isleños Community.

“Without Camp Hope, we would not have accomplished so much post-Katrina,” added Pate.  “Our staffs’ dedication to welcoming volunteers and providing for them has created a true sense of community amongst the volunteers which span the globe.” 

In 2006, Camp Hope began as an offshoot of FEMA’s Camp Premier as it was closed down following Hurricane Katrina. Camp Hope became a safe option at which volunteers could stay at no cost while working with local non-profits to rebuild in the area.  In 2007, Camp Hope instituted a nominal charge per night to help cover the costs to run the camp.  Even at $25 a night for a bed and three meals, Camp Hope was the best bargain for volunteers in the area.

Pictured above speaking at the ceremony were Camp Hope director Jay Frey, who specifically thanked the AmeriCorps NCCC teams; St. Bernard Recovery and Homeland Security Director Dave Dysart, who told the story of how Camp Hope began; Jim Pate, NOAHH Executive director; and Craig Taffaro, St. Bernard Parish President.  A crowd of volunteers and AmeriCorps NCCC took time out from their work to join NOAHH and Camp Hope staff in a lunchtime farewell to the facility that has served the area for the last three years.

Louisiana Bankers Association Comes Together With NOAHH to Dedicate a New Home

On Tuesday, May 5, 2009, NOAHH and the Louisiana Banker Association dedicated a new home for Vontrell Silas and her son, Travon, on Ferry Place in the Hollygrove neighborhood. The home is another step to completely revitalizing the once blighted and abandoned street. 

            When LBA came to New Orleans or their convention in 2007, they decided to give back to their state by helping to build a home with NOAHH. The LBA board called on members of the association to volunteer their time and donate their money, and the result has lead to building of a safe, affordable home for the Silas family.   

TO@NOLA Shows Support for NOAHH for the Third Year in a Row

NOAHH is very pleased to announce for the third year in a row that the group known as TO@NOLA has started to build homes in New Orleans East.

The group was made up of 49 enthusiastic volunteers from Toronto, Canada that were very much touched by the devastation from Hurricane Katrina. This group not only came down to build homes, but they also collected cash donations from friends, families and businesses. This year, they donated $53,000 U.S. to Habitat.

Their group leader, Ian Clarke – EVP & CFO, Business Development of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. – stated, “The coverage of Hurricane Katrina moved me, my friends and their companies to take action and do something to show our support and respect for the people of New Orleans, who are fighters and survivors. We are honoured to help in any small way.”

TO@NOLA contributed $35,000 USD and 31 volunteers in April 2007. The next April, they contributed 53 volunteers and $66,472 USD. This April, their contribution is $53,000 and 49 volunteers. The group of 49 volunteers included 15 employees of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.

Mr. Clarke added, “I have been very lucky and fortunate to meet and befriend great human beings that share common values of helping others and giving back.” The participants and donors included TD Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia, McCarthy Tetrault, Air Canada Jetz and 80 friends and close business colleagues.

NOAHH and Jazz Fest Celebrate Raisin' the Roof Foundation's Success

On Wednesday, April 29^th, Musicians’ Village homeowners who participated in the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s Raisin’ the Roof Housing Program helped to celebrate its success with a noontime concert and press conference with NOAHH. 

Shamarr Allen, Charles Badie, Andrew Baham, Jon Cristian Duque, Rik Fletcher, Rhonda Ford, Bob French, and Stephen Walker performed to a crowd of staff and volunteers, getting a second line going and playing New Orleans classics and other material. Many of these homeowners and other Musicians’ Village residents have played at or are playing Jazz Fest this year.

“The Jazz & Heritage Foundation has been a great partner for New Orleans Habitat,” stated Jim Pate, executive director, NOAHH.  “Raisin’ the Roof Housing Program has been very successful for the musicians as all are getting settled in their new homes – taking on the responsibility of home ownership.”

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation realizes that musicians and culture bearers are important to the history of New Orleans.  The Foundation has dedicated significant resources to the program to assist more musicians who qualify for NOAHH’s Homeownership Program.  “The Jazz & Heritage Foundation is prepared to help those who help themselves,” stated Ron Sholes, board president, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.  “Raisin’ the Roof helps the very people who build Jazz Fest and add to the value of the culture of New Orleans.”

The Raisin’ the Roof Housing Program is financed with proceeds from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.  It is one of many year-round programs administered by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.  

Shell and NOAHH Begin Last Elder Double in Musicians' Village

Shell, in partnership with NOAHH, raised walls on the last of five rental duplexes in the Musicians’ Village for Master Musicians in Residence.  Shell’s $500,000 sponsorship will provide opportunities for musicians to live in the Musicians’ Village and work with the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music located in the heart of the village.  

“We are grateful to Shell and their outreach activities,” stated Jim Pate, NOAHH Executive Director.  “The Musicians’ Village illustrates progress and hope for our partner families, and with Shell’s generosity, we are able to further our mission of providing affordable housing.”  

Shell has been at the forefront of assisting with volunteer housing in St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes for NOAHH volunteers as well as other non-profit organizations’ volunteers. “They have provided bunk houses when there was a critical need for housing volunteers who were on the front lines of the recovery process.  Through a grant process, they assisted us in procuring a BobCat for our construction needs,” added Pate.  

“Shell and our employees are committed to New Orleans and the recovery effort,” stated Frank Glaviano, Vice-President of Production for the Americas Region.  “It’s amazing to see how many of our team have taken on volunteer efforts in the community.  I’m from the Ninth Ward and am overwhelmed with the opportunity to assist so many people with their return to their community.” 

            The Master Musicians in Residence Program will be administered by the New Orleans Habitat Musicians’ Village Inc. Foundation.  These duplexes will be made available to master musicians who will contribute to the musical education of the neighborhood through the Center. The Ellis Marsalis Center will be dedicated to the education and development of homeowners and neighbors. The Center will celebrate the music and musicians of New Orleans, and will include performance rooms and classrooms.

 

Hilton Hotels and NOAHH Unite to Raise Walls on a New Home

With help from Hilton Hotels Corporation sponsors and volunteers, NOAHH raised the walls on the new home for Angelica Douglas on the West Bank on Friday, April 17, 2009. 

After Hurricane Katrina, Angelica, a New Orleans native, evacuated to Baton Rouge and lived there for 2 years.  “I have finally moved back home and appreciate the opportunity to become a first-time homeowner with Habitat for Humanity,” stated Angelica Douglas, New Orleans Habitat for Humanity Partner Family.

            The Hilton Family of Hotels adheres to founder Conrad Hilton’s philosophy that, “It has been, and continues to be, our responsibility to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.”  The company put a name to its unique brand of service that has made it the best known and most highly regarded hotel company:  be hospitable®.  The philosophy is shared by all brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, and is the inspiration for its overarching message of kindness and generosity.

ABSOLUT® and NOAHH Team Up to Build a New Home

On Wednesday, April 15, 2009, NOAHH joined with ABSOLUT^® VODKA and volunteers on the West Bank to raise the walls to signify the beginning of a home for Sonya Scineaux.

A native of New Orleans’ West Bank, Sonya and her daughters have struggled to regain their footing following Hurricane Katrina.  “There were a lot of us who pulled through the rough spots and turned our lives around to return to Louisiana. One of my goals is to become a homeowner and it has finally come true with Habitat and ABSOLUT^®.”

            This home will be the first of four that ABSOLUT^® is sponsoring with NOAHH from sales of their ABSOLUT^® New Orleans limited edition product, the first to evoke the spirit of the city.  ABSOLUT^® raised $400,000 for NOAHH as well as money for other charities. 

Kellogg and Winn-Dixie Join Forces With NOAHH to Dedicate a New Home

Another family received a new home in Central City this March 31. NOAHH, Winn-Dixie and Kellogg representatives (including the world famous Tony the Tiger and Ernie the Elf) presented the Hutton family with housewarming gifts for their new home, including a $1,000 Winn-Dixie gift card, washer and dryer, and an autographed New Orleans Saints helmet and football, as well as the traditional gifts of flowers, bread, tools, wine, a Bible, and, of course, the keys. 

New homeowner Katherine Hutton put 350 “sweat equity” hours into her and other Habitat homes as part of the Habitat program for homeownership. She and her family of four now have a home thanks not just to Winn Dixie and Kellogg, but also their customers. In a six-week promotion that ended last June, Kellogg offered Winn-Dixie customers the chance to contribute to the Hutton home. Every time they purchased two of any Kellogg, Keebler, Eggo, Kashi, Sunshine or Murray products, 25 cents was donated to help fund the construction of the home.

NOAHH Receives Huge Donation From True Value

In a gesture of unparalleled generosity, hardware company True Value donated over 200 pallets (or 20 loads in freightliners) of many and varied materials to NOAHH from the True Value Spring Convention that ended on March 30. During the week of the conference, True Value also sent 150 convention goers to volunteer in the Upper Ninth ward, helping NOAHH in its on-going efforts there.

  Using AmeriCorps, NOAHH staff, and a fair amount of shrink wrap,  the product was shipped from the Morial Convention Center to the  ReStore and NOAHH sites over the course of a week, culminating in a complicated effort by ReStore staff and volunteers to sort and price everything for sale for the general public on Tuesday, April 7.

Everything from the usual home improvement material (carpets, tools) to products new to the ReStore (like cleaning and gardening supplies) to some rather particular and unusual wares (logging tools, snow shovels, Barbie dolls) went on sale at discounted prices. The ReStore is a retail center run by NOAHH to sell donated materials that aren’t used in constructing new homes. All proceeds made from the sale of these articles help us build new homes for hard working partner families throughout the New Orleans area.

In the first day of sales, ReStore made over $25,000 from the general public (or a third of a new home’s cost). NOAHH is extremely grateful to everyone who helped with this project, including volunteers, staff, and AmeriCorps, but we extend a special gratitude to True Value for their enormous generosity.