On Saturday, March 12, 2011, Jack & Jill of America, Inc., in collaboration with Jack and Jill of America Foundation, joined NOAHH in dedicating a new home at 4025 N. Rocheblave in the Upper Ninth Ward for partner family member Corey Holmes. On site were representatives of the Jack and Jill organization from all over America. They laid sod, cleaned up the neighborhood, and helped build walls while the children made stepping stones for the new homeowners to use in their yard.
Corey is a 29 year-old father of 3 children who works as a chef in some of New Orleans best restaurants. Corey grew up in the St. Bernard housing project and as a result of Hurricane Katrina, he lost everything. Following the storm, Corey held on to one of his long time dreams of becoming a homeowner. Habitat homeowner Lola Allen shared her success in the Habitat program and Corey knew the route he could take to achieve his dream. “Becoming a Habitat partner was a big blessing to me,” stated Corey Holmes. “I never knew that owning a home could be possible at my age. I will finally be able to give my family a life that I always dreamed of. I knew with hard work and perseverance that my dream would come true.”
The Jack and Jill of America Rebuilds Project, in partnership with NOAHH, collaborated together to build Corey’s home in the Upper Ninth Ward of New Orleans. The dedication of Corey’s home will launch “Jack and Jill Rebuilds America Project” which was established in an effort to support homeless and displaced families in every region of the United States by Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in collaboration with Jack and Jill of America Foundation.
