Project: Katrina Hope…raise funds…raise walls…raise spirits

Eventful. Though uncreative, this word easily sums up our day. After welcoming Shannon to New Orleans on an overcast morning, we made our way to St. Bernard to meet up with the Colorado State group. Shannon was overwhelmed at the number of houses in disrepair and the multitudes of FEMA trailers that still lined the blocks. However, it also made it clear to her how much the volunteers, such as the great group we met today, are still needed in this area of the country.

The CSU alternative spring break group put up drywall in their home today, which will soon be occupied by a mother and her four-year-old son. She recently bought the house, which belonged to her childhood neighbor…she lives just two houses away, still in a trailer. Shannon and I were able to interview a few of the students, and we got a lot of great footage of them hard at work. Drywalling the ceilings seemed to be their biggest challenge, and I’m sure a good number of the dozen in their group will be have sore arms tomorrow. We were really inspired to see their hard work.

After a detour to the Gulf Coast to see shrimping boats and the ruins of more of St. Bernard Parish, Shannon and I made our way to the French Quarter to catch the St. Patrick’s Day parade. I can’t even imagine what Mardi Gras is like, because we both caught several pounds of beads from the partying Irish men tossing them our way. It has been nice to show her what New Orleans can really be like.

Tomorrow, we’re meeting up with the crew from Hobart and William Smith Colleges of Geneva, New York. Today, they sprayed away the mold of a several story building that will become a senior center, and they are hoping to begin priming the walls first thing in the morning. We are really looking forward to hearing their stories, especially since at least one team member has been on the trip five previous times!

Posted on March 17th, 2008 by Gretchen Wieland
Filed under: From Gretchen