New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity
Affordable Housing & Hurricane Relief

NOAHH has been working in partnership with hard working, low-income families in New Orleans to build and finance new, safe, affordable homes. The program makes homeownership possible for families who are unable to qualify for traditional home loans but have a stable job, good or no credit, and the willingness to contribute 350 hours of sweat equity to the building of Habitat homes.

New Orleans continues to rebuild housing that was destroyed by the devastating flooding of Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans is a city with historically low rates of homeownership and high levels of poverty, yet it is a place of resiliency, hope, and cultural vibrancy. With a spirit of renewal, NOAHH is rising to the challenges presented by a substandard housing stock and is helping many to realize their dream of homeownership.

Service Project(s)

Activities:

• Moderate to advanced construction work (no experience required)
• Roofing, siding, nailing, drywalling, etc.
• Visiting with families receiving houses

Goals

• To provide students with an understanding of the challenges faced by Louisiana citizens in the rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina, and issues pertaining to affordable housing in North American communities. Habitat for Humanity International seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.

Cost - $1,000 CAD

Trip Cost covers:

• Bus Trip
• Insurance (health)
• Registration
• Transportation in New Orleans
• ASB Conference Weekend Meals
• Accommodation
• Food
• Administrative Fee (t shirt, team leader contribution, journal)
• Note: ASB participants will be responsible for any souvenirs or snacks during the trip.

Medical Precautions

Students are required to be up-to-date on Tetanus. The cost of medical precautions is not included in ASB fees, and is the responsibility of the participant.

Middlesex London Health Unit
London Travel Clinic, 520 Sarnia Rd. 519-432-5508

Sample Day

Accommodations

Camp Restore, New Orleans

Other activities may include

• Museum Presbytere: Hurricaine katrina Exhibit
• Free time in the French Quarter
• Tour of the Lower 9th Ward (most affected by Hurricane Katrina)
• Dinner at a local restaurant
• Guest speakers from Habitat

The City

New Orleans is one of the oldest cities in the United States and is the largest city in Louisiana. New Orleans (also known as The Big Easy) is located in southeastern Louisiana, straddling the Mississippi River. The climate of New Orleans is humid subtropical with short, generally mild winters and hot, humid summers. Because of warmer temperatures and historic venues, New Orleans is a popular tourist destination. Known for its cultural riches and multilingual heritage, its architecture, Cajun French cuisine, and being the birth place of Jazz, New Orleans is often referred to as the "most unique city in America."

The Community

On August 28th, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the southern coast of the United States with devastating effects. It was the costliest, and one of the five deadliest, hurricanes to ever strike the United States. Hundreds of thousands of local residents were left unemployed, which will have a trickle-down effect as fewer taxes are paid to local governments. Additionally, some insurance companies have stopped insuring homeowners in the area, or have raised homeowners' insurance premiums to cover their risk. While economic, environmental, and population-related effects continue to impact the area, New Orleans is working to rebuild its communities with the support of organizations like Habitat for Humanity.

Photo Gallery

TOP