Good Morning. I was on the Rebuild project with George Thomas, Lorraine Dee, and Jim Sasso. The rebuild program began as a volunteer house gutting operation by the Episcopal diocese of LA. In 2007, the rebuild phase was launched and so far 60 homes for families have been rebuilt. All work except electrical and plumbing is done by volunteers. Work includes insulation, sheet rocking, painting, flooring, and installing trim and cabinets.
We were assigned a house in the Gentilly section of New Orleans. It was owned by a family of 6 who were displaced to Little Rock Arkansas. The father died from cancer while in Little Rock so 5 will be returning to the house. From the stories we heard, health care costs made it impossible for them to return to their home. Eventually, a social worker brought their case to the rebuild program. We also heard there may have been some contractor fraud with this house which was (and is) quite common.
I didn’t know what to expect arriving at our site. Water was at the 10 ft. mark in this neighborhood and the yellow mark above the door and windows still remains on the house. I would say that about 50% of the homes in the area have been rebuilt. This particular house was nearing completion. George and Jim were assigned the light carpentry work while Lorraine and I were the painters. Building closets were the priority for the week.
Two supervisors were at our site. They were just out of college and they had been there for about a year. The program is currently working on 15 houses and has 20 supervisors. At the end of the program, we met with Liz who is one of the managers of the program. She told us how funding has been cut back for this year and there are great concerns about funding going forward. They did receive a grant from the state which will allow them to finish the homes started (about 15) and do a few additional homes. The name of the organization has actually changed from “disaster response” to Episcopal Community Services”. As she said…“How long can a disaster response be?” I look at the neighborhoods and I wonder if the remaining people will ever come back to their homes? How many people want to come back but can’t due to financial issues? What will happen to these gutted out homes? Will the govt. eventually take them over?
All these questions went thru my mind as I was painting but now I think a lot about what Liz talked about….FUTURE FUNDING. She’s worried because she just knows there are more families that want to come back but can’t due to financial constraints. Although it has been 5 years, there is just so much more work that needs to be done. I also hope and pray that the funding continues….. ECS is really doing some good work!!
For myself, I got to know Lorraine, George, and Jim at a much deeper level and I’m grateful for that. We were together every day! I’ve never met such a meticulous person with the paint brush as Lorraine. I’m also grateful for the chance to help restore one house for one family so that they may finally come home. Thank you St. Michael’s for your support to make this happen.
John Ahonen
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Mission Trip Homilies - 2/21/10
Today’s Gospel lesson from Luke tells us that “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness”. The Mission Trip to New Orleans was also full of and led by the Holy Spirit in so many ways, from the moment we received the parish blessing from Sam and the passing on of the Superman T shirt from Sheila to our trip home as we flew safely above the storm accompanied by Bishop Harris.
Each member of the group offered their own unique gifts, not only to the people of New Orleans but also to the group itself. I think of Anne who after lugging all our sleeping bags and pillows and driving 13 hours straight to miss the snow storm went right to the grocery store so everyone else would have food for breakfast the next day. I think of the Rebuild Group of Lorraine, George, John, and Jim who arose early every morning to spend the day building and painting a homeowner’s closet and returned to do dishes after dinner every evening. I think of the Beacon of Hope group including Lana, Cece, and Fred who painted all week both inside and out and entertained us with their humor and stories.
I think of homeowner Bev and her dog Sweetie who graciously welcomed us into her home and her life and were so thrilled that Will was able to put 3 bookcases together for them. I think of Barb and Marilyn who spent countless trips going back and forth to the paint stores with Bev to decide on the color of her house and who also spear headed our delicious and creative dinners. I think of Mary who each evening took it upon herself to get both pictures and write-ups on the blog so that all our supporters could be involved in what was going on while we were there.
I think of Bill who organized the Bayou Rebirth project of repotting trees and got us all interested in how important the issue of restoring the Bayou is. I think of Patti’s cousin Nick who not only welcomed us with his red dress and cookies but also brought a few of us out on a trip to actually see the Bayou. I think of going out with Patti, Mary, and Will to feed other volunteer groups rebuilding homes throughout the city as well as a community of people living with HIV/AIDS, the working poor, and the homeless and the privilege of listening to the stories of all who we met.
But most of all I think of the people of New Orleans – how despite all their struggles of the past 5 years and before are able to maintain an incredible spirit of hope and love. Despite the poverty, violence, little progress in rebuilding, and lack of resources they continue on, believing in the spirit of their community. We were fortunate to have been there at a time when not only Mardi Gras but also the Superbowl was coming up. The excitement was everywhere and the love of the people of New Orleans for their city was overwhelming. I was struck by how happy they were just to have made it to the Superbowl and how if the Saints won it would only be “icing on the cake”. That sense of appreciation was extended to us as well by every single person we met, who thanked us not only for coming down but for most importantly, continuing to remember them. Thank you St. Michael’s for making that possible once again.
Judy Rice
Each member of the group offered their own unique gifts, not only to the people of New Orleans but also to the group itself. I think of Anne who after lugging all our sleeping bags and pillows and driving 13 hours straight to miss the snow storm went right to the grocery store so everyone else would have food for breakfast the next day. I think of the Rebuild Group of Lorraine, George, John, and Jim who arose early every morning to spend the day building and painting a homeowner’s closet and returned to do dishes after dinner every evening. I think of the Beacon of Hope group including Lana, Cece, and Fred who painted all week both inside and out and entertained us with their humor and stories.
I think of homeowner Bev and her dog Sweetie who graciously welcomed us into her home and her life and were so thrilled that Will was able to put 3 bookcases together for them. I think of Barb and Marilyn who spent countless trips going back and forth to the paint stores with Bev to decide on the color of her house and who also spear headed our delicious and creative dinners. I think of Mary who each evening took it upon herself to get both pictures and write-ups on the blog so that all our supporters could be involved in what was going on while we were there.
I think of Bill who organized the Bayou Rebirth project of repotting trees and got us all interested in how important the issue of restoring the Bayou is. I think of Patti’s cousin Nick who not only welcomed us with his red dress and cookies but also brought a few of us out on a trip to actually see the Bayou. I think of going out with Patti, Mary, and Will to feed other volunteer groups rebuilding homes throughout the city as well as a community of people living with HIV/AIDS, the working poor, and the homeless and the privilege of listening to the stories of all who we met.
But most of all I think of the people of New Orleans – how despite all their struggles of the past 5 years and before are able to maintain an incredible spirit of hope and love. Despite the poverty, violence, little progress in rebuilding, and lack of resources they continue on, believing in the spirit of their community. We were fortunate to have been there at a time when not only Mardi Gras but also the Superbowl was coming up. The excitement was everywhere and the love of the people of New Orleans for their city was overwhelming. I was struck by how happy they were just to have made it to the Superbowl and how if the Saints won it would only be “icing on the cake”. That sense of appreciation was extended to us as well by every single person we met, who thanked us not only for coming down but for most importantly, continuing to remember them. Thank you St. Michael’s for making that possible once again.
Judy Rice
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Mission Trip Group
A fellow parishioner suggested that we put the names of those who went on the Mission Trip on the blog since he didn't know who had actually gone (and I'm sure he isn't the only one!) - good suggestion. Stay tuned for the group homily (don't worry, not all of us will be speaking!) on Feb 21st.
Lana Agnew
John Ahonen
Anne Aylward
Fred Carter
Marilyn Cheney
Lorraine Dee
Cece Lindequist
Bill Mullen
Barb Phinney
Judy Rice
Jim Sasso (friend of the Thomases)
Patti Thomas
George Thomas
Mary Truslow
Will Truslow
Lana Agnew
John Ahonen
Anne Aylward
Fred Carter
Marilyn Cheney
Lorraine Dee
Cece Lindequist
Bill Mullen
Barb Phinney
Judy Rice
Jim Sasso (friend of the Thomases)
Patti Thomas
George Thomas
Mary Truslow
Will Truslow
Friday, February 5, 2010
Today's Loaves and Fishes lunch delivery went to two places. One was to Project Lazarus, a supportive housing community for 24 men and women with HIV/AIDS. www.projectlazarus.net. The home is located in the 7 ward and was severely damaged by Katrina. The house has been restored and is surrounded by beautiful gardens ands and water fountains.In addition, the group delivered 75 lunches to volunteers who were doing rebuild work through Rhino and Habitat for Humanity.
It's been a wonderful wonderful week
Judy here -
My first blog from New Orleans (although it looks like I have been writing a lot it really has mostly been Mary!) It's Friday and I can't believe our time here is almost over - it has gone so quickly! We would love to stay longer...so much more to do, so much more to see. It has been a wonderful week with great group dynamics and everyone has worked really well together. It is so interesting to see everyone's unique gifts contributing to our time here.
My first blog from New Orleans (although it looks like I have been writing a lot it really has mostly been Mary!) It's Friday and I can't believe our time here is almost over - it has gone so quickly! We would love to stay longer...so much more to do, so much more to see. It has been a wonderful week with great group dynamics and everyone has worked really well together. It is so interesting to see everyone's unique gifts contributing to our time here.
Loaves and Fishes has been my favorite thing to do - I have had a chance to hear so many different stories, to meet so many different people, and to see so many different parts of the city. We have fed so many people from the homeless congregating outside the New Orleans Mission, to the different volunteers rebuilding homes, to a community for people with HIV/AIDS.
It is so sad to see that so much of the city has not changed at all in the year since we were last here. I can't describe the feeling of seeing so much devastation and hopelessness. Lot after lot is either empty or with an abandoned falling down house. Today I did see one area where I had brought sandwiches to last year where great improvement was seen. Last year there were only a few houses built - this year the street is full of small beautifully colored homes with only a couple more left to complete.
But despite all the sadness and frustration the spirit of the city is incredibly strong (helped along by the Saints and Mardi Gras) - everyone is so excited and so proud to be from New Orleans - Go Saints, Who Dat, and Mardi Gras decorations are everywhere. And everyone without exception that we have met thanks us for coming and helping. As the priest from St. Anna's said, showing up is the most important part. All of the work we have done is helpful and appreciated but most important is that we came (thanks to all of you) and that we have not forgotten them. Your prayers and financial support have been so important every step of the way from the inital planning of this trip way back last summer to our days here this week. I can't wait to come back again next year!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Loaves and Fishes volunteers bumped into Reverend Dr. Michael C. Kuhn, Headmaster of Trinity Episcopal School, dressed as the Zero Hero for the preschool. Today was the 100th Day of school and the Zero Hero, an anti-bullying character, visits the students to celebrate this important day. Gentle, Generous, Truthful, Kind, and Brave are the core values of the school.
Cambre Eagan, from Trinity Episcopal Church's Mobile Loaves and Fishes (http://www.trinitynola.com/Page.aspx?pid=224) and Thom Pepper, Operations Manager, Common Ground Relief (http://www.commongroundrelief.org/?q=node/25) . Two very worthy groups who are actively providing New Orleans important services and resources.Cambre is native to New Orleans and Thom moved to New Orleans from Miami two years ago. They are truely dedicated to making a difference.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wednesday, February 3rd
Good evening all -
tonight it really is Anne blogging. All previous postings from "Anne" have really been from Mary Truslow - your excellently chosen new warden and my 3rd cousin once removed (that's a factoid I bet few of you knew!)
The weather in New Orleans today reverted to gray - with a raw chilly wind. This weather means we could not have continued to paint at Beverly's house , so we felt less guilty about moving on to spend the day with Bayou Restoration - a group that is committed to trying to restore and revegetate the swamps and bayous that buffer New Orleans from the Gulf. The ecological story is fascinating and way too much for a blog. We transferred 300 mulberry trees from small test tubes into pots for transfer to the bayou. We worked so fast that we had completed the day's assignment by lunchtime and moved on to other tasks! But it was cold!
Our four "Rebuilders" returned to the house where they have labored all week and continued to move it back to habitability. I heard stories of more closet painting and someone was smart enough to draw on George Thomas's skills as a mason to get some brick repair done. They will return for more tomorrow.
Judy Rice and Mary and Will Truslow dedicated their day to food ministries - returning to the Dragon Cafe and Loaves and Fishes where Judy worked last year.
At the end of the day most of the group went to the evening service and dinner at St. Anna's and ended the evening with beignets at the Cafe du Monde.
For me, the most striking difference from last year is that organizations and indivudals seem to be moving on. Don't misundertand, the work still to be done is overwhelming, but as several have observed to us, anyone who is still not back in their home after 4 1/2 years is clearly dealing with other issues. So the church and others are realizing that the issues now are the underlying issues that have been laid bare by the Katrina crisis. On a more positive note, I am struck, as we were last year, by the young adults who have chosen to come to NewOrleans to help and by how many of them are choosing to stay - as one said to us " We are becoming a seriously blue city in a very red state - we have the chance to re-invent this place" (not an exact quote, but close enough...). Interestingly, getting a correct census count is a very big deal, as is the mayoral election next Saturday.
But the BIG, dominating news is the Saints and their bid in the Superbowl. You all would be reminded of the first Patriots and Red Sox wins - car flags, banners, tshirts, sweatshirts, slogans. A former sports reporter (now deceased) apparently vowed that if the Saints ever made it to the Superbowl he would walk through downtown in a dress - on our Sunday tour we witnessed many men in dresses - reminded us of the St. Michael's auction!
We hope Ranjit and Johanna are having a safe trip. We miss them and all of you who were here last year - we are grateful for the emails from the parish and look forward to sharing this experience when we come home.
Sorry to go on so long! Anne (hopefully others will add pictures from today, tomorrow!)
tonight it really is Anne blogging. All previous postings from "Anne" have really been from Mary Truslow - your excellently chosen new warden and my 3rd cousin once removed (that's a factoid I bet few of you knew!)
The weather in New Orleans today reverted to gray - with a raw chilly wind. This weather means we could not have continued to paint at Beverly's house , so we felt less guilty about moving on to spend the day with Bayou Restoration - a group that is committed to trying to restore and revegetate the swamps and bayous that buffer New Orleans from the Gulf. The ecological story is fascinating and way too much for a blog. We transferred 300 mulberry trees from small test tubes into pots for transfer to the bayou. We worked so fast that we had completed the day's assignment by lunchtime and moved on to other tasks! But it was cold!
Our four "Rebuilders" returned to the house where they have labored all week and continued to move it back to habitability. I heard stories of more closet painting and someone was smart enough to draw on George Thomas's skills as a mason to get some brick repair done. They will return for more tomorrow.
Judy Rice and Mary and Will Truslow dedicated their day to food ministries - returning to the Dragon Cafe and Loaves and Fishes where Judy worked last year.
At the end of the day most of the group went to the evening service and dinner at St. Anna's and ended the evening with beignets at the Cafe du Monde.
For me, the most striking difference from last year is that organizations and indivudals seem to be moving on. Don't misundertand, the work still to be done is overwhelming, but as several have observed to us, anyone who is still not back in their home after 4 1/2 years is clearly dealing with other issues. So the church and others are realizing that the issues now are the underlying issues that have been laid bare by the Katrina crisis. On a more positive note, I am struck, as we were last year, by the young adults who have chosen to come to NewOrleans to help and by how many of them are choosing to stay - as one said to us " We are becoming a seriously blue city in a very red state - we have the chance to re-invent this place" (not an exact quote, but close enough...). Interestingly, getting a correct census count is a very big deal, as is the mayoral election next Saturday.
But the BIG, dominating news is the Saints and their bid in the Superbowl. You all would be reminded of the first Patriots and Red Sox wins - car flags, banners, tshirts, sweatshirts, slogans. A former sports reporter (now deceased) apparently vowed that if the Saints ever made it to the Superbowl he would walk through downtown in a dress - on our Sunday tour we witnessed many men in dresses - reminded us of the St. Michael's auction!
We hope Ranjit and Johanna are having a safe trip. We miss them and all of you who were here last year - we are grateful for the emails from the parish and look forward to sharing this experience when we come home.
Sorry to go on so long! Anne (hopefully others will add pictures from today, tomorrow!)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Our Final Day with Beverly and Sweetie
Entry by Mary
Today we had a beautiful, sunny day to continuing working at Beverly's house. Will assembled three bookshelves.
Sunday's Tour
Lana reporting:
After the 10 AM service at the Cathedral, around the corner from where we're staying, we went on a 3 hour tour by Dixie Tours, the same outfit who took us around last year. We were driven around the various neighborhoods, starting with the Garden District, which was damaged mostly by winds during Katrina. We "vets" noted that in a year's time, not too many homes had been rehabbed in the Lower Ninth. Progress seems excruciatingly slow. As our tour guide said...'we need people!' Many schools remain closed because the families have not moved back. NOLA can use more people in different professions, & of course, volunteers are really needed & appreciated. We feel so blessed to be here, helping in any way we can. Thank you SO much for making this all possible. I sincerely hope that St.Michael's continues to remember & support
NOLA!
After the 10 AM service at the Cathedral, around the corner from where we're staying, we went on a 3 hour tour by Dixie Tours, the same outfit who took us around last year. We were driven around the various neighborhoods, starting with the Garden District, which was damaged mostly by winds during Katrina. We "vets" noted that in a year's time, not too many homes had been rehabbed in the Lower Ninth. Progress seems excruciatingly slow. As our tour guide said...'we need people!' Many schools remain closed because the families have not moved back. NOLA can use more people in different professions, & of course, volunteers are really needed & appreciated. We feel so blessed to be here, helping in any way we can. Thank you SO much for making this all possible. I sincerely hope that St.Michael's continues to remember & support
NOLA!
Monday, February 1, 2010
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