The mission: Seeking to put God’s love into action,
Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope

The vision: A world where everyone has a decent place to live.

We are in the Bayou Area Habitat for Humanity program (Terrebonne Parish), which is about 60 miles southwest of New Orleans.  You may remember that there were over 1800 deaths from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the devastation was widespread.

NEW ORLEANS – AUGUST 31: People leave the Superdome in the hopes of catching a ride out of town after Hurricane Katrina August 31, 2005 in New Orleans. Thousands of others were looking for a place to go after leaving the Superdome shelter.
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Widespread devastation, Hurricane Katrina 2005.

Oprah Winfrey responded with funds to build and completely furnish 28 houses for displaced families

from New Orleans who had no place to go. 

She also provided funds for additional houses,

and selected Habitat for Humanity as the recipient organization to do the construction. 

Over 80 homes were built in Gray, Louisiana

Jon Bon Jovi joined in the effort by providing a large playground and sports area within the community.  So the main street is called: Bon Jovi Boulevard.  We see lots of teenagers playing basketball, and families out with their little ones. It has a lot of neat equipment, and park benches for watching the kids, and for relaxing.

Playground for the new community
Teens and young adults play nearly everyday.
no kids during school

Covid closed projects down, so this site is being opened again.  There are no new builds happening, but there are several houses that have been left vacant that need repairs.  We have been helping to get the project ready for collegiate volunteers, and the larger summer groups of volunteers.  In other words: cleaning, organizing, and discarding!  (We are pretty good at that!)

Habitat builds houses with volunteers, plus some sweat equity from the prospective homeowners.  The new owners then have a mortgage to pay off the costs with no interest. Insurance rates have gone up dramatically with each new hurricane season, so some people have found that they can no longer afford the monthly payment, plus the increased insurance payment.  Then the house returns to Habitat. Those vacated during Covid have not had any work done with them.  Volunteers will prepare them for the next family.


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