Sunday, July 30, 2006

House building in Louisiana


It's hard to believe that it has been almost a year since the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Even though the story is not covered as much by the news anymore, there is still so much to do to restore the city, the culture, and most importantly people's lives.

I am off tomorrow to New Orleans to help build a home for someone in Slidell, Louisiana with Habitat for Humanity. Here are some pictures of Slidell right after Hurricane Katrina. Hopefully, it has improved somewhat since then. I will let you know more when I return and I will try to blog during the week if I can to let you know how I am doing.

Here is an interesting slide show presentation by the Washington Post about the disparities in rebuilding neighborhoods. See slideshow.

I am going to try to absorb what I can of Louisiana culture, especially New Orleans jazz. I plan to visit the famous Preservation Hall, but believe it or not the Preservation Hall Band will be playing in New York while I am down South. You would be doing me a great favor if you could hear them. It is a great opportunity to catch traditional New Orleans jazz while its still here. Click here for concert information.Click here to take a virtual tour of Preservation Hall and support New Orleans musicians.

For more information on issues affecting Hurricane Katrina victims and e-mail action you can do to help, visit Katrina Action Network.