Hope Has A Face Foundation

Community Project:
LOWER NINTH WARD VILLAGE

Finding adequate housing for both staff and AmeriCorps members was very challenging in New Orleans post Katrina. Since the project took place mostly in the Upper and Lower Ninth Ward; the area most significantly devastated by the storm, the housing availability challenge was difficult.

To address these needs, as well as achieve the highest and best use of budgeted housing dollars, Hope Has A Face and NOLA100 partnered with an emerging neighborhood community center (lower9thwardvillage.org) formed to serve the post-Katrina needs of local residents. In doing so, housing dollars were put to use refurbishing the facility (instead of paying to build a temporary camp) and effectively accomplished both the goal of providing safe housing as well as building capacity to aid the community long after the project’s conclusion.

With support of project partners The Salvation Army and the Clinton Climate Initiative, the Village was left with new, permanent shower and bathroom facilities, finished office space, outdoor pavilions and fenced yard. Thanks to all the hard working AmeriCorps team members and NOLA100 House Supervisors who made this possible.

Thanks also to Mack McClendon and the Board of the Village for allowing us to live in the community where we worked!