10 Years Later The Rebuild After Katrina

The Rebuild After Katrina

August 23, 2005 Hurricane Katrina struck the beloved New Orleans and forever changed the lives of millions. Ten years later, and thousands of people are still recovering from the displacement and turmoil that Katrina caused. The world has united to help rebuild New Orleans and many lives have been affected by the horrific circumstance.

The rebuild after Katrina inspired people to come together for the greater good of mankind and identify a newfound sense of what it means to truly be a human being. In the end, it's not about how much stuff you own or what you're wearing but instead it's about the difference you've made and the change that you have evoked within the world. A rebuild takes time and it is, in a sense, a new beginning. Let's look a little closed at New Orleans' new beginning.

Ellen Offers a New Beginning

Before Katrina, she had a grocery store that provided her with a career and source of income. Ellen Degeneres partnered with Quiznos and gave this woman a new sense of living. She no longer has to worry about making a living and her business is helping to rebuild a community.

Make it Right Foundation Offers a New Beginning

Make It Right began as an effort to rebuild safe, sustainable homes in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward after Hurricane Katrina. Their work in New Orleans has led to innovations in affordable homebuilding – proof that high quality, healthy homes can and should be available for everyone.

The foundation was founded by Brad Pitt in 2007. Pitt wanted to develop an organization that was committed to building homes, buildings and communities for people in need. In addition, the new builds meet the hightest standards and are energy efficient.

Youth Rebuilding Offers a New Beginning

Youth Rebuild New Orleans' (YRNO) is a not-for-profit organization that was created in response to Hurricane Katrina. The group, started by youth and for youth, allowed students to take a hand in their city's recovery. Over five years have passed since our creation and our mission has constantly matured to better serve the community that we are all so passionate about.

In the summer of 2010 YRNO launched its newest initiative, Project HOMEwork to increase the impact we could have on our community. Youth Rebuild New Orleans' (YRNO) mission is to reduce blight by rebuilding distressed and foreclosed homes while simultaneously teaching youth valuable life skills. The non-profit purchases and rebuilds homes, repairing them using volunteer participation, and selling the properties to deserving teachers that could otherwise not afford the homes. This model allows YRNO to reduce blight, teach marketable construction and financial literacy skills, and helps minimize the financial burden that many local teachers accept to make a difference in the classrooms.

Habitat for Humanity Offers a New Beginning

Habitat For Humanity is kicking off the 10th year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by building ten homes in ten days with its 2015 Build-A-Thon. The organization has 500 volunteers who are volunteering their time and resources to build the ten homes. Habitat for Humanity has a great relationship with the areas along the gulf course and have continued to rebuild homes months after the storms have done their damage.