Rebuilding Together Repairs New Orleans Homes During MLK Week of Service

NEW ORLEANS, LA. (JAN. 20, 2020) – Rebuilding Together’s AmeriCorps members came together in New Orleans to transform the lives of neighbors and communities in need during the MLK Week of Service. The program, led by local nonprofit affiliate Rebuilding Together New Orleans, coincides with the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service today.

During the multi-home, multi-day rebuild project, 50 Rebuilding Together AmeriCorps members, representing 26 communities and 18 different states, completed a variety of repairs and modifications to five homes in the Algiers neighborhood.

“We believe everyone has the right to live in a safe and healthy home,” said William Stoudt, executive director of Rebuilding Together New Orleans. “Neighborhoods like Algiers are close to our hearts, and we’re glad we had the chance to give back and provide critical repairs to neighbors in need during the MLK Week of Service.”

Louisiana natives, Wanda and Berlin, have lived in the neighborhood for more than 30 years. Berlin uses a wheelchair to navigate throughout his home and requires help from his wife. The rebuild project provided interior thresholds, a ramp and handrails for the Brumfield’s home.

“We love our community and our home, but mobility has been an issue for us,” said Wanda. “We’re just so grateful. We finally have a home where we can safely age.”

A one-day revitalization pilot program, instituted in the Lower Garden District, led to the establishment of Rebuilding Together New Orleans in 1988. After more than 31 years, the nonprofit continues to improve the quality of life through home repairs and revitalization projects for local communities.

“The MLK Week of Service has become a hallmark of our organization, and this year, we enjoyed bringing the community together in New Orleans to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King,” said Caroline Blakely, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together.

The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 20, 2020, marks the 25th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy. It is observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” and is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

For more information on Rebuilding Together New Orleans, visit RTNO.org.