Volunteers build homes for New Orleans flood survivors

[Louisiana1976]

Patricia Hebard's cherrywood bed frame holds many memories.

The queen-size structure was the only salvageable item inside her second-floor apartment after Hurricane Katrina's waters consumed the St. Bernard Projects in New Orleans.

"You go to sleep and wake up one day, and your whole life has changed," said Hebard, who has since relocated to Lafayette with her mother, two adult sons and other relatives.

But change hasn't been all bad for the 59-year-old cancer survivor. Thanks to the hard work of more than 250 students and staff volunteers, Hebard will finally own her first home.

Students and staff from Job Corps centers across the country joined Habitat for Humanity volunteers and AmeriCorps members to construct three homes for Hurricane Katrina survivors. This is the third annual Habitat for Humanity/Job Corps Building Blitz in Lafayette, and a total of 19 homes will have been constructed by years end. Crews began working Nov. 9 and the four-week "building blitz will end Dec. 12.

Funding for the project came from a $3.3 million grant from the people of Qatar to Habitat for Humanity International. The ongoing goal is to build 44 homes along the Gulf Coast.

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http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20091128/NEWS01/911280319/Volunteers-build-home-for-Katrina-survivors