New Orleans

GOOD MORNING!!! Okay, I think we’ve come to terms with the rain. It really wants to be with us so we might as well embrace it and not let it prevent us from doing what we came to do. Here’s our Saturday…

7:30 a.m. Roy is preparing for the radio interview with Lou “Mr. Fix It” Manfredini. I now have five pages of notes – he doesn’t want to forget anything. Some highlights of his notes:

• What we are doing/what the conditions are like here
• Setting the intention for the April Service Trip, April 10-20
• Perma-Seal as a model for business involvement – sponsor/co-sponsorship of homes
• Company benefits – team building, connection to something bigger
• How to get involved with Global Hope

He is in “the zone” and very proud of the opportunity.

7:55 a.m. WHAT A SUCCESS! Lou was very accommodating and supportive of our efforts. In fact, he was here on Thursday working on his own project. Roy did a great job – at least from this end of it. I was a bit frustrated because I couldn’t hear the whole interview but the feedback that I received from home was heartwarming and encouraging.

Listen to the interview here:

 

8:30 a.m. We’re giving a tour of Common Ground!

How funny is that? Okay – so Naureen and Mary were out a few nights ago and met a gentleman, David from Deltech homes. Naureen and Mary got to talking, as they do so well, about Global Hope, Common Ground & the Lower 9th Ward; what we are doing here, what we plan on doing and what the conditions are like. He was interested in talking with us (and with Roy) further. Mary didn’t want to let the moment escape, so she set up a meeting with him for this morning. We met Dave at his hotel, fresh off the radio interview and completely exhilarated, with the intention of just giving him our point of view but with the hope that he will take this experience back to his company and keep the ripple effect going.

Deltec Homes defines themselves as , “The Original Green Builder,” has been producing eco friendly homes for 40 years. They believe that a sustainable approach to homebuilding is the future of residential construction in the United States. Their focus is to build homes responsibly by minimizing environmental impact and providing a structure that is highly energy efficient and healthy to live in.

It really was a great way to spend the morning…I just couldn’t believe that we’ve only been here for four days and we’re giving interviews and tours. Roy was able to capture Perma-Seal’s experience very effectively and offered whatever support that we could provide. We then introduced Dave to Thom Pepper at Common Ground and continued to educate/fill in the blanks where we left off. Dave was full of ideas and possibilities – another light shining through Global Hope for New Orleans.

I spent some time photographing the tour and couldn’t help but notice that his face embodied EXACTLY how I was feeling on Wednesday afternoon! That’s how this area affects you.

10:30 a.m. Back at Common Ground – while we were off spreading “the word”, our volunteer crew was getting to business! The roofers persevered through the rain and were in a groove on the second (white house) roof. They are truly a force to be reckoned with; their spirits were high and their energy boundless. As you can see in the pictures, it’s a complete team effort – in everything that we do. I use the term “roofers” not to describe a particular team but to describe the team that is working on the roof at any given time.

Simultaneously, work was taking place at the Kager House & the Perma-Seal house.

Some background on the Kager House – After the flood it quickly became apparent that the city looked at the destruction in the Lower Ninth as an opportunity to widen the canal. In December of 2005, Brandon Darby, the first co-founder of Common Ground, found Mrs. Kager and signed a lease. When the city tried to move him out, the lease prevented them from doing so. Mr. Darby proceeded to use the Kager House as the first medical facility, distribution center for food and water as well as a lending depot for tools and equipment.

As you can see in the photos, the transformation of the Kager house is seemingly magical. Today we will finish the patching of the cracks, Thoroseal the house and replace the fascia. Quite a big job but this dedicated crew is up for the challenge! We hope to have some significant progress completed when Mrs. Kager comes to visit tomorrow morning.

Over at the Perma-Seal house, we are finishing the carbon fiber straps and getting started on the roof. Time permitting we will start applying the Thoroseal as well.

Many people are quite impressed by our work product and transformation. Several other residents have approached us to help them with their homes. All we can do at this point is to look into their eyes, eyes that are full of pain and despair, and tell them that we will do the best that we can while we are here BUT that we will be back. WHEW – it just pulls at your heart. If only we had more time and resources…

The rain, finally, ended about 1 p.m. As you can see it was a very full day. We accomplished everything we set out to accomplish today AND then some! We worked until 6:30 p.m. – way after darkness had set in. We were bone-tired, hungry and chilled through but as I looked around the group there were still plenty of smiles and hope for tomorrow. It was a very good day.

The weather continues to work against us here at Common Ground. It’s cloudy, rainy and cold but we keep on chugging through. While the weather has thrown a few obstacles in our way, we still feel very good about what we are accomplishing. It’s strange how I’ve lost track of what day it is. When I was typing the day and date, I actually had to stop and think about it. Each day has it’s way of blending right into the other.

There are several major happenings occurring here at one time. Reconstruction is taking place at the same time as destruction; hearts are opening at the same time as hopelessness sets in; hard physical work is taking place at the same time as hard mental work. Mary and I have been “working” on the background information of the area, the homeowners, Make It Right and Common Ground. We are like sponges – soaking up information and dreaming up possibilities of what can take place in April.

Our goal with this pilot trip was to gather as much information as possible which will allow us to come back and share with other companies. As Roy indicated, business has a responsibility to give back. While individuals like us can offer resources to make a difference, businesses can be much more impactful due to their access to fiscal, personnel and material resources on a much larger scale. Hopefully our story will enlighten other business owners and show them the possibilities.

I wonder if you all know how much the telephone calls and the e-mails are boosting our spirits. To know that you are all in this with us gives us such joy! I’m connecting that idea to the residents and long-term volunteers here. If I’m feeling disconnected from the “outside” world in this short period of time, I can’t even fathom how these people feel after two and a half years of such little progress; of being severed from the “outside” world; of waking up every day to empty promises and despair. SO we are here and can spread the message of joy and hope but we need to be replenished by you!

I am spending my days moving from project to project, from group to group – interviewing, photographing and videotaping our progress. I am learning about the people that are here on this trip and would love to share some tidbits with you. That’s my priority for today and I’ll share as I gather. I know that you will find that all of these people here are just like you and I. Each one of them has a “story”, each one of them has lived the ups and downs that life has offered them but each one of them is trying to make the world a better place in whatever way they can.

Several of the volunteers have offered me suggestions for what to share on this blog.

Some of them are funny -

I had no idea that while Ted was building the spice rack for the supply closet the roofers were scrambling to find the compressor, which he was using, to get started on the roof!

The Perma-Seal crew is now known as the “Blue Man Group” hey, at least they know who we are!

Some of them are touching -

Pat and Sue shared their stories of volunteering in Thailand after the tsunami. They observed the rebuilding efforts in Thailand – a mere 8 months after the tsunami – was light years ahead of the rebuilding efforts in New Orleans – over two years later!

Several residents and volunteers have commented how nice it is that we have followed through. They hear so many ideas for change, assurances and promises that go unfulfilled. We told them what we were going to do and we are doing it!

And some of them aren’t fit for this publication sorry.

One roof was completed, another one half-way done and the Perma-Seal house is ready to be roofed. The roofers are tired and sore but looking forward to completion. Manny and Inocente have repaired the exterior of the Kager house and it’s just about ready to paint. About 4:30 it started to pour down rain which caused an abrupt end to our progress today.

As we were packing up, the white house (roof half done) started to leak. Sandy, a long-term volunteer, was distraught because her belongings were in the room that was leaking. Many of us pitched in to relocate her things and to cover the rest. She was shaken, after all her new “home” and safe haven is leaking. Naureen saw the pain in her eyes (after all, even the volunteers have their “stories”) and started to engage her. Naureen has an incredible voice and was sharing her talent with Sandy, who immediately perked up. We quickly discovered that Sandy also has a beautiful voice – together they connected in a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace”. It was as if they were the only two people in the room – the rest of the group stood back in awe at the joining of their spirits. This moment was the talk of the evening!!!

The trip back to the hotel was quiet. We didn’t need to have a lot of conversation, as the day spoke for itself. As we were nearing the hotel I received a call from the office. It was a request from WGN Radio to appear on the Mr. Fix It show on Saturday morning. Lou Manfredini had received the press release that I sent out in haste prior to our departure. He wants to hear all about our trip and what we are doing here in New Orleans. The ripples of excitement filled the car and continue on!

7:00 a.m. team meeting at the hotel

It is RAINING!!! 50 degrees, with a steady rainfall is not what we were hoping for – to say the least! The roofers are concerned about the safety conditions and what they are going to be able to accomplish in the weather. Today we are all learning a lesson about letting go and just dealing with what we are presented with. ALL of the planning and forethought that we’ve given to this project is about to change.

It’s interesting though – everyone is still excited and hopeful. The rain hasn’t dashed our spirits, just sent us on a different path.

8:15 a.m. Common Ground

The Perma-Seal trucks have arrived! After the long journey the crew is still in good spirits – they want to get started. Volunteers lined up to unload the truck filled with donations. Common Ground’s long-term volunteers are very appreciative for everything that we collected. The challenge was finding a place for all of it. As you can imagine, secure space is at a minimum here.

Linda Jackson met us with a U-Haul and tears in her eyes. She, too, was very appreciative for all of the donations and outpouring of support.

I am amazed at the human spirit and man’s ability to keep moving forward despite the hurdles and challenges that continue to be present. I can’t imagine any living soul not being affected by what we are experiencing. I only hope that I will be able to capture as much as I can and share it upon our return.

9:00 a.m. The Perma-Seal House

The crew gets busy creating a materials list, and brainstorming an approach. Roy and Kevin are sent off to the nearest building supply house – 30 miles away! Meanwhile the rest of the crew begin to work on the structural repairs.

The roofers are chomping at the bit to get started. They have begun to clean up the area around the two homes and keep themselves busy.

On a side note – last evening, I had the opportunity to get to know a bit more about one of the volunteers that have joined us on this trip. His name is Dave – he is the owner of Wisbrock roofing in Westmont & he has a HUGE heart. While it might not have been the most opportune time for him to be traveling and volunteering he committed to this trip – to helping and making a difference. Back home he volunteers with a local drug intervention program, schools and non-for-profits in an attempt to mentor youths that may not have a positive role model. He is filled with ideas for change and has a contagious energy that has me thinking of ways we can help him fulfill his intention. I feel that my life is better for knowing him!

As the day progresses it’s becoming apparent to me that the weblog is a tool to provide information to those that couldn’t join us but it a very limited tool. There is no substitute for seeing, feeling and connecting to this area, these people and each other. I’m not sure that I can effectively tell our story but I’ll continue to try.

In the rain and cold it has become apparent that our plans must change and ingenuity will become our best friend. As the truck of donated supplies was being unloaded we ran out of space for the items. Pat & Sue stepped up and asked for permission to organize Common Ground’s kitchen supply area. At first, the long-time volunteers were reticent – can you imagine a bunch of strangers coming in to your home and “organizing”? After some time, and promises that they wouldn’t dispose of anything without permission, they got started. It really was the boost that started the day – we were accomplishing something! The transformation was awesome, the ladies even labeled the shelves to make it easier to see what was in stock. The kitchen staff prepares three meals a day for the volunteer crew, which can range from 30 people to 100 people and they don’t turn anyone away. In the process of this transformation, Ted stepped up and created a built-in spice rack; a real pooling of efforts and initiative.

The Ripple Effect has begun

While the supply area transformation was underway, Common Ground volunteers identified surplus food that they couldn’t use in a timely manner – bread, peanut butter, canned goods. Mary, Sue, Pat & John offered to deliver the food to the homeless “under the bridge”. Because the city has eliminated a good portion of the low income housing many people have been displaced and have taken up residence “under the bridge” at Claiborne & Canal. In addition to this tragedy the shelter that usually provides warmth, nourishment and a roof had been ransacked – all of the food was stolen.

In large part due to John’s presence, the folks welcomed the donations. Mary asked them what else they needed – the list was very simple – cold medicine, charcoal briquettes and a tent. OF COURSE, Ted had brought a brand new tent with him to donate and the other items were just a Wal-Mart trip away. What these ladies were able to provide – meat, fresh fruit and the other requested items – not only affected those “under the bridge” but had a profound affect on each and every one of us. Not anywhere in our “plans” did it say help the homeless while we are in New Orleans – we are all learning how to let go of the “plan”. Mary commented that we could be here forever and not run out of people to help. UGH!

Meanwhile back at the site, the rain lightened up enough to attack one of the roofs, and attack they did. The roof was in greater disrepair than we had imagined – notice the theme? Wood needed to be replaced, paper needed to be removed and supplies were late. At the end of the day, we had an awesome “after” product. Three fourths of the roof was complete and done right!

The Perma-Seal House

What can I say? The transformation is magnificent. The roof was reinforced, the shell has been reinforced, and the porch has been supported and re-engineered. Tomorrow we will tackle the roof, Thoroseal it and it will be ready for plumbing and electrical work.

Stories abound here. Our volunteers keep stopping me to share their personal experiences, observations and encounters. Emotions are right at the surface: a moment of sunshine brings a boost of energy and hope, a hand extended to help get off of the roof, a hug, a smile, a story. We have only been here at Ground Zero for 24 hours and already we feel a sense of ownership. How quickly each of us is assimilating in this environment! We were drawn together to help those in need – construction, rebuilding, repairing – however I think that we are reaping more benefits than we are sowing. I can look in to the eyes of our volunteers, in this short period of time, and see how each of them has changed. Their individual skills, compassion and kindness have risen to the top and each person is shining in their own light! This trip is so much bigger than I could ever have imagined.

On one hand I feel like I could be here forever, my heart is full and I feel like I’m finally making a REAL difference; on the other I can’t wait to get back to share our story with other companies and to drum up support for our April trip.

5:20 a.m. – Perma-Seal Basement Systems

The dedicated volunteer team from Perma-Seal set out for the 19 hour trip to the lower 9th ward with two box trucks filled with tools, materials and donations. Our eight man team were filled with excitement – even at 5 in the morning.

11:00 a.m.

The rest of the volunteer team arrives safely at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans airport. We are also filled with excitement and anticipation for what is ahead on the trip. After a quick stop at the hotel to drop off our luggage we checked out a local Po-Boy shop. What a gastrointestinal shock! The menu was short, the choices were few and I tried not to focus on the number of fat calories that I was consuming. Welcome to New Orleans!

1 p.m. Common Ground

The trip through the French Quarter brought back memories of a previous visit. I was surprised to find that from an outsider’s point of view the Quarter looks great! People were milling about, smiling/laughing – it was much better than I anticipated.

As we progressed toward Common Ground that positive outlook immediately began to change. Coming over the bridge into the lower 9th ward was shocking! The area looks like a ghost town. One of our volunteers commented that they felt like they were in a 3rd world country. The devastation that was left behind after the flood is still prominent in this economically depressed area. I honestly don’t know how the volunteers keep their heads up. Absolutely unbelievable! They need a dose of sunshine & smiling faces – we’ll see what we can do.

After we regrouped, the team started to assess the situation. We spoke with the volunteers, several of the homeowners and set a game plan for Thursday. Each home that was selected posed more challenges than we originally anticipated. The Perma-Seal home – Linda Jackson’s home – is much worse than we had planned for. There isn’t even a floor! Not that it’s going to stop us!!! We decided to focus on making the home structurally sound and then see where we are at after that is accomplished.

As we pulled away from the site tonight, I could feel the sadness and pain that is in the air in the lower 9th ward. However I could equally feel the hope and enthusiasm for what is to come.

The last volunteer meeting was held on Sunday, January 20th. Each and every person in attendance is excited to be part of this process, full of ideas for improving and rebuilding the Lower 9th Ward! As this is the first major service project that I have been personally involved with, I was shocked at the number of details that needed attention. As an admitted perfectionist, I’m sure that my attention to detail caused more work but the end result is truly amazing. Each volunteer – those in attendance as well as those that couldn’t make it on the trip but helped in countless ways – brings skills, energy, enthusiasm and excitement to this endeavor.The donations continued to pour into Perma-Seal on Tuesday afternoon. I had no idea that we would be able to fill a whole box truck with donations for the residents & volunteers. Among the many, many items we received were a washer & dryer, dresser, twin bed, mattresses, carpeting as well as countless pieces of clothing, cleaning supplies and household items. A common theme that is heard in New Orleans is that many people have good intentions but little follow-through. I am so proud to say that we are all about follow-through. Less than 9 months ago, several of Global Hope’s Board members set the intention to return to New Orleans with money and volunteers. WE ARE ON OUR WAY!

I need to tie up some loose ends (including this blog) and will get my own stuff packed up. I really have no idea what to expect when we arrive at the Common Ground site tomorrow but I know we will leave it better than when we arrived.