A little over a year ago Amy and I had a discussion about how we could directly contribute to rebuilding New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We have made financial contributions and underwritten several trips of students to the city, but we were looking for something tangible to do.
A close friend and nationally known architect – Coleman Coker of buildingstudio – told us of a project he was working on with his colleague Jonathan Tate to build high quality, low cost housing in New Orleans. He connected us with the folks at the Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans a New Orleans based non-profit that helps first time home buyers.
After a little study, we determined that for $50,000 we could provide a high quality house for a family based on Coleman’s design (approximately 900 sq. ft.)
As a result, we’ve put together a program in conjunction with the Community Foundation Serving Boulder Country that we call Boulder Building New Orleans.
To date, we have raised a little over $40,000. Amy and I are covering all administrative costs of the program so 100% of the donations are going toward the house. On the second anniversary of the land fall of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Amy and I thought we’d put together a final push to get the $50,000 raised for this project.
If you are inclined, please consider making a donation to Boulder Building New Orleans. You don’t need to be from Boulder to do this – you’ll be part of helping our extended community provide a new house for a family in New Orleans. Any amount helps – electronic donations can be made in amounts as little as $10. While it might not seem like a lot, it’ll be life changing for the folks that end up living in the house.