The most hopeful place in the city

Baptist Crossroads

The people of Baptist Crossroads project led by Rev. David Crosby worked on what has been called the most hopeful place in the city of New Orleans – the Musician Village project.

Home ownership is a way to lift people out of poverty and change their financial future forever, according to studies. The faith community of New Orleans has coordinated efforts and worked together to rebuild.

The people of the church left the pews and became engaged in the community. The new normal since Katrina is to go forward, not backward. In order to get over the hurricane, the experience must be integrated into life.

The city is still in recovery.

During the flood the church was an island in the sea, a refuge on higher ground for animals and people. Since the flood, half the congregation has left, moved away.

The greatest need is for volunteers to work. Any donations go for supplies. There is no requirement that a person be a musician to live in Musician Village, but there is a concentration of displaced musicians there in an attempt to preserve New Orleans’ unique musical heritage.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat has been in New Orleans for 25 years helping to fill the need for low income housing. It is one of the oldest and best know building projects that uses volunteers. They build only new homes, which are paid for by the home owner with a 30 day, no interest loan.

A sponsor provides $75,000 toward a home and the rest is done by volunteers. To qualify, the home-owner must have at least a $19,200 income. They also must work 350 hours (sweat equity) on their home and attend meetings on how to budget and manage finances. Homes are 1100 square feet and built 5”7” off the ground (flood level).

Since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, Habitat has build 115 homes with 125 under construction in the New Orleans area. (1/8/08) For more information or to volunteer: http://www.habitat-nola.org