Attempting to get things ready for the next group of volunteers to come and help rebuild homes in New Orleans, the First Union Presbyterian Church in Luling is upgrading its tents and replacing them due to weather damage caused by the rain and the heat. And with different groups entering the parish to participate in rebuilding the lives of displaced residents in New Orleans, the church plans to house as many workers as they can for at least the next five years.
“We’ll stay in the area supporting volunteers as long as we need to,” Kelly Buell, co-manager of the tent community told the Herald-Guide.
“We replaced our damaged tents and are in the process of installing air ducts so there will be some cooling in the tents,” she said.
“It won’t be like a real air conditioner but it will provide workers living here some relief,” she continued.
“The upgrades are important because we are expecting to be in the area for at least five more years.
“As long as volunteers come to help rebuild and need a place to stay we will continue to house them and try to keep them as comfortable as possible.”
Buell said the community has been very supportive and they haven’t received any opposition about the location of the tents. “The community has been very receptive to having this camp in the midst of this neighborhood,” Buell said.
“And the St. Charles Women’s Club has supported us by providing meals for volunteers and have also given us some financial support to keep the volunteers housed and fed,” she continued.
“Since January 2007, we’ve had 35 volunteer groups come in from 31 different states, a total 450 people.”
The goal of project homecoming is to rebuild the homes and lives of 300 families left homeless and displaced due to Hurricane Katrina by December, 25, 2007.
Volunteer groups interested in participating with the First Union Presbyterian Church can contact Kelly Buell at 601-695-2139.
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