Rebuilding Together New Orleans

Since its inception in 1974, the Preservation Resource Center has worked with communities, developed resources, and implemented an impressive array of programs to help preserve the historic neighborhoods that make New Orleans unique. Since Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, the Preservation Resource Center has assisted over 5000 families in saving their homes. In addition, this fine organization has helped over 100 low income families get back into their homes.

The overarching goal of the Preservation Resource Center is to help rebuild New Orleans in a way that is sensitive to its past and heritage. In an effort to balance the immediate needs of families with the broader goals of historic preservation, the Preservation Resource Center works closely with various neighborhood associations, City Council, the City Planning Commission, the Historic District Landmarks Commission, the Board of Zoning Adjustment, the State Legislature, and the US Congress.

Rebuilding Together New Orleans is a local affiliate of the national nonprofit organization Rebuilding Together, and they are doing some very important work in the city of New Orleans. Virtually all of the work done on behalf of local homeowners is done at no cost to the homeowner, utilizing predominantly local volunteer labor and materials. This program aims to assist those individuals and families most affected by the impact of Hurricane Katrina. The following statistics highlight the immense impact this fine organization is having in Post-Katrina New Orleans:

Application Forms Reviewed - 554

Technical Evaluations Performed -  375

Total Units Completed - 137

Completed Houses - 115

Houses in Progress -  35

Total Number of Volunteers - 5123

Total Volunteer Hours - 154711

Estimated Market Value - $2717025

In addition to their stated goals of historic preservation, the RTNO is thoroughly committed to environmental responsibility. Their green building strategies include the following:

Salvaged Materials – Collecting used roofing tiles, doors, windows, cabinets, bricks and columns from deconstructed buildings, and reusing them in a responsible manner.

Energy Efficiency – Installing Energy Star heating and cooling systems, replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent bulbs.

Insulation – Installing radiant barriers to ensure efficient insulation.

Ventilation – Restoring glazing and screens as opposed to complete window replacement.

Landscaping – Planting trees around the home to reduce the amount of sunlight entering the house.

Water Conservation – Installing aerators in sink faucets and switching to low-flow shower heads.

Recycling – Recycling plastics and cardboard from all volunteer sites.

Needless to say, Rebuilding Together New Orleans is doing some incredible work on the ground here in New Orleans.  Please show your support for Rebuilding Together New Orleans by getting involved today. Organizations like this are truly helping NoLA Shine! For more information visit www.prcno.org.

If you do decide to contact the folks at RTNO, be sure to say hello to Mr. Peter Hadley for us