Heartthrob

This morning we met the Episcopal Community Services of Louisiana (ECSLA) Volunteer Coordinator, who gave us a great history of ECSLA. In a nutshell, it is a grassroots operation that began with a bunch of Episcopalians and a few tools. As a Diocese, they responded to the clear need that was left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the failure of the federal levee system. To date, they have gutted some 900+ homes and rebuilt 76 houses from scratch – which are all still standing and in great condition. They have been creative about designing the program, welcoming volunteers, subcontracting professionals, and continuing to rebuild the city despite more than a few setbacks – most of which were financial. But they’re still going strong and responding to the needs that remain in the community. We also got to meet our Crew Chiefs for the week, Sophie & Annie. They are fabulous!!! Sophie is a part of the NOLA Service Corps program (more on that later,) and Annie moved down late last summer to be a crew chief. It was really interesting to hear about what they have learned and observed in the last 10 months.

We spent our day working on a home in the Lakeview neighborhood. There was at least 3-4 feet of standing water in Lakeview for several weeks following the flooding – certainly not the worst in the city. The homeowner had purchased the piece of property we are currently working on before Hurricane Katrina hit, but had not received the final title deeds, which turned out to be a huge problem. The insurance company awarded the money for the damage to the previous owners, who still possessed the deed to the house, even though it had been months since they occupied the home. As a result, it has taken these residents an unusual amount of time to be able to begin clearing debris and rebuilding the house. When the ESC team arrived on the scene in February of this year, there was still debris to be cleaned – clothes that remained in closets. However, you wouldn’t have known that when we arrived today. The construction is quite impressive, and things are really coming together. We spent some time this morning cleaning the yard, primarily to make space for the foundation that will soon be poured for the water heater. Some of us put first, second, and third coats of “Heartthrob” red on the living room walls. Whatever you’re imagining – it’s at least four shades brighter and bolder. Others of our group caulked and painted exterior window frames, and painted window shades (“hardware” grey). There are many more exciting projects to come throughout the week, though I think we’re most looking forward to demolition of the carport!!!

We also enjoyed our visit from the Mobile Loaves and Fishes of Trinity Episcopal Church. They delivered a much needed and greatly appreciated feast for lunch! All in all, it was a tremendous day of work.

For dinner this evening, we walked to Louisiana Pizza at the end of our street. Delicacies such as lamb pizza hit the spot after a long day of work. We then played a short-lived but rousing game of Episcopalopy. We also vowed to try and re-write the game. Though supposedly written for sixth graders, its quarks were difficult for a group of young adults to understand. Billy and Aaron outlasted the rest of us and went to hear the Rebirth Brass band at a local joint in our neighborhood. Apparently they’ve been playing there every Tuesday night for the last 25 years. The food, the music, the people – New Orleans is a beautiful city!

As we closed out our first day of work together with Compline and time for reflection, there was a lot to ponder. What does it mean to be “home?” What are the luxuries that one is afforded by having a private, personal space? How does one grapple with a space that is supposed to provide security and rest, and is nothing but a source of stress and painful memories. It’s all counter-intuitive in a way, but yet living reality for so many in New Orleans, even six years after the failure of the federal levee system. One thing is clear, we are grateful to have a week to pour our energy into doing whatever we can to create a home for one deserving family.

Goodnight, New Orleans!