Louisiana RevisitedDisaster Relief Team

Stockbridge First UMCOctober 4 – 10, 2009

We stayed on the Aldersgate UMC campus where the

United Methodist Southeast Louisiana Disaster Recovery is

housed.

Aldersgate UMCSlidell, Louisiana

We worked at a building that will be used as a homeless shelter in Slidell. There is room to house 96 people. Just the sleeping space is

over 3000 sq. ft. They hope to have it ready before the

holidays.

We cleaned up after work crews…scraping up dried sheet rock mud and dust, cleaning shower stalls and toilets, kitchen area, then sweeping, and painting.

Good times!

Damaged homes are still very evident in

neighborhoods in New Orleans. Clean-up there is still at only 15% complete.

The homes that are being renovated are very colorful and traditional in style. Some of these can be found in an area named Musicians Village where Habitat for Humanity has been involved. Local New Orleans musicians have been helping to build in this neighborhood (70% of the owners are musicians).

Some of the new homes are “green” in their design. They have raised foundations, solar panels, and interesting styles.

After visiting the damaged areas of New Orleans, we took a few minutes to see the French Quarter. We enjoyed some local musicians, ate some beignets, and saw some interesting sites.

We thank you for all your support, whether through prayer, gifts, or financially. If you would like to participate in the future, please contact the church office. Our

next mission trip to New Orleans is planned for the spring of 2010.