I have been thinking about how to go about this idea of mine perfectly right so as to entice you, my friends & readers, to join me in my newest goal. So, with an open mind and willing heart, keep reading.
When I was in New Orleans, I took a tour of the city with a lovely guide who is a New Orleans native. She took us everywhere–including all the areas greatly affected by Hurricane Katrina (which, truth be told, is the majority of the city). I saw the devastation the floodwaters caused, both when they came rushing into the city carrying with it barges, homes, furniture, and cars, and then the devastation they continued making as the water sat, and sat, and sat–black mold, mildew, you name it. (*photo from wikipedia)
1,600 people died there. That doesn’t include the 705 still missing, presumably dead. As I drove through the Lower Ninth Ward, it looked as though the hurricane couldn’t possibly have been 4 whole years ago. One body was just found last month in an attic. The Lower Ninth is virtually deserted. Much more commonplace than a livable home is a boarded up one with broken windows or an entire block with weeds up to your waist where home after home used to stand. These were people’s homes and lives. Among my chief things I’m thankful for is a home to call my own, a refuge where I recharge my batteries, take a hot shower, and cook dinner. Without that, I’m not sure I’d be able to cope well with anything. I can only imagine you feel similarly.
Have we forgotten about New Orleans? Have we forgotten the toll Katrina took? The media certainly doesn’t mention it much anymore. But, as someone who was there, trust me. There is so much work to be done. I love my country, I love that a million plus people have already come through the city volunteering their time and money with Habitat for Humanity to help these people rebuild their lives. But it’s not over yet though and I am afraid as time goes by, so do the memories of Hurricane Katrina. So, I will serve as that grim reminder that they still need a hand and here’s where you come in. I would be ever so grateful. Please consider it. Please, I’m begging!
Make it Right is Brad Pitt’s (if there was ever an organization to sign up under, why not make it this guy’s?) organization. This is the one I’d like to form a team under with your help.
Why Make it Right?
I was so impressed with the homes they’re building. Seriously, this program is well thought-out. First of all, the homes are entirely eco-friendly. They have water-collecting capacity and solar panels (keeping electric bills way down for people who already don’t have tons of money). Second, they are safe. They will, at least the intent is, weather the next storm. I even saw a “floating house” that will float in up to 12 feet of water. Third, the people who will be living in the house must contribute to the cost of the house. They can do this through savings, financing, or insurance money. The housing costs are then limited to no more than a 1/3 of their income. Fourth, the homeowners must take homeowner courses to see that they are prepared to maintain the health of their home.
How Can You Help?
I have already begun a team, though at the moment, it’s just me and Steve. I’d like for you to join, to tell your friends and family to join, etc. Click here to sign up on my team. The name of the team, so creative, is Bridget Hunt. I have set my own fundraising goals at $5,000, but I’d like to raise more. The cost of one of these homes is around $150,000–the thought that this team could raise all that is crazy exciting. Not least of which because maybe Brad Pitt will hear about it and then be desperate to meet us? So, I cannot do it alone. Please, please, please consider this.
How Can I Fundraise?
There are lots of ways. I am hoping that in June I will reevaluate how much money we’ve earned so far, and then determine when our “end goal” is. So, there is time. Garage sales, lemonade stands (I will definitely park my cute kids out on the street come spring to raise money for this–who would pass without donating?! Do you have a cute kid to borrow?? Do it! All for a worthy cause!), bake sales, asking local businesses, family members, in lieu of Christmas presents (what?!?), etc. There are tons of ways and tons I’m not even thinking of. In fact, give me some ideas if you’ve got them. I’ve already started by ordering myself that cool hat at the top of this post. The proceeds go to the Make it Right Foundation, but you get a cool hat to boot!
Can Anyone Join?
Yes. How cool would it be to have a team across the U.S.–I know I have a few California readers, at least one Colorado reader… we could already be three states deep. Am I guilt-tripping you? Yes.
Any more questions? Please e-mail me: bridget.c.hunt@gmail.com
Want to know more about Katrina?
Pictures to tug at your heartstrings?
A song I love so aptly named “Just Say Yes.”
I will love you forever if you sign up, so if that’s not enough enticement, I don’t know what is.
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