Nearly six years, 13,000 volunteers, 75+ rebuilt houses, 900+ gutting projects, and almost $14.5 million in impact later, the ECSLA Rebuild Program has wrapped up its mission of helping to restore the homes and lives of those still displaced by Hurricane Katrina. By focusing on the most vulnerable homeowners–the elderly, the physically or mentally disabled, those who were victims of contractor fraud or battling illness–this ministry has sought to remain faithful to Jesus’ mandate to serve ‘the least of these.’ Countless volunteers have testified to the transformative impact of the Rebuild Program in their own lives, from young adults who choose new, more service-oriented career paths after serving as a ‘crew chief’ intern, to mission teams who report that their time with ECSLA inspired them to start new ministries back home. Indeed, one of the most powerful impacts of the Rebuild Program has been its embodiment of solidarity between the people of Louisiana with churches, Dioceses, schools and caring citizens from across the country and around the world. The Diocese of Louisiana has been truly blessed by their generosity of spirit, time, effort and resources. As we mark the conclusion of this work with a series of house blessings, ECSLA will be giving thanks for God doing more through us than we could hope or imagine!
