Chris Welsh

When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast with vicious force and anger I was sixteen years old. I was able to understand that there were thousands of people dying due to this storm and even more people in need of help. Love from all around the world poured into New Orleans to help the victims of this disaster, and I became inspired by these people. However, at the time, I was unable to go to New Orleans because I was not provided with the opportunity. Most disasters do not receive enough recognition once a few years after the storm pass. The news coverage shifts to other stories and many people remain as helpless victims. My sister, however, traveled to New Orleans two years after the storm and shared the stories of the devastation that still remained. Because of the facts that she provided me, I was aware that the people in New Orleans still wanted and needed many people’s help. For these reasons, I became even more compelled to travel to the city and provide my assistance.

I came to New Orleans for the first time last year, and was able to gain firsthand experience of the devastation that remains. Last year however, I was a little upset that we were not doing direct work in the city. Instead, we were working in Slidell, Louisiana, about an hour outside of the city. Therefore, when I found out that this year’s build trip would take place directly in the Lower Ninth Ward, I became ecstatic. I was finally able to fulfill my desire to help the people in this city.

Now that I am here, in the heart of the Lower Ninth Ward, I am able to see and talk to the people that were most affected during this disaster. I feel proud of both myself and of my fellow classmates for the tasks that we have accomplished thus far. The major task that I am trying to complete during this week is building a shed to store the tractors, tools, and scrap wood. Slick, one of the workers in The Village, told me that they have had many tools stolen because the tools have no place to be stored. Hopefully this shed will prevent these things from being stolen. I am glad that I came on this trip and have been able to have a positive impact of the people of this community.

For more information about the Lower Ninth Ward Village please visit their website here and if you would like to make a donation, you can do that here.