Since coming to New Orleans, I have learned a lot about the situation the citizens were forced into when Hurricane Katrina hit through talking with Mack (the leader of the community center). He also gave us a tour of the Lower Ninth Ward. This is the community where he lives and was one of the hardest hit areas during Katrina. Some areas of the Ward had over 33 feet of water. We all had a chance to see what happened to this community and how much the area was being rebuilt.
By creating this community center, Mack hopes to bring people back to their homes since a lot of people were still living where they got relocated when Katrina hit. I think it’s a great idea and he seems to have a lot of great programs in mind for the center. For instance, he is working on a fitness program for kids in the community so they can get exercise. He is also working on a car donation program which will raise money for the center. Right now he is still relying on donations to keep the center open, so revenue generating programs are important to create a self sustaining center.
I have really enjoyed helping to make the community center better. We have been working to organize the building and clean out all the old junk that is here. It is in rough condition right now, but with enough help, it will be a great place for kids to come and have a place to go after school. I am glad that I have had the opportunity to be a part of what Mack is trying to do to rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward.
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