Joe Allen

This is my second year coming to Louisiana on a Habitat for Humanity trip. Last year we stayed in Slidell and did work helping to build a home for a family. This year has been different but still rewarding in the same way. We have been working around the lower ninth ward village helping to improve on what many other volunteer groups have already done.

There was a lot of work to do when we first got here and when we leave I’m sure that there will be plenty left. The ultimate goal for the space seems to be a community center for children to spend their time, but I don’t see this area as a safe place for children to play. As of right now there is a lot of excess stuff lying around the yard and some of it isn’t stuff that something that kids should be around. But we have been working hard to make it a more child friendly environment and I think that we have made a lot of progress.

One of the big accomplishments that I have contributed to was building a basketball court in the main area inside. I think that basketball is a great way for kids to spend their time and having a space for them to play is important. We cleared out a large space and moved a hoop inside, and even put a new net on it. We had a big game last night between a bunch of the volunteers and it was a good time. But one problem that still lingers is the amount of stuff surrounding the area. I think that once the majority of the things in the village are thrown away then it would be a more kid friendly environment.

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.