Support Eric's Efforts to Rebuild New Orleans!

Five years after Hurricane Katrina, there is still much work to be done. Homes and communities are still in shambles and there is lots to be done. This year, I am heading to New Orleans for a week in March I will be part of a team of 18 college students from different states to help work on homes that are still being built for residents of St. Bernard's Parish – an area of New Orleans devastaed by Katrina. I want to help rebuild the homes that were destroyed and give back to a country that has given me the opportunity to do so much.

I know during this tough ecomony that many cannot afford to help as much as they'd like. And with donations to Haiti in recent weeks, there is little left in bank accounts to help out. But if you are able and can find it in your heart, any amount is greatly appreciated. It will take over $1,200 alone to fund the rental of vehicles to transport us throughout the week to and from our work sites. In addition, we all need to pay for our lodging and meals as well as transportation down to Louisiana. In total, the entire cost of the trip will be around $10,000. I think it's an admirable plan to give up their week of fun to participate in a program such as this!

This year, we have students from Purdue, Montclair State (NJ), West Point, Indiana and SUNY Brockport among others. The project is sponsored in part by United Way of Greater Lafayette and the Purdue University Student United Way.

Again, your help is greatly appreciated by us and by those who are still in dire straits after the storms.