Ten years ago Olachi Anaemereibe sat in front of her TV, with tears in her eyes as she watched news reports depicting the incredible devastation that was unfolding in New Orleans as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Hers were tears of compassion and frustration, and she felt there was very little she could do to help.
But today she has a different story to tell, as she recently had an opportunity to lend a hand in helping rebuild a city that she says refuses to be held down by adversity. Even now, according to Olachi, there are places where homes are still just as devastated as they were immediately after the hurricane.
“When you meet the people of New Orleans you can tell that they have been through a real crisis – there’s definitely a feeling that something really major has happened,” says Olachi. She adds, however, that it’s also clear to her that New Orleans residents have a uniquely irrepressible spirit. “They have a love of life and a love of their neighbors and community that ties them together. You can be sure that even if something knocks them down, they’re going to get back up and keep going.”
The construction work in New Orleans was intense, with teams working from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. By mid-day the volunteers often found it difficult to deal with the intense heat, even though it was only late May.
On the bright side, New Orleans lived up to its reputation for being a very unique and colorful culture, with two local men routinely visiting the build sites to play Jazz Music on their trumpet and guitar. It was their way of saying thanks to the volunteers.
Olachi was one of six Habitat Wake AmeriCorps members who worked in New Orleans for a week as part of the annual AmeriCorps Build-A-Thon, which brings current AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps alumni together to participate in a “blitz” build. The 2015 Build-A-Thon celebrated the 20th Anniversary of AmeriCorps and kicked off the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Working closely with the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, the 2015 Build-A-Thon resulted in 10 new homes in the New Orleans East neighborhood, on America Street.
- Olachi Anaemereibe, wearing a gray tshirt and blue bandanna, with AmeriCorps members from across the U.S., in New Orleans in May 2015.
The experience in New Orleans is a highlight of Olachi’s Habitat story. She first became involved by volunteering to build houses with Habitat as a high school student. After college, she joined the AmeriCorps program, spending a year with the construction department of Habitat for Humanity Seattle – King County, then finishing her second AmeriCorps year with Habitat Wake’s construction team. She is now a full time employee of Habitat Wake.
True to form in a city known for its ability to throw a party, the completed Build-A-Thon’s dedication ceremony provided plenty of local flavor and a festive environment. The mayor gave a moving speech, jazz musicians played while scores of people danced in celebration, hundreds of Monarch butterflies were released, and many residents of the new homes provided samplings of local food. “I especially recall them feeding us gumbo and jambalaya,” says Olachi. But she is quick to add that her time in New Orleans was more daring from a culinary perspective, thanks to the specialty hot sauces and alligator “poppers” she enjoyed while there.
Her time in New Orleans was a powerful and moving experience for Olachi, as she built new memories and friendships in one of the most colorful cities in America. But just as importantly, she helped build new homes for 10 families who will never forget her contribution in a time of need. And that is a memory that will endure.
Editor’s note: This article is by contributing writer Bradd Pavur. While Bradd is a former Habitat construction volunteer, he has a deeper connection to this story. A New Orleans native, Bradd’s mother and father lost their home in Katrina. With that first-hand knowledge of the impact, Bradd is grateful to all the people who have helped rebuild the areas that were devastated.