(Photo: Rebuilding Together New Orleans)
The American Legion Family will partner with Rebuilding Together New Orleans on August 23 to conduct home repairs at two Veterans’ residences as part of the annual convention community service project.
At one site, Legionnaires will replace the roof and repair the porch for a Vietnam War Veteran who is caring for his wife with Alzheimer’s. At the second location, also owned by a Vietnam War Veteran, the team will conduct extensive exterior repairs, including replacing damaged siding and trim, and painting the entire house.
Rebuilding Together New Orleans was founded in 1988 by the Preservation Resource Center, originally focused on helping elderly and disabled homeowners with home repairs, the organization shifted its mission after Hurricane Katrina to assist those displaced by the storm. This included the complete renovation and rebuilding of storm-damaged homes, bringing displaced homeowners back and setting a model for restoring and preserving New Orleans neighborhoods. While continuing to support the national mission of ensuring safe and healthy homes for everyone, they remain dedicated to responding to hurricanes and other disasters and are committed to the long-term recovery and revitalization of New Orleans neighborhoods.
The American Legion has previously worked with Rebuilding Together on similar projects during national conventions, such as in Houston (2013), Charlotte, N.C. (2014), and Minneapolis (2018). Volunteers from The American Legion Family had joined forces with Sears and Rebuilding Together Houston to paint and refurbish a Houston Veterans homeless shelter and improve the Pine Valley Community Center in Charlotte, which serves local youth. In St. Paul, Minn., about 40 Legion Family volunteers teamed up with Rebuilding Together Twin Cities to improve the 7th Neighborhood Garden.
In 2009, during The American Legion National Convention in Louisville, Ky., delegates passed Resolution 109, which affirms The American Legion’s support for the Veteran’s Housing Program of Rebuilding Together Inc., a program that assists severely wounded, injured, and economically distressed Veterans.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.