The team stayed at a United Methodist campus in Slidell, Louisiana and worked at a building that will serve as a homeless shelter, which will house 96 people and has over 3,000 square feet of sleeping space. They cleaned the shelter in preparation for its opening before the holidays. Damaged homes are still evident in New Orleans neighborhoods where cleanup is only 15% complete, while renovated homes in the area are colorful and traditional in style, including some built by Habitat for Humanity with help from local musicians in a neighborhood called Musicians Village. The team also briefly visited the French Quarter and enjoyed local music and food.

1. Louisiana Revisited Disaster Relief Team Stockbridge First UMC October 4 – 10, 2009

2. We stayed on the Aldersgate UMC campus where the United Methodist Southeast Louisiana Disaster Recovery is housed. Aldersgate UMC Slidell, Louisiana

3. We worked at a building that will be used as a homeless shelter in Slidell. There is room to house 96 people. Just the sleeping space is over 3000 sq. ft. They hope to have it ready before the holidays.

4. We cleaned up after work crews…scraping up dried sheet rock mud and dust, cleaning shower stalls and toilets, kitchen area, then sweeping, and painting.

5. Good times!

6. Damaged homes are still very evident in neighborhoods in New Orleans. Clean-up there is still at only 15% complete.

7. The homes that are being renovated are very colorful and traditional in style. Some of these can be found in an area named Musicians Village where Habitat for Humanity has been involved. Local New Orleans musicians have been helping to build in this neighborhood (70% of the owners are musicians).

8. Some of the new homes are “green” in their design. They have raised foundations, solar panels, and interesting styles.

9. After visiting the damaged areas of New Orleans, we took a few minutes to see the French Quarter. We enjoyed some local musicians, ate some beignets, and saw some interesting sites.

10. We thank you for all your support, whether through prayer, gifts, or financially. If you would like to participate in the future, please contact the church office. Our next mission trip to New Orleans is planned for the spring of 2010.