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First-hand accounts of the Berklee experience

New Orleans Habitat for Humanity Trip 2013

Birth Place of Jazz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi I’m Matthias Lupri. Thanks to Berklee and the Gracenotes committee for sending a team once again down to New Orleans. It was a full week to help out with the rebuilding from the devastation of hurricane Katrina, through the organization Habitat for Humanity. I have been here a few times for jazz events, but all prior to this horrible tragedy.  It is very clear that much help is still needed here in this very colorful city of French Creole flair.

Spending our first day to explore the city was a great way to see the larger picture of the area and people before going to our worksite in the 8th ward. We all also took a drive thorough the 9th ward and saw the levee and some of the hardest hit areas.

 

The Levee at 9th ward

Lots and lots of damage still very visible and all around.

Hurricane Damage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actor Brad Pitt was involved in helping the effort with new housing utilizing various architecture stylings, which are starting to give the area a newer modern look.

New Homes for people built via Brad Pitt

 

The arts, architecture, culture, and history of the people are genuinely amazing in all areas of the city and have shown through so visibly during our visit. The happiness and community spirit comes out strong and always a smiling face to be found. Meeting some of the people and animals of this area has been such a pleasure.

Garden District

 

A Unique Cultural city

hhhhmm good

much fun and various culture everywhere

 

Some of the jobs on the house I was working on included adding metal strapping for hurricane safety, building an attic access, hanging air vent tubes, moving lumber shipments to locations, adding 2 by 4’s for ceiling drywall mounting, locking up some long bolts under the house, measuring, cutting and adding siding around the house with its window and door frames, and then finally a bit of painting.  It was all much fun to do, and we all had to improvise where needed when proper materials or tools were not available.

The Home being built……we drank a lot of water it was so hot

 

House directly across the street

 

adding hanging air ducts

 

Alright, time to unload the truck that just arrived

Lady in Blue, Maria our fearless leader before drywall

Dry wall is now up on our last day

 

Adding siding outside. It was hot!

The splitting up of jobs is random and may shift quickly, everyone just pitches in where needed, when needed. At one point we made a long line to pass large bags of insulation quickly and the feeling of togetherness really kicked in. I presume, in a lighter mode, it was like handing sand bags person to person to stop water during the flood.

Happily Mixin’ paint

The community spirit has been amazing all round with people in the neighborhood, the volunteers on site, the spirit of the city, and the spirit of the times. The smiles and helpfulness really spreads quickly and seems sustained and consistent. Animals had it tough too during Katrina and it’s after effects, but many are around helping everyone smile.

Many dogs were affected by Katrina also….

….and cats!

It was so such a pleasure to bond this way with fellow Berklee folks who we never would have had a chance otherwise.  It all really brings everything back to earth and gets one out of the box we may sometimes find ourselves in. To meet the new homeowners Roshand and Jayson and work side by side with them was also so inspiring, and seeing their new home take shape with a common spiritual thread.

Roshand and Jayson , owners of the new home! They helped out also everyday.

a good local neighbor and dog….they let us use their water for drinking

Katrina Memorial

If you have never experienced New Orleans, it really is a must at some point, and maybe give Habitat for Humanity a call too.  Thanks again Berklee for this opportunity to help out through Habitat for Humanity, it has changed my life and outlook in many ways.

Last day of work with this fun team – L-R top, Kathleen Flynn, Matt Frias, Matthias Lupri, bottom, Leslie Mahoney, Maria Goldberg, Evan Clark, Benai Kornell

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Building a Home, One Nail at a Time

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Last Night in New Orleans

1 Comment

  1. Jolie

    Thank you so much for you help!

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