Annual Report 2011

RTNO’s MissionTo improve the quality of life of low-income homeowners through home repair

and community revitalization of New Orleans’ neighborhoods.

Steering CommitteeMuffin Balart, Chairman Diana Lewis, Vice-Chairman

The Staff of Rebuilding Together New OrleansDaniela Rivero, Director

RTNO’s Team

Tish AllenHal Brown

Kevin BrownJanie BlackmonSantiago Burgos

Tom DuncanLeslie Ellison

Rashida FerdinandRobert Fogarty

Linda HarrisAl JohnsonNick Karl

Reggie LawsonJames Ross

Adrian ManriquezAl Melillo

Sherry SanbornMike Scott

Thomas SmithEvelyn Turner

Lilla Wright

Katrina ArnoldSteve BabcockEddie Bankston

Jeanne BourgeoisMarc Bourgeois

Leonora BowmanKisha Butler

Steve CreechCharles Christian

Catherine CrowellTim Dean

Julia GrabowskiAmanda Hanley

Luc JutrasFaye KaucherMark Kendrick

Rowan Kennedy

Janet LaRueMelanie Linn

Cambria MartinelliCase MillerSara Moore

Amanda MurphyMathew Newman

Joel Nelson

Linda PelicanoRobert ReedBart Shank

Jonathan SkvarkaRonald Smith, Jr.

Brad SpencerSean VissarRobin Young

RTNO’s TeamRTNO’s Team

A Letter from the DirectorFor Rebuilding Together New Orleans (RTNO) and our homeowners, 2011 was a roller coaster year. It started with the discovery of defective drywall in a number of our houses. We resolved to identify and remediate each home which tested positive. After that was our largest event ever, Fifty for Five, commemorating Hurricane Katrina's 5th Anniversary. We ended with much uncertainty about the continuation of our public grants.

Few organizations can say they dealt with such extreme highs and lows. However, we at RTNO have learned to live with high levels of stress and adrenaline, and continue to be innovative and flexible. Throughout this year, 2,327 volunteers from around the country, and the world, gave us their support and came down to rebuild with us. Our October Build was packed with local teams, some new and some returning, which always makes us proud and shows how much New Orleans communities care for each other. Four new playgrounds were built by RTNO in partnership with national organizations such as NeighborWorks, Entergy, and the National Conference on Volunteering and Service.

As the year comes to an end, much work has been completed. RTNO successfully rehabilitated 57 houses. Another 28 houses are currently in progress, with 66 more projects waiting on funding sources. Every homeowner coming back and moving into his or her home is a blessing for the city and for us.

The new fiscal year starts with the major challenge to rebuild 27 homes with defective drywall, as we manage homeowners’ expectations and continue to rebuild a better city. We couldn't do it without our dedicated staff and service members, who work tirelessly to get us closer to our goals. We are also grateful to our partners and supporters, who continue to stand by us for the greater good.continue to stand by us for the greater good.

Who we areRebuilding Together New Orleans (RTNO) is a program of the Preservation Resource Center and an affiliate of the national nonprofit organization, Rebuilding Together. The dedicated staff, AmeriCorps service members, and volunteers of RTNO work to rehabilitate the homes of low-income homeowners in New Orleans. The program began in 1988 as an annual volunteer event called Christmas in October, which primarily served elderly and disabled homeowners for whom home repairs had become unaffordable and unmanageable. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, RTNO expanded its mission to assist displaced homeowners and began operating year-round in the neighborhoods most affected by the storm. Now, RTNO addresses the continuing recovery needs of post-Katrina New Orleans by focusing on holistic community revitalization. In addition to the rebuilding program, RTNO has been operating an innovative Deconstruction and Salvage program since 2008 and continually seeks creative ways to reduce blight and improve neighborhoods. All of RTNO’s projects are designed to improve the quality of life of New Orleans residents while maximizing positive community impact.

Who we serveRTNO serves low-income homeowners earning less than 80% of the area median income determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program primarily serves the elderly, disabled, single heads of household with minor children, veterans, and first responders.

Why we serve

home. By rebuilding affordable homes and concentrating revitalization efforts, RTNO strives to create safe environments where homeowners can work toward financial independence and comfortably age in place. Investing in the existing housing stock also tackles the widespread problem of blight while preserving the historical and cultural integrity of New Orleans neighborhoods.

Where we serve Community driven progress is important to RTNO. Therefore, RTNO only expands into an area on the invitation of the local neighborhood association. Working in specific target neighborhoods allows RTNO to cluster rebuilding projects closely and promote the revitalization of an entire area. RTNO works in the following eight neighborhoods:

●

For more information about Rebuilding Together New Orleansvisit our website: www.rtno.org

Orleans residents while maximizing eight neighborhoods:

For more information about Rebuilding Together New Orleans

● Broadmoor● Gentilly● Hollygrove● Faubourg St. Roch● Holy Cross & Lower 9th Ward● McClendonville ● Mid-City● Treme/Esplanade Ridge

Healthy homes are the building blocks of strong communities. Neighborhoods must have a stable population in order to thrive, but residents can only return to these neighborhoods if they have a safe

New HorizonsSatisfied homeowners and neighborhood associations have spread the news of RTNO’s success. RTNO was invited to work in two new neighborhoods this year. Efforts in Holy Cross were extended to include the rest of the Lower Ninth Ward when the Lower Ninth Ward Homeowners Association and Sankofa CDC contacted RTNO for assistance. RTNO also began working on the West Bank of the Mississippi River in the neighborhood of McClendonville on the invitation of the Tunisburg Square Homeowners Civic Association. Canvassing efforts in these new neighborhoods have generated an enthusiastic response and RTNO is in the process of making services available to these homeowners.

Defective Drywall Remediation Defective drywall, imported from China and used in rebuilding efforts after the hurricanes in 2005, has rendered homes throughout the Gulf Coast uninhabitable. This sub-standard material has been identified in 27 of RTNO’s rebuilt homes. RTNO is currently performing defective drywall remediation and renovations at these properties while assisting the homeowners for the duration of repairs. The safety and well being of participating homeowners is RTNO’s first priority and RTNO is committed to returning them to reliable and healthy homes. Though it is a tragic setback, defective drywall remediation is a necessary step to continue the recovery of New Orleans’ communities.

= A Completed Home

Mid-City

HollygroveTreme/

EsplanadeRidge

Broadmoor

FaubourgSt. Roch

HolyCross and the Lower 9th Ward

Gentilly

McClendonville

GentillyRTNO Neighborhoods

HollygroveRTNO

completed 57homes in FY2011with nearly 30

homes in progress at the end of the year.

Success by the Numbers

playgrounds BUILTFight the Blight Events

VOLUNTEERSvolunteer hours

market VALUE

DECONSTRUCTION AND SALVAGE

HOMEScompleted people SERVED

construction cost

Full deconstructions completed:Selective salvage projects:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Total Salvage Store sales:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:Cubic yards saved from landfills:

NEIGHBORHOODS served

Expenses Fiscal Year 2011

$3,098,68680%

Rebuilding Together New Orleans strongly believes in fiscal accountability and transparency. To view the full breakdown of RTNO and Preservation Resource Center financials, please visit Guidestar at www.guidestar.org.

Sources of Revenue Fiscal Year 2011Over the course of fiscal year 2011 RTNO raised

$4,391,014 in grants, donations, and sales.

80%

20% $779,796

and transparency. To view the full breakdown of RTNO and Preservation Resource Center financials, please visit Guidestar at www.guidestar.org.

We are a proud partner agency of the United Way. Ask your employer about workplace giving. Federal employees can donate to RTNO through their United Way Combined Federal Campaign: CFC # 20147

59%GovernmentFunding($2,613,548)

23% Foundations,Non-Profits, and Faith-BasedOrganizations($1,001,347)

7% Corporate Funding ($315,010)

6% Retail SalesIncluding Salvage

Store($250,724)

3% PersonalDonations

($134,735)

2% Volunteer Fees ($75,650)

Program Expenses

$3,878,482

AdministrativeExpenses

TOTAL EXPENSES

Returning HomeMrs. Sarah Williams and her husband, both natives of New Orleans, knew each other since they were children. They were married over 40 years and raised four daughters together before his death. In 1974, they bought their Pontchartrain Park home to raise their family in this peaceful, quiet community. The daughter of share croppers, Mrs. Williams is extremely proud that all four of her daughters went to college.

In 2005, as Hurricane Katrina approached New Orleans, Mrs. Williams left the city along with her 92-year-old father and two of her daughters. They spent the next three years in Texas before returning to New Orleans to live with her father in his Irish Channel home.

Ms. Williams’ home today

the next three years in Texas before returning to New Orleans to live with her

When she returned to New Orleans, Mrs. Williams was contacted by a contractor. He had done some work on her home before the storm and offered to rebuild her house for a fair price. She trusted him and paid for repairs upfront. He left her home in shambles and her heart broken.

A natural optimist, Mrs. Williams never gave up hope that she would return home. She searched for assistance for many years until she contacted RTNO and was accepted as a candidate for the Non-Profit Rebuilding Pilot Program. With funding from this program and RTNO’s Fifty for Five event, RTNO was able to rebuild her house completely.

Mrs. Williams welcomed several large groups of volunteers who logged more than 700 hours working on her home. As different volunteer groups worked on her home, Mrs. Williams cooked them food to show her appreciation. She acts as an RTNO ambassador and speaks on RTNO’s behalf to inspire volunteers and funders.

RTNO completed repairs on Mrs. Williams’ home in June of 2011. She looks forward to hosting her family for the 2011 holiday season.

The Non-Profit Rebuild Pilot ProgramBefore 2005, RTNO’s work involved making quality of life repairs on homes for low-income New Orleanians, typically through small construction projects and modifications to the current structure of the house. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, however, there was a desperate need to completely rebuild many homeowners’ houses. Proceeding the storm, RTNO’s organizational model adjusted to incorporate the new challenge. Funding from the Non-Profit Rebuilding Pilot Program (NRPP), administered by the Louisiana Housing Recovery Authority and the State of Louisiana’s Office of Community Development Disaster Recovery Unit, has helped make these large-scale projects possible.

The purpose of this program is to allow non-profit organizations to develop and fund innovative programs to return low- to moderate-income individuals and families to their homes. Because non-profit organizations can secure needed resources for homeowners at a lower cost, more residents can return home with less funding through the NRPP. By using volunteer labor and managing both the homeowner applicants and general contractors, RTNO can complete the work of rebuilding a house with less than what it would cost a homeowner at market rate. By the end of the pilot program, RTNO will complete 30 full home rebuild projects.

Ms. Jones, Homeowner

Before

Total NRPP projects complete: 10Total people returned home: 19Total projects under construction: 20Total construction costs for completed homes: $810,753

After

This year, RTNO celebrated its 21st successful October Build project. The annual event took place the first two weekends of October. Approximately 350 volunteers from 19 local companies and other organizations contributed over 5,000 labor hours painting, constructing fences, laying tile and flooring, repairing porches, and completing a variety of other tasks on 18 sites. The Gentilly and Tremé neighborhoods were greatly impacted by the hard work of the volunteers during those four days.

The annual tradition of October Build, originally called Christmas in October, started as a one-day build in the Lower Garden District sponsored and led by volunteers from a variety of community partners. The success of this project kick-started Rebuilding Together New Orleans.

Though RTNO has grown and expanded since the first day in 1988, October Build continues to be a vital event for the organization and the city. RTNO understands the need to engage local community members in the rebuilding and revitalization process of New Orleans. When volunteers help their neighbors, they physically change a neighborhood and strengthen the fabric of the community.

October Build 2010

Thanks to RTNO’s Participating Partners:Academy of the Sacred Heart • Brown's Dairy • Camp, Dresser & McKee • Chevron • The J.M. Smucker Company/Folgers Coffee Company • Hancock Bank • Harrah's Casino and Hotel • Junior League of New Orleans • Lewis, Inc. (Team Verdugo) • Louisiana Land Trust • Louisiana Peace Corps Association • Morgan Stanley Smith Barney • Munholland United Methodist Church • National Association of Letter Carriers • Our Lady of Holy Cross Association of Student Nurses • Priestley School of Architecture and Construction • Shell Oil • Third District Kiwanis • USDA -SRRC - Employee's Benefit Club • Waldemar S. Nelson and Company, Inc.

The annual tradition of October Build, originally called Christmas in October, started as a one-day build in the Lower Garden District sponsored and led by volunteers from a variety of community partners. The success of this project kick-started Rebuilding Together New Orleans.Orleans.

Though RTNO has grown and expanded

October Build 2010Total worksites: 18Total teams: 19Total volunteers: 341Estimated labor value: $106,420

Harrah's Casino and Hotel • Junior League of New Harrah's Casino and Hotel • Junior League of New Orleans • Lewis, Inc. (Team Verdugo) • Louisiana Land Orleans • Lewis, Inc. (Team Verdugo) • Louisiana Land Trust • Louisiana Peace Corps Association • Morgan Stanley Smith Barney • Munholland United Methodist Church • National Association of Letter Carriers • Our Lady of Holy Cross Association of Student Nurses • Priestley School of Architecture and Construction • Shell Oil • Third District Kiwanis • USDA -SRRC - Employee's Benefit Club • Waldemar S. Nelson and Company, Inc.

This year, RTNO celebrated its 21st successful October Build project. The annual event took place the first two weekends of October. Approximately 350 volunteers from 19 local companies and other organizations contributed over 5,000 labor hours painting, constructing fences, laying tile and flooring, repairing porches, and completing a variety of other tasks on 18 sites. The Gentilly and Tremé neighborhoods were greatly impacted by the hard work of the volunteers during those four days.

October Build 2010

The annual tradition of October Build, October Build 2010

Winter and Spring Break 2011RTNO has benefited from the efforts of college students from all over the country during their winter and spring breaks. Since Hurricane Katrina, students from a number of schools have donated their time to work with RTNO on homes across New Orleans. In 2011, RTNO not only experienced an increase of students during spring break, but also during the colder winter break months. The students worked on more than 25 projects, greatly impacting five New Orleans neighborhoods.

RTNO has found a community of willing and enthusiastic volunteers in these college students; some schools have returned for three or more years. Over the winter and spring academic breaks of 2011, RTNO recruited 593 student volunteers.

The commitment of these young volunteers makes a positive impact on both the homeowners they assist and the students themselves. It is RTNO’s hope that an Alternative Break can spark a life-long desire for civic engagement. Each year, Alternative Break trips have the power to transform communities and RTNO is pleased to welcome students from across the country.

Thank You 2011 Alternative Break teams:InterVarsity • Hillel of Metro Detroit • Goucher College •College of St. Benedict • Northern IL University • University of Illinois • Hillel Springfield • Hillel of Indiana • Delaware Hillel • University of Wisconsin-River Falls • Hillel Santa Cruz • Hillel Maryland • Hillel of San Diego • DePauw University • Kent State University •Communities in Schools • Chapman University • Wheaton College • CUNY Hillel • St. Philip's Church • York College • North Shore Community College • Michigan State • Hunter College • Fairfield University

Alternative Breaks 2011Total number of schools: 31Total volunteers: 593Total worksites: 26Neighborhoods assisted: 5Total volunteer hours: 17,744Estimated labor value: $377,060

Fifty for FiveIn August 2010, RTNO worked in partnership with the Rebuilding Together National Office to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with a major build event. Fifty for Five brought volunteers from around the country to work for five days on fifty projects throughout the neighborhood of Gentilly with the goal of revitalizing a community that remains heavily affected by the storm. The event took place from August 24 to 28, and culminated with a block party in Lafayette Square.

The event engaged 1,031 volunteers including local groups and volunteers drawn from other Rebuilding Together affiliates across the country. Volunteers had the opportunity to work on an array of projects such as painting home exteriors and interiors, constructing wheelchair ramps, building fences, and weatherizing homes.

Along with repair projects for Gentilly homeowners, volunteers also worked on two community projects. With a donation from RTNO sponsor NeighborWorks America, volunteers installed a new play structure at Miltenberger Park in the Gentilly subdivision of Seabrook. This new play structure finally replaced the swing set and jungle gym which was torn down after Hurricane Katrina. Volunteers also assisted The Willing Workers Baptist Church, a cornerstone of its community on Eads Street, completing a number of overdue repairs.

In the months preceding the event, members of the RTNO Intake department went door-to-door to talk with homeowners about assistance and processed hundreds of applications. In partnership with Rebuilding Together’s National Office, the Volunteer Coordinator solicited help from dozens of Rebuilding Together affiliates around the country. After months of preparation, RTNO hosted the largest build event in Rebuilding Together history. As the main sponsor of the event, Sears also donated appliances including refrigerators and stoves to 20 homeowners.

In the months preceding the event, members of the RTNO Intake department went door-to-door to talk with homeowners about assistance and processed hundreds of applications. In partnership with Rebuilding Together’s National Office, the Volunteer Coordinator solicited help from dozens of Rebuilding Together affiliates around the country. After months of preparation, RTNO hosted the largest build event in Rebuilding Together history. As the main sponsor of the event, Sears also donated appliances including

“Rebuilding Together has been able to take the grief and the sadness that people felt around the country and transform it to the power of action and help change somebody’s life. And that is what the volunteers are doing here, they are helping change somebody’s life.”-Shaun Donovan,U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

In town for their National Sales Meeting the week of April 16, more than 500 employees from the Hershey Company dedicated a day during their stay to partner with Rebuilding Together New Orleans and help revitalize five New Orleans neighborhoods. The Hershey’s Company is marked by a legacy of charitable giving.

Hershey’s dedication to good works is embodied by service projects like the one in New Orleans and the commitment of its employees to the value of giving back. Before leaving for their respective projects, the Hershey’s volunteers gathered for a morning meeting to hear from a variety of voices about the experience of Hurricane Katrina and the endeavor to rebuild and recover. Among those who addressed the audience was Mrs. Sarah Williams, a New Orleans homeowner and Katrina survivor, who movingly shared her personal story of resilience and recovery before receiving a standing ovation from the volunteers.

The 532 Hershey’s volunteers worked on more than 20 projects over the course of the day. Volunteers painted, laid flooring, installed insulation, windows, and doors, built wheelchair ramps, and worked on community clean up and revitalization projects in city playgrounds, including Evans and Sam Bonart Parks. Other volunteers worked with our partner organization, Hike for KaTREEna, on a variety of landscaping projects, such as planting trees and mulching. Even with such large numbers, the quantity of work completed by the Hershey’s volunteers and the quality of their work ethic impressed homeowners and RTNO staff and service members.

Hershey’s Build

“One of Hershey’s values is making a difference for those in need in our communities.”-Jim George, VP, Community Relations

Fight the BlightThe City of New Orleans’ Fight the Blight Initiative empowers New Orleanians throughout the city to take charge of their neighborhood clean-up. Fight the Blight events focus on parks, playgrounds, and community centers. Volunteers participate by painting park features, clearing parks, and building benches and picnic tables. The keystone of the newly created ServeNOLA office, Fight the Blight aligns with Mayor Mitchell J. Landrieu’s commitment to eradicate 10,000 blighted properties and beautify our city.

As one of the oldest and most successful volunteer management organizations in New Orleans, RTNO has answered the call to assist the City with Fight the Blight. Partnering with ServeNOLA, other non-profit organizations, and neighborhood associations, RTNO agreed to take on the planning, supply acquisition, and volunteer management of three Fight the Blight Days. Since the first event in December 2010, RTNO helped coordinate activities at eight parks with a labor force of approximately 600 volunteers. Ready to make a difference in their community, volunteers made a noticeable impact on the neighborhoods they visited.

There is still a staggering amount of work to be done to decrease blight in the city, and RTNO will continue to play a substantial role in revitalizing the city. RTNO is proud to partner with the ServeNOLA to make New Orleans a safer and cleaner place through the Fight the Blight Initiative.

Fight the Blight

Fight the BlightTotal events worked: 3Total worksites: 8Estimated volunteers: 600Estimated volunteer hours: 1800 Estimated labor value: $38,250

PlaygroundsAs part of a holistic approach to neighborhood revitalization, this year RTNO began work on playground and park beautification. Through generous sponsorships, RTNO was able to complete four playground projects in 2011.

RTNO first considered the idea of building a play structure during the Fifty for Five commemoration of the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The play structure at Miltenburger Park in Gentilly had been destroyed during the storm and the neighborhood organization had petitioned to rebuild it. The neighborhood association and the New Orleans Recreation Department supported RTNO’s effort and NeighborWorks America and Rebuilding Together’s National Office sponsored the build. A celebration for the community, neighbors volunteered to participate in the project and several local women served lunch cooked in their own kitchens.

RTNO had a second opportunity to build a playground, at Norwood Thompson Park in Gert Town, following a proposal from Entergy and the 2013 Super Bowl Host Committee. Volunteers erected a new play structure, planted flowers and shade trees, built benches and tables, and worked with local school children to paint murals on the existing concession stand and bathrooms.

Two additional playground builds were cosponsored by the City of New Orleans and the National Conference on Volunteering and Service, in partnership with the Points of Light Foundation and HandsOn New Orleans. With the help of an enthusiastic group of volunteers, RTNO and HandsOn built play structures at Sam Bonart Park in the Lower Ninth Ward and Evans Park in the Freret neighborhood. To beautify the parks, volunteers also planted trees and built tables, benches, and shade arbors. Mayor Mitchell Landrieu, Neil Bush, and John Gomperts, the AmeriCorps Director, kicked-off the day of service.

Thank You Playground Sponsors!NeighborWorks America • Rebuilding Together National Office • Entergy • 2013 Super Bowl Host Committee • City of New Orleans • National Conference on Volunteering and Service • Points of Light Foundation • HandsOn New Orleans HandsOn New Orleans Service • Points of Light Foundation • HandsOn New Orleans HandsOn New Orleans

Visit the Preservation Resource Center Salvage Store2801 Marais St., New Orleans ● 504-947-0038

Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Deconstruction and Salvage Program is dedicated to reducing construction and demolition waste from entering landfills by dismantling and salvaging reusable materials from blighted properties. With the largest amount of blighted and abandoned houses in the country, New Orleans is in a unique position to address the topics of historic preservation, community revitalization, and environmental responsibility. Through deconstruction, a sustainable alternative to traditional demolition, RTNO’s Deconstruction and Salvage Program reuses building materials, reduces landfill waste, offsets gas emissions, and preserves historic architectural elements.

Many of these salvaged materials are returned to the community through the Preservation Salvage Store where they are converted into charitable dollars. Since the store’s recent renovation and expansion, sales have increased by 30%, from $178,439 in 2010 to $234,290 in 2011.

This spring, the program also partnered with Traci Claussen, founder and creator of REpurposingNOLA Piece by Peace, in order to host a series of four community workshops. Workshop participants produced serving trays made from salvaged floor boards or constructed picture frames from salvaged wood.

Reusing and recreating the materials gathered by the Deconstruction and Salvage Program represents the city-wide desire to rebuild and preserve the uniqueness of New Orleans’ architecture. As an integral component of the city’s rebuilding efforts, RTNO’s Deconstruction and Salvage Program will continue to be a resource to the community and local government, advocating for the reduction of urban blight and the salvage of valuable architectural materials.

After you finish reading this Annual Report, recycle it at the PRC Salvage Store and receive a 10% discount on your same-day purchase!

In 2011, RTNO’s Deconstruction and Salvage Program saw a number of plans implemented. Partnering with the Louisiana Land Trust, the City of New Orleans, and local demolition contractors, the program successfully completed 69 selective salvage projects and one full deconstruction project. These efforts saved over 365 cubic yards of materials from the landfill.

emissions, and preserves historic architectural elements.

Many of these salvaged materials are returned to the community through the

In 2011, RTNO’s Deconstruction and Salvage Program saw a number of plans implemented. Partnering with the Louisiana Land Trust, the City of New Orleans, and local demolition contractors, the program successfully completed 69 selective salvage projects and one full deconstruction project. These efforts saved over 365 cubic yards of materials from the landfill.

Deconstruction and Salvage Program

RTNO is one of the seven major programs of the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans (PRC). Since 1974, the PRC has been working to revitalize the historic neighborhoods of New Orleans.

Advocacy: Actively participates at the local, state, and national level to promote or prevent legislation and proposals that affect the preservation of historic architecture and neighborhoods.

Education and Outreach: Provides educational experiences through presentations, community workshops, membership enrichment tours, and museum tours to school groups.

Ethnic Heritage Program: Maintains a comprehensive database of sites important in local jazz history and installs commemorative plaques on the former homes of early jazz greats.

Rebuilding Together is the nation’s leading non-profit working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities. With a network of more than 200 affiliates across the country, the organization provides free rehabilitation and critical repairs to the homes of low-income Americans.

In the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Rebuilding Together pledged to rebuild 1,000 homes in the Gulf from the coast of Mississippi to southeast Texas. By working closely with the three major Gulf affiliates - RTNO, RT Acadiana, and RT Calcasieu - Rebuilding Together has made great strides in this goal: FY 2011 concluded with the completion of 908 homes and the 1000th house will be completed in November 2011.

Operation Comeback: Promotes the purchase, renovation and sale of vacant historic properties, often turning blighted properties into family homes.

Preservation Easement Program: Makes it possible for owners of historic buildings in Louisiana to gain a tax advantage by donating the property façade to the PRC.

Preservation in Print: Features articles, interviews and timely information about New Orleans’ and Louisiana’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Partner Programs

AmeriCorps Service MembersAmeriCorps Service MembersDuring 2011, RTNO recruited and coordinated 43 full-time AmeriCorps service members and one Avodah Jewish Service Corps member; in addition, 80 members from the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) joined the field operations for six weeks at a time and 15 Summer Associates assisted RTNO from July through August.

Trinity Christian Community (TCC), Rebuilding Together National Office, and the Louisiana Delta Service Corps granted RTNO 33 AmeriCorps Direct service members who worked in the field operations. These AmeriCorps service members restored homes, supervised volunteers as House Captains, and deconstructed blighted houses as members of the Deconstruction and Savage Program.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) granted RTNO ten VISTA service members who built capacity for RTNO’s rebuilding, deconstruction, and salvage programs. These members managed special projects, public relations, community outreach, volunteer coordination, and resource development activities.

For the fourth year in a row, RTNO was granted an AVODAH Jewish Service Corps member to work in the Intake Department, directly serving New Orleans’ low-income residents.

AmeriCorpsDirects:Beth BlochJohn BowmanKenley BreckenridgeCory BriscoeLauren ButnerJulie CampbellElizabeth FloodSarah FranklinAlexis GarsonAnna GlasgowBen Gurley

Tyler HavensMichael HicksNora HicksonLesley HollonEmily KlotzMike MarzelliThomas MatteraDevin McLoughlinNicolas MendlerOrlando MonegasStephen RymanDiana SearlRyan ShanerJamie Simpson

Gabe SnellerJosh VisnawRandie Welles

Deconstruction:Maggie CloosEzeikel ComptonDaniel GrossbergPeter HermannLan Huynh

AVODAH:Ross Peizer

AmeriCorpsVISTAs:Marissa AllweissSasha BurgenerKate CutrerAmanda GrossShannon Jones Krystal LadueErin McBurneyMichelle D'OnofrioJeremy PolacekEileen Tomczuk

Thank You Service Members!

This material is based upon work supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service under AmeriCorps Grant No. 10VSWLA004. Opinions or points of view expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of, or a position that is endorsed by, the Corporation or the AmeriCorps program.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) granted RTNO ten VISTA service members who built capacity for RTNO’s rebuilding, deconstruction, and salvage programs. These members managed special projects, public relations, community outreach, volunteer coordination, and resource development activities.

For the fourth year in a row, RTNO was granted an AVODAH Jewish Service Corps member to work in the Intake Department, directly serving New

Thank You Service Members!

Trinity Christian Community (TCC), Rebuilding Together National Office, and the Louisiana Delta Service Corps granted RTNO 33 AmeriCorps Direct service members who worked in the field operations. These AmeriCorps service members restored homes, supervised volunteers as House Captains, and deconstructed blighted houses as members of the Deconstruction and Savage members of the Deconstruction and Savage

Sponsors and Supporters Fiscal Year 2011

Greek Revival: $1,000,000 and UpCity of New Orleans – Community Development Block Grant

Louisiana Housing Finance Agency – Non-Profit Rebuilding Pilot ProgramState of Louisiana – Office of Community Development – Disaster Recovery Unit-

Non-Profit Rebuilding Pilot Program

Creole Townhouse: $100,000 - $999,999Hershey's

NeighborWorks AmericaNew Orleans Redevelopment Authority - Neighborhood Stabilization Program II

Rebuilding Together National Office

Camelback: $50,000 - $99,999Entergy New Orleans

HandsOn New OrleansUnited Way of Southeast Louisiana

Creole Cottage: $20,000 - $49,999Bradco

ChevronThe J.M. Smucker Company/Folgers Coffee Company

New Orleans Neighborhood Development CollaborativeOrder of Malta Hurricane Relief Fund

Double Shotgun: $10,000 - $19,999Camp Dresser & McKee

Fannie MaeMr. Peter S. Gentles

Greater New Orleans FoundationInterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA

Junior League of New OrleansMercyCorps

Sears Heroes at Home ProgramZeitoun Foundation

Bungalow: $1,000 - $9,999Ms. Iris Brooks

Capital OneThe Craig B. Tate Foundation

Goldman, Sachs & Co.Home Depot

Jewish Funds for JusticeLaFarge Corporation

Lowe’sNorthrop Grumman Ship Systems

State FarmTASC Veteran’s Project

TimberlandThe Timothy D. Letter Memorial Foundation