Painting porches, building a labyrinth and renovating boarded up homes is how five Linfield College students spent a week in New Orleans, La., in August.
The students were accompanied by three Linfield staff and worked with another 250 volunteers from around the country, helping to restore the Ninth Ward of New Orleans still rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
This is the fifth year that Linfield has sent representatives to help during Ecumenical Work Week sponsored by the American Baptist Churches Home Mission Society. Volunteers completed 53 different projects with the Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development, a grassroots organization devoted to restoring New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward. Volunteers painted, cleaned out old buildings, installed cabinetry, tiled floors and completed other related tasks. The students worked on four different projects on four properties, including renovating front porches in some of the homes.
“The porch is a major social symbol in the south,” said David Massey, Linfield chaplain and one of the project coordinators. “Everybody hangs out on their front porch. It’s the place that invites community gathering and conversation. It’s a big deal in that sense.”
The week-long effort combines educational experiences with hands-on work helping with the rebuilding efforts. Volunteers have the opportunity to meet and talk with local residents, learning about their struggles first-hand. They also visit exhibits about Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, as well as learn about the environment and ecology of the delta and local area.
Those participating were Massey; Dan Fergueson, director of college activities and Greek life; Joni Tonn, director of community engagement and service; Abigail Bravo ‘16, Lizabeth Bravo ’17, Jenny Gorman ’16, Nathalie Garnas ‘ 17 and Nicole Kachel ’16.
Learn more about community service and the Chaplain’s Team at Linfield College.
