By Karen Morsch

Diane Quick, Executive Director, and Karen Morsch, Mtg. Services Mngr. of Habitat for Humanity St. Aug/St. Johns County, went on a mission trip with the Southern Ocean County Habitat office to help the Bayou Area Habitat, located in the Houma area of Louisiana, in their building effort at the Bon Jovi Blvd. neighborhood called Angel Place.

All of the current residents are families who were totally devastated by hurricane Katrina and/or Rita. Most have relocated to this area which is about an hour west of New Orleans. This neighborhood was begun by the Bayou Area Habitat with the generosity of the Band, Bon Jovi and Oprah's Angel Network. Sprint added a beautiful playground and common area. The neighborhood is now being completed by sponsors and volunteers who come from all over the world.

"When Diane told us about the opportunity, I knew immediately I had to go. I wanted to meet the people who had been through these devastating hurricanes and hear their personal stories. Many years ago my family and I lost everything we owned in a house fire. Although it was heartbreaking, unlike these families, we did not suffer the trauma of loss of life and/or being separated from each other in shelters in other states".

The Bayou Area Habitat is providing homes for people from places like New Orleans, Plaquemines Parish and their own residents all who suffered total loss. Plaquemines Parish which was home to many small fishing villages southeast of New Orleans was for the most part totally wiped out. Due to new strict building codes, most cannot rebuild their homes on the property they own. Having nothing to return to, the Bayou Area Habitat and all who partner with them is giving hope to the new residents. Also, through the Bayou Area Habitat the children and teens that are having emotional problems from the fear, loss, and relocation they've experienced are being given professional support through art therapy.

"We built side by side with selected 'homeowners to be'". Habitat builds in partnership with the applicant. They must have a dire need for housing and have the ability to repay a zero interest mortgage loan and put in 400 plus hours of sweat equity. "All of the prospective homeowners were so thankful and expressed how having people come from all over to help them gave them renewed faith in humanity". "Some of the applicants were living in shelters in Texas for almost two years before getting back to Louisiana."

A highlight of the week was when a couple from the New Jersey affiliate arrived, after having driven 24 hours, with a truckload of furniture and household goods. This was all distributed to the homeowners in a lively and fun setting. This was especially nice since the first group of residents' houses came furnished by Oprah's Angel Network; the truck was a welcome sight to the many new residents that moved into their home with nothing. It was heartwarming to see the joy on their faces and how they all supported each other. You would hear them say "save that couch for so-in-so, you know she really needs one". "Everyone is so proud of their homes and take such good care of them. It's evident in the care of their yards and flower beds."

A few of us visited the school were one of the resident children attends first grade. We brought cupcakes, crayons and coloring books with us. "The teachers and the children were so excited to know that they were being thought about by others and promised to send some of their 'master pieces' to us".

"I've been bitten by the bug; I can't wait until my next mission trip!" "Getting outside my comfort zone was a challenge but the personal growth and the connection to the people I met was the far greater reward." "Everyone should do this at least once in their life!"

In May of 2008, there will be a Jimmy Carter build in the neighborhood. The St. Aug/St. Johns County Habitat is lending support and advice to the Bayou Habitat as this will be their first 'Blitz Build'. St. Aug/St. Johns County Habitat is also planning to return then to be on the build site hammering nails, painting or whatever needs to be done.

If you are interested in being part of this event, would like to help sponsor our mission trips or help make a difference here in your own community, please call the office 904-826-3252 and ask for Diane Quick or email her at dquickhabitat@bellsouth.net. Visit our webpage to see a slide show of the pictures we took of that area and the New Orleans area; www.habitatstjohns.org.