One Brick changing lives

I’ve been involved with One Brick for quite some time and finally had the opportunity to travel to New Orleans with the organization. I had zero expectations going into the trip. I hadn’t been to New Orleans in well over a decade, many years before Katrina stuck the city. I have been talking about the great work that One Brick does in NOLA for years, but hadn’t experienced it.

              In short, the trip exceeded my expectations and more.  I didn’t know it when I got on the plane from Philadelphia, but in just a short week, my life was going to be changed.

              I brought electronics to occupy my time and expected to spend many nights working. I found myself out with my new friends at night, exploring the amazing city that is New Orleans. I enjoyed my time with them and intend to keep in touch with the handful of close friends I made that are scattered across the country. My only experience with One Brick had been local in Philadelphia and it was incredible to see that there are those in other areas of the country that are just as altruistic as in my hometown.

              The best part of the trip? The work we did! My group spent five days working on the finishing touches of one of St. Bernard’s houses. Led by Americorps volunteers, myself and nine other One Brickers divided and conquered. We worked hard, played hard, and in the end, did some incredible things for the St. Bernard Project. Without One Brick and other volunteers’ assistance, the St. Bernard Project simply wouldn’t exist in the capacity that it does.

              The largest moment that put everything into perspective for me, however, was a welcome party we had for a woman name Chiquita and her 9-year-old son. When she fled New Orleans, her son was still in her belly and now, he’s a very spry 9 year old, running around his new yard, bouncing a ball with the Americorps volunteers. We had been doing the work all week, but it was that welcome home party that really pieced everything together for me. We’re changing lives. Chiquita stood in from of the volunteers and staff and thanked the St. Bernard Project. Tears running down her cheeks, she explained that she had come from sharing a bed with her son to now – possessing a room to herself. Her son also had his own room that he proudly showed off.

              If you’re wondering why One Brick has gone back to New Orleans twice a year since 2007, this is why. We’re changing lives. And in this case, I not only had a hand in changing others’ lives, I changed my own.

Tiffany