Lessons from Inner City Apply to New Orleans Rebuild

The news was hard to fathom: More than 2 million people were displaced by Hurricane Katrina in September, a heartbreak that continues to unfold in the lives of all who were affected.

But responding to tragedy is what the community of faith has always done, and people of God continue to walk, serve and pray with those in need.

The Rev. Dr. Robert V. Lee, founder and CEO of FreshMinistries, recently walked the streets of New Orleans with The Rev. Dr. James H. Cooper, rector of Trinity Wall Street, and his staff. What they saw was overwhelming.

“The majority of the churches had been under water. There was devastating damage from water, wind and – now – mold. Almost all the congregants have left and the ministries that care for the poor are struggling to meet the needs of those left behind,” said Dr. Lee.

Drs. Lee and Cooper are working to help the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana rebuild using initiatives that have worked in Jacksonville – education, economic development and housing.

“The churches are the most able and most likely to help those in need. They also are close to the needs of people, and we need to help them respond,” he said.

Hosted by the Bishop Charles Jenkins of the Diocese of Louisiana, Dr. Lee has invited a contingent from New Orleans to come to Jacksonville and explore solutions.

“Keep in mind, that kind of devastation can come with any kind of catastrophe, natural or otherwise. We are determined to share with them how to create partnerships that will facilitate the rebuilding of that city in such a way that no one is left behind,” said Dr. Lee.

FreshMinistries has cared for hundreds of individuals displaced by the storm, sheltering, feeding and clothing them in Jacksonville until they could get back on their feet.

Funds to help the rebuilding effort are needed and can be sent to FreshMinistries or Trinity Wall Street.

Watch Trinity Church Wall Street video-Voices From New Orleans

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