Mrs. Barbara Hansell spoke before a packed house on August 28, 2010, 1 day before the 5 year Katrina Anniversary. Her home was one of the 50 homes being fixed through Rebuilding Together’s “Heroes at Home” program for the Fifty for Five, sponsored by Sears/K-Mart. Through many hardships and the recent loss of her Vietnam Veteran husband, she inspired all of us with her faith and strength, as well as her love for New Orleans. She lived in her Gentilly home happily for 10 years, before it took in eight feet of water. Not only did her husband serve, but her 2 sons and daughter-in-law, currently serve in the Navy. She has since been displaced to Atalanta and is anxious to come home. Mrs. Hansell will be home in her house in New Orleans very soon with the help of people, organizations and companies who care.

I am writing this to you on the 5th Anniversary of Katrina. Having spent the past 3 days in New Orleans with Rebuilding Together, I am truly humbled by the likes of Mrs. Hansell at all the other recipients of assistance. This program gives hard working people who fell on hard times, a “leg up” not a “hand out.” New Orleans will be proud to have Mrs. Hansell back home and will welcome her with open arms (me included)!

c/p at Hooah Wife and Friends