Experts predict that spring will bring more severe weather and warmer temperatures. It's a time of year that usually brings anxiety to some of the residents in the St. Roch neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana. This year, some of that weather wariness has disappeared thanks to the efforts of Lowe's and Rebuilding Together New Orleans, who've taken on the task of repairing roofs and making energy efficient updates. Lowe's associates came together for Kickoff to Rebuild, a nationwide effort with Rebuilding Together focused on revitalizing communities in need. This year's event brought much-needed repairs to homes in St. Roch, ensuring that residents can live safely, comfortably and reduce their energy costs.
For some homeowners, the opportunity for assistance came unexpectedly. "It was strictly by chance," says Henry "Joe" Keys. "I was sitting on my porch when the pastor of the church asked if I had signed up. I didn't even know about it, but when I heard they were helping people, I said, 'Sign me up.'" Like many others in the area, this Joe had been living with significant roof damage for years.
The need for repairs extended beyond just roofing issues; some homeowners lacked basic necessities like hot water and heating—essentials for a safe and livable home. Lowe's community relations manager, Marcel Soloman, was on-site for the home rehabilitations, "In the heat and humidity of a New Orleans summer, window units just weren't enough to keep homes cool." That's why Lowe's and its vendors, MRCOOL and A.O. Smith, teamed up to donate the energy efficient products that are so critical for St. Roch residents Joe and his neighbor, Samantha Martin. Not only did the volunteers install the Energy Star A.O. Smith heat pump water heater and MRCOOL heat pumps in each home, but they also worked to install new insulation, windows and doors to make the new heating and cooling systems run more efficiently.
The support from Lowe's and Rebuilding Together NOLA provided a sense of relief, making homes more resilient against extreme weather. "I'm so thankful for my new roof. When that snowstorm hit, people called me to ask if I had any leaks. Not with this roof—I was good."
Beyond the repairs, the project reinforced a deep love for the city. "I just love my city," Joe said. "Born and raised here, and this is the place I feel most comfortable.
