Tyson Chandler grabs rebounds on both ends of the court that have a big impact on the Hornets’ success. However, the implications off the court of Chandler’s boards this season might be even greater.

For each rebound he grabs in 2007-08, Chandler is donating $10 to Hoops for Homes, a program that is rebuilding the homes of teachers that were forced to relocate following the hurricane.

“I wanted to do something for the community,” Chandler said. “I really decided to do it when, on our first trip back into the city, the security guards took us to some of the areas that were most severely devastated by Hurricane Katrina. I knew I wanted to something to help the people and I came up with the idea this year.”

In addition to a number of efforts from the Hornets to help citizens of New Orleans return to their lives before the storm, the organization made its most aggressive initiative in creating the Hoops for Homes program. Throughout Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, approximately 275,000 homes were destroyed, making it the most high-priority project in fueling the rebuilding of the Gulf South region.

When the project began, the Hornets made a commitment to build 20 new homes. As the mission has developed, 10 families have received a new home funded by the Hornets. Throughout the season, the organization will continue to build houses in order to reach their goal.

Although the Hornets are working to help families from all walks of life, targeting teachers as the beneficiaries became a priority due to the critical influence they have on the community’s future leaders.

“I wanted to help people get back to their everyday lifestyle before the storm,” Chandler said. “The biggest part of that was getting back into their homes. Around the areas that I live in, I’ve seen a lot of trailer homes and it’s just upsetting. I wanted to do everything I could to do my part in helping them get back into their houses.”

Not only are houses being rebuilt, but repairs are being made to teachers’ homes that were salvaged after Hurricane Katrina. The Hornets are working with the Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans (NHSNO), NeighborWorks and the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Fund (LDRF) in order to continue the progress that has already been made.

In addition to ranking in the top 10 in the NBA in rebounds per game, Chandler is among the best of the best on the offensive glass, ranking in the top three during the early portion of the season.

Now, when fans see Tyson Chandler grab rebound after rebound, there is something a little extra to cheer about.