Hornets Dedicate Homes with New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity
Three families received keys to their new homes

On Wednesday, July 23, the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH) dedicated three homes that were sponsored and supported by the New Orleans Hornets through our Hoops for Homes and the NBA Cares programs.

The families of Chad Brown, Cynthia Dabney and Lucretia Taylor received the keys to their homes at the dedication ceremonies on the 4700 block of Wilson Ave. in New Orleans East. Representatives of NOAHH, Hornets forward Julian Wright and Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis presented the partner families with tools, flowers, bread, wine and a Bible for each as part of the ceremonies. As part of the program to own their homes, partner families have worked 350 sweat equity hours with NOAHH in lieu of a down payment.

Construction on the homes started earlier this year during the 2008 NBA All-Star Day of Service when All-Stars, NBA legends, NBA employees and various celebrities volunteered throughout the New Orleans community. These three are among the 14 homes sponsored by the Hornets throughout New Orleans East through their Hoops for Homes program.

The Hornets’ Hoops for Homes initiative started in response to the housing crisis in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The Hornets partnered with many local organizations in their efforts to help the community recover and renew itself, and through this program, they have sponsored many houses with NOAHH. So far, nine other families have received new homes through the generosity and dedication of the Hornets and the NBA.

NBA Cares is the NBA’s program dedicated to improving the lives of people in every area the NBA has a team and beyond. During the NBA All-Star Day of Service in February, 2,500 volunteers came to the city of New Orleans to work with various organizations throughout the city, including working with NOAHH on the three homes on Wilson Ave.