Following the devastation in the Gulf Coast region caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Hornets made a critical decision to assist their community in the recovery efforts in the New Orleans metropolitan area. It became apparent that providing housing and rebuilding homes would be the most significant issues. The Hornets established the Hoops for Homes Program to address the housing crisis.

Through the Hoops for Homes Program, the Hornets initially committed to fund the construction of 20 new homes. To date, 15 families have been the beneficiaries of these efforts. The remaining homes are scheduled to be completed by 2010.

In an effort to expand the scope of the Hoops for Homes Program, the Hornets have partnered with the Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans, Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, NeighborWorks America and The Salvation Army. The focus of this phase of the program, Hoops for Homes Teachers’ Initiative, is to provide “stop gap” funding to teachers residing in the metropolitan New Orleans area, that lack adequate funds to complete repairs on their homes. Through the Hoops for Partners, $1,250,000 in grants, materials, and home repair services will be available to qualifying teachers.

Salvation Army of New Orleans will implement and execute the Hoops for Homes Teachers Initiative including identifying qualified teachers as well as providing support services that will enable teachers to complete repairs and get back into their homes to bring stability to their lives. The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Fund and NeighborWorks America have provided funding and technical assistance for the Hoops for Homes Initiative.

For more information regarding the Hornets Hoops for Homes Teachers Initiative, please visit Salvation Army of New Orleans at: 4526 S Claiborne Ave. New Orleans, LA 70125.