Who We Are

Youth Rebuilding New Orleans is a non-profit organization that was organized by youth, for youth, following Hurricane Katrina. Many young people who wanted to volunteer to help rebuild their city were turned away by other non-profits because of the liability associated with reconstruction work. Instead of accepting this rejection, a committed group of teenagers decided they would find a way to help the New Orleans community recover. We execute this mission through a program called Project HOMEwork.

The Project

Project HOMEwork (Housing Opportunities for Metro Educators) is a unique initiative that combines volunteer and skills training opportunities for youth with homeownership opportunities for area teacher. YRNO purchases distressed or foreclosed homes at a reduced investment. Youth volunteers provide the manpower to rehabilitate the homes, while learning valuable construction skills and financial lessons on the job site as well as in the classroom. YRNO uses licensed subcontractors to perform skilled labor as needed.

Teachers are able to purchase homes far below market rate, and YRNO reinvests revenue from each home sold into purchasing the next property to be redeveloped. To date, we have sold three homes to eligible teachers since launching the project in the fall of 2010 with a shoestring budget. Additionally, we currently own three other properties that are in various stages of rebuilding.

Moving teachers into formerly-dilapidated homes stabilizes transitional neighborhoods and increases area property values. Volunteers learn construction skills and financial literacy. Both teachers and students become more invested in our community.