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We’ve been thinking about New Orleans lately as the Super Bowl will take place in the Superdome this weekend. On the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we had the privilege of working with Sears and the nonprofit Rebuilding Together to help restore homes for residents in need. That project was a meaningful way to support the city’s ongoing recovery.
Below are photos from our visit to New Orleans, featuring many dedicated volunteers, including HGTV personalities Carter Oosterhouse and Chris Grundy. Their participation helped bring attention, resources, and goodwill to the restoration efforts.
Rebuilding homes after a disaster is about more than repairing walls and roofs. It’s about restoring stability, safety, and dignity for families who endured devastating loss. Volunteer teams handled tasks ranging from structural repairs and weatherproofing to painting and accessibility improvements, ensuring that each completed home would be safer and more comfortable for its occupants.
Large-scale recovery requires ongoing commitment from corporations, nonprofits, and individuals. Partnerships like the one between Sears and Rebuilding Together show how coordinated efforts can multiply impact—combining funding, skilled labor, donated materials, and hundreds of volunteers to complete projects more efficiently and effectively than any single group could alone.
Community-driven rebuilding also supports local economies. Hiring local contractors, sourcing some materials regionally, and involving neighborhood residents in planning and upkeep helps keep resources within the affected area while fostering long-term resilience.
Volunteering in disaster recovery can take many forms: short-term repair days, multi-day build events, fundraising, or offering pro bono professional services. Whatever the contribution, volunteers play a critical role in accelerating recoveries and rebuilding hope for families still coping with the aftermath of a catastrophe.
We’re grateful for everyone who contributed time, skills, and generosity to that project, and we continue to support efforts that help New Orleans and other communities recover and rebuild. The photos here capture moments of teamwork, progress, and the spirit of volunteerism that drives meaningful change.