After the Storm: Rebuilding the Gulf Together

Ten years ago, the Gulf region of the U.S. experienced one of the worst natural disasters in history. Hurricane Katrina was one of the costliest and deadliest hurricanes in the nation.

As we reflect on this tragedy a decade behind us, we are inspired by the strength and resiliency of this region, and its ability to rebuild and overcome such a devastating obstacle. We—among the countless other organizations and individuals—had the opportunity to stand behind our friends in the Gulf by contributing to the American Red Cross to help with immediate relief efforts, as well as by matching our employees’ generous personal contributions to the relief effort.

As a member of the building industry, we understand the value of resources for rebuilding. After the initial shock and most pressing needs were addressed, we had the chance to provide much needed building products to aid rebuilding efforts across Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. The donated supplies (which included OSB sub-flooring, wall and roof sheathing) were used to construct the core structure of more than 500 affordable homes in the Gulf region as part of Habitat for Humanity's Operation Home Delivery.

In New Orleans, just one of the cities affected by the devastation, the city’s iconic music community was hit hard. In July 2006, LP executives and employees gathered with Southern governors to construct a new home within Habitat’s Musicians’ Village, an 81-home community for displaced musicians.

Although Katrina took more than anyone could ever replace, it has been encouraging to witness our friends in the Gulf come together with strength and dignity, and it has been our honor to have been a small part of the ongoing rebuilding story.

 

For more information on LP’s efforts with hurricane relief, visit http://bit.ly/1WWUf3D