[StBernard] 'Hope' Still Strong for Volunteers Despite Camp Closure

Westley Annis westley at da-parish.com
Thu May 28 22:09:01 EDT 2009


'Hope' Still Strong for Volunteers Despite Camp Closure
Facility That Housed Local Volunteers Makes Way For New School

POSTED: 11:28 am CDT May 28, 2009
UPDATED: 1:31 pm CDT May 28, 2009


CHALMETTE, La. -- Local leaders and volunteer workers gathered to celebrate
the achievement of those who have stayed at "Camp Hope," which was created
to provide safe and affordable housing for visitors who came to the New
Orleans area to participate in hurricane recovery projects.

The facility was based on the site of a school badly damaged by the storm.

"St. Bernard Parish has been key to the success of New Orleans Area Habitat
for Humanity in the rebuilding process," said Jim Pate, Executive Director
of that organization. "Housing volunteers was a challenge in the
post-Katrina era and the St. Bernard Parish Council and the school board's
partnership allowed us to economically house thousand of volunteers who have
given their time to rebuild the region and work within the St. Bernard
community."

Officials estimate that those who have stayed at Camp Hope have helped gut
more than 2,000 properties and construct 52 new homes.

"Without Camp Hope, we would not have accomplished so much post-Katrina,"
Pate said. "Our staff's dedication to welcoming volunteers and providing for
them has created a true sense of community amongst the volunteers which span
the globe."

The camp is being closed to allow the St. Bernard Parish School Board to
move forward with construction of a new PGT Beauregard Middle School on the
site.



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