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 Happy Anniversary Beacon of Hope Resource Center!
2/14/06 - 2/14/10
Four Years of Leading the Way Home!
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Beacon News
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February 2010
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Dear Friend of the Beacon of Hope Resource Center ,
 On February 14, 2006, Denise and
Doug Thornton opened the Beacon of Hope Resource Center in their gutted home as a valentine to their displaced neighbors. This gift was a guiding light that led the way home for
many and the "love thy neighbor" mantra was contagious. With a growing number of visiting volunteers they swept away the physical reminders of the destruction
caused by Hurricane Katrina. An event that had captured world-wide
attention was suddenly very real to many families as they returned home to
assess their damage. The emotional loss of community was profound, but
the refuge they sought at the Beacon of Hope gave inspiration and hope to all.
This home naturally evolved into the
heartbeat of the neighborhood. These pioneers
worked side by  side to restore the connective tissue that once bound them
together as a community. Lakewood was making a rebound and other
neighborhoods noticed that something very special was taking place. It
was no big secret just a simple philosophy that a small group of dedicated
citizens could change the world; indeed it was the only thing that ever
would. Today there are 22 Beacon of Hope Resource Centers in Orleans
Parish and serves as a model for community activism and resident driven
neighborhood revitalization.
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Together, we
have hosted over 28,000 visiting volunteers who have helped 1,700 residents
with small construction projects. Under our direct supervision, volunteers have
cleared lots, gutted homes, restored 8
playgrounds, and replanted over 25 miles of public green space to make
neighborhoods more appealing to residents
and businesses.
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Our Harrison Avenue Market is attended by over
3,000 each month. This Market is estimated to have a $1.8 million
economic impact annually and has been used as a model in Gentilly, New Orleans
East and the Lower 9th Ward.
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Beacon of Hope has trained over 750 resident
volunteers who serve on neighborhood teams that collect data, which is then
used to track recovery, address infrastructure problems and influence recovery
policies.
 This past year we have made major strides in the recovery of
neighborhoods affected by Hurricane Katrina.
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We offer GIS Mapping by
surveying property in the
neighborhoods we serve - residents have been trained to collect date and use these maps to leverage resources to
address the issues and needs of their
community. Beacon of Hope's maps helped match buyers to over 200 NORA
properties, assisting in the effort to eliminate
blight and repopulate neighborhoods.
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We have been working with the Louisiana Recovery
Authority (LRA), to survey properties of Option 1 recipients who are in
imminent breach of their covenants, and advocate for compassionate policies
that move these recipients into compliance.
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We partnered with Christian Reformed World
Relief Committee to do needs assessment surveys in Gentilly resulting in over 200 requests for assistance.
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Beacon of Hope Resource Center partnered with
the Lakeview Civic Improvement Association
to abate 108 blighted properties. Using our team based method of
conducting property condition surveys and building a list of addresses for Code
Enforcement to focus their efforts, the Lakeview Blight team has had an amazing
amount of success.
As we enter our fifth year of assisting neighborhoods in
their recovery, we ask that you consider making a donation, to celebrate our
anniversary and support our ongoing efforts.
Click here to donate.
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Mark your calendars, Harrison Avenue Market Place is Back!
 The first market of the
Spring season is Wednesday, March 10th with permanently expanded
hours from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The
market's theme is "Lakeview Goes Green".
The band is "The Creole String Beans".
Also
pencil in these Spring dates: April 14th, and May 12th from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the parking lot of
the new Lakeview Grocery at 801 Harrison Avenue. The
April 14th market will feature the performance of "Omega 3". Their rhythms are complimented by the
market's theme of "All That Jazz". And
the May 12th market will emphasize cool foods, cool beverages, cool
arts, and cool kids as we "Beat the Heat" during the Spring recital for the
Progressive Guitar Studio. |
On February 7th, 2010 a small group from the Beacon of Hope participated in the Krew of Barkus Parade. Canine companions Huey, Racer, Rex, and Hazel, dressed up and paraded through the French Quarter with their humans. Queen Hazel was the highlight of the royal court of the "Barkon of Hope," and was towed in her luxurious wagon. Fun was had by all, human and canine alike.
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Lakeview Shepherd Center Host Weekly Senior Luncheon
If you are a Senior or know of a Senior in the Lakeveiw or Gentilly area that likes to
socialize, check out the Seniors Luncheon held every 2nd Friday of
the month at the Shephard Center located at 5914 Canal Street in Lakeview from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
These luncheons host many activities like live music, informational
speakers and DANCING! Lunch is served to Seniors for only $5.00 a plate. For more information on the Seniors  luncheons, call 504-484-0885.
*IF you or your organization would like to provide music or
entertainment for these Seniors please call Jessica at 504-484-0885. |
Project Home Again Helps New Orleanians Come Home
 Project Home Again has created a unique program in which families who
are saddled with damaged homes that they are unable to repair may exchange
their old house for a new home. These homes are high quality and have lots of
eye appeal. See photo gallery here http://www.projecthomeagain.net/finished.html
Project Home Again has already completed more than 40 homes in Gentilly,
and is continuing to build additional homes in the thriving St. Anthony
neighborhood. Their attractive, craftsman-style homes range in size from 2
bedrooms and one bathroom to 3 bedrooms and two bathrooms. If you are someone
you know is interested in this program, please go to the Project Home Again
website by clicking here. http://www.projecthomeagain.net/ |
The Benefits of volunteering with the Beacon
of Hope:
 Thank you for setting up our volunteer project this morning. My daughter
and I were so glad to have been able to help the work that Beacon of Hope has
been doing to rebuild the community in Gentilly. We were talking about it this
evening and we both were moved by the experience we had this morning.
...Frances and I worked hard and completed the task [that was] set for us which
gave us tremendous satisfaction..... In the not too distant future, I
hope we can return and spend more time helping out.
Sincerely and with great appreciation and thanks,
Joan F.
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 My two teen-age boys, my
husband and I worked with The Beacon of Hope during the day and explored New
Orleans in our free time. Our experience with your group can be summed up by
paraphrasing a popular commercial:
Teaching by example...great! Sharing time as a family...very
special! Working together as a family to make a difference ...Priceless!
As a parent of a 12 year old and a 16 year old, I have tried to instill
in them a sense of community. ....Instead of just telling my children
that they should 'do something!' We four worked side by side.
Thus allowing us all to participate and affording us an opportunity
to help.....It was an experience that none of us will soon forget.
All My love and best wishes,
Jodi P.
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 The Beacon of Hope is the only recovery
agency in New Orleans that does not have an age limit.
We provide meaningful
service projects that the whole family can participate in. Share a
lesson with your family, volunteer with the Beacon of Hope Resource
Center. Click here
for more information
on volunteering with the Beacon of Hope.
To read an article detailing the type of work our volunteers do, click here.
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Kehe Foods Volunteers
 80 employees from Kehe Foods, a food distribution company based out of Romeoville, IL volunteered with Beacon of Hope in Gentilly on January 27, 2010. They assisted homeowners by sanding, scraping and painting exterior walls of homes. Others assisted by helping to restore a barn where the Jefferson Parish Sheriff Department houses their horses for their mounted patrols.
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Lakeview Christian Center Offers a Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday February 27th, 2010
On Saturday February 27th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,- the Lakeview Christian Center will host a Heath and Wellness Fair. Free healthcare and medical attention will be offered. Seminars covering various topics, including Alzeimer's, Diabetes, and Skin Cancer will be provided free of charge. A blood drive will also be held, with participants receiving free Black and Gold t-shirts. For more information, click here.
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Dillard to Hold Free Tax Prep for those Making Under $58,000.00
Dillard University will be offering free tax preparation with assistance from IRS trained tax
professionals February 22-26, from 10:00 A.M to 6:00 P.M. This resource located at the Howard
House, 2601
Gentilly Blvd., is targeting 1st time filers but is
also available for individuals/families that may not be eligible for assistance
at the local VITA Sites. Trained
professionals will be present to answer all questions and provide technical
assistance. Eligible individuals have to earn less than $58,000 per year compared
to the less than $48,000 for the local VITA Sites.
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Beacon of Hope Asks for Prayer.
Linda has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a successful
surgery on February 1, 2010 and has had no further complications.
The Beacon of Hope asks for you to include her in your thoughts and prayers as
she recovers.
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Starbucks Volunteers
89 Starbucks' managers from the South Food Zone, volunteered with the
Beacon of Hope on January 26, 2010. They removed damaged drywall
from inside James Allmon's house, painted the outside of Beverly Jimenez's
house, and scraped and sanded the exterior
of Tim Chauvin's house. They also
planted trees in residents' yards in Gentilly Terrace and Gardens with one of
our partners, Hike for Katrina. All combined these volunteers
contributed over $7,200.00 worth of services to the neighborhoods of Gentilly. |
Beacon of Hope Resource Center is Supported by:
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United Way Pledge code 3672
United Way CFC Code 15984
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Beacon of Hope Resource Center's Upcoming Events
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Dillard University
CDC
/ Division of Business Free Federal Tax Prep.
February
22-26, 2010
10:00 A.M.- 6:00 P.M. (Daily)
Howard
House
2601
Gentilly Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70122
Lakeview Christian Center Health and Wellness Fair
February 27, 2010
10:00 A.M.- 3:00 P.M.
5885 Fleur de Lis Dr.
New Orleans, LA 70124
Harrison Avenue Marketplace
March 10, 2010
4:30 P.M - 8:30 P.M.
801 Harrison Ave
New Orleans, LA 70124
Shephard Center Senior Luncheon
March 12, 2010
11:30 A.M - 1:30 P.M.
5914 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70124
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Speakers Bureau offers training on civically engaging your neighborhood
The Speakers Bureau offers New Orleans residents an opportunity to begin a dialogue with
local and regional experts on a variety of issues critical to informed civic
engagement. The Speaker Bureau is part of the
Capacity College - an educational program from Beacon of Hope's partner Neighborhood
Partnership Network, designed to develop neighborhood group capacities and
encourage inter-neighborhood collaboration.
The following training sessions will be provided in March:
Leading Neighborhood Food Projects
Good Neighbor Agreements - Collaborating with Developers
Basics of Planning and Zoning - Led by City Planning
Commission
Creating a Wellness Committee - The McFarland Institute
If interested please contact Gill Benedek, Community
Programs Manager at NPN by calling 504-940-2207. |
| Contact Information |
Beacon of Hope Resource Center
145 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Suite 200, New Orleans, LA 70124
504-309-5120
www.lakewoodbeacon.org |
Beacon of Hope Resource Center Mission:
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Leading the way home, Beacon of Hope Resource Center provides
a model for recovery in neighborhoods devastated by Hurricane Katrina, as well
as other areas affected by disaster. Providing information
and resources, encouraging
civic action, and fostering repopulation form the foundation on which
we build and grow. Beacon of Hope empowers residents to
facilitate their own recovery while providing a hub of resident driven
activities and a safe environment to create the synergy essential for
restoring
viable neighborhoods and improve the overall quality of life for
residents. |
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