New Orleans, LA
February 2010
Community Cornerstone
Hurricane Katrina damaged Andrew H. Wilson Charter School in the community of Broadmoor. FEMA obligated $28 million to help the school and the neighborhood rebuild.
There was a lot of water damage in Broadmoor, anywhere from 5, 6, 9, 10 feet of water in different places. And, of course, part of the problem was that the water stood for so long.
2400 properties in the community were underwater, along with our public school, along with our public library, our churches, fire stations, all civic infrastructure. So, the community was totally devastated and impacted by the floodwater.
What happened with the renovation is the original building was on the historic register so it���s been renovated. And then there have been 2 new additions. We���re standing in one of the new wings, which on this ground floor is reception area and different administrative offices
We���re a LEAD designated school, which is leadership in energy and environmental design.
We have that huge cistern that you spoke of on the courtyard. That collects rainwater and that���s our watering filtration system. So, we���re not pulling extra water in order to do that.
We have bamboo floors on the second and third floor, because that���s easily replenishable.
Well, you know, I have to say, I love FEMA.
None of this would have been possible of course without the FEMA money, and so that���s made a big difference in getting these buildings rebuilt and started.
It���s been a wonderful, wonderful thing for the children and the staff and the community, because we are big part of our Broadmoor community. This is a neighborhood school.
And this school is a community school. We will not only serve children during the day, but in the evening we will serve residents and we will serve parents, and families, to really stick to the motto of being better than before.
Broadmoor lives for generations to come and this renovated school, expanded school is going to serve families and children in this community forever.
For more information visit www.FEMA.gov.