In 2006, my friend, Terry Kirkwood of Duffy Real Estate, and I were part of the REALTOR team that worked on a Habitat for Humanity project in New Orleans during the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Annual Convention held a year after Katrina struck. So when NAR announced we’d be returning to New Orleans for their annual convention this fall we jumped at the chance to participate again.

We donned our jeans and t-shirts and joined about 100 other Realtors from around the Country to help rebuild in the parts of New Orleans that were hardest hit. Our volunteer day was largely spent in the Upper 9th Ward working on homes on Frenchmen Street. The homes we worked on had just recently been built. In fact, they still lacked flooring, appliances, plumbing, etc. We were put on exterior painting detail which was great because it was such a beautiful day. And truth be told it's probably best they didn't trust us with hammers!

It was a truly rewarding experience. When our work was done for the day, the Habitat team led us on a tour of the Lower 9th Ward as well as a tour of the neighborhood and homes we helped rebuild in 2006. To see those homes, some decorated for Halloween, being enjoyed by families years later is heart warming.

It was a day I will always remember and if I'm ever going to be back in New Orleans I would do it all again. Check out some of my photos!

Did you know that there are families in need of housing and help throughout Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties of New York?

For more information on how you can get involved, visit: Habitat for Humanity Dutchess County, Habitat for Humanity of Westchester, or Habitat for Humanity of Putnam County.