The HOME AGAIN! New Orleans program, a partnership of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Preservation Resource Center, is the beneficiary of a generous pledge of $300,000 from The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation. Over the next three years, the Mitchell Foundation grant will support the rehabilitation of homes in New Orleans’ historic neighborhoods, enabling homeowners to bridge the financial gap which could prevent them from completing their rehabilitation projects and returning home.
The commitment grew out of a visit to New Orleans in May by the son and daughter of George and Cynthia Mitchell and other foundation board members. Foundation president Meredith L. Dreiss and her brother Kent Mitchell met homeowners who had successfully returned to their homes thanks to the HOME AGAIN! program and heard stories of commitment and determination.
The Mitchells met Audrey Smith at her home on Deslonde Street in
Holy Cross and visited with Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Alexander on Spain Street in St. Roch. They also met the staff of the National Trust’s New
Orleans field office and the Preservation Resource Center. Meredith Dreiss said, “When I saw the devastation and talked to the homeowners who dreamed of rebuilding, I felt we just had to do more. Everyone in America who is able should help New Orleans.”
Mitchell Foundation support has already helped the HOME AGAIN! program to complete renovations of the Lawrence Weathersby house on Dauphine Street in Holy Cross. NOPD Officer Weatherby reports that his
mother will be moving into the house following its completion in the next few weeks.
Around the corner at 725 and 825 Lizardi Street, the Mitchell Foundation will make it possible for Calvin Young and Cynthia Rice to return to their
homes in Holy Cross.
