Read below to hear from students who volunteered in Mississippi and New Orleans:
A student placing siding on a new home.
“It was the first day of the trip. We pulled up in front of Valarie's house. Valarie, the owner of the house, was sitting outside of her FEMA trailer awaiting our arrival. I then saw her mouth the words "oh my G-d." I immediately began to tear. She was so overjoyed with emotion. I did not anticipate having the reaction I had. I realized that I just made a difference, for Valarie and for myself. Knowing that we didn't forget her or New Orleans and that we as a Jewish people (and myself personally) can make a difference in this woman's life... a woman whom I had never even met before. It was a beautiful start to a beautiful meaningful Jewish experience.”
“The best part was the people. My school came with a relatively small number of kids and we really bonded and had a great time, but it was also really nice to get to know people from all over the country. I am also really glad that we got to meet and talk to locals who could tell us their experiences with Hurricane Katrina.”
“I think the most meaningful part of the trip to New Orleans was actually getting a chance to meet those affected personally by the Hurricane. We met the owners of the houses and parks we worked on and it made me feel more connected to the community down there.”
Preparing siding to protect this new home from the elements.
“The most memorable part of my alternative spring break was the satisfaction and the rewarding feeling of completing a house. Meeting the home owners and really looking at our success in gutting the houses was incredible.”
“The most memorable part of my alternative break experience in New Orleans was meeting different Jewish students from universities throughout the country with such diverse backgrounds. It was great learning about who they were and how different and alike we are.”
“I stopped working for a while on Thursday and I saw everybody working, not caring that they were tired. I saw the house, or what was left of the insides, and I remembered how it was when we got there the first day. The changes that a group of college students can affect in a week are tremendous.”