SUBMISSION DATE: MARCH 2006

VOLUNTEER: Ingrid Franco

NOTES: During the week of the 12th we had several volunteers come into New Orleans to gut homes on their Spring Breaks. Since we were short on housing, the Sheraton Hotel generously donated 10 doubles for our volunteers.

Each evening we had a meeting to discuss our day and to answer any questions volunteers had. It was during one of those meetings that Miss Ingrid and other volunteers shared their thoughts with us.

.....Like my sister, Ivette Franco, we gutted a home today. It was sad to see the damages Katrina had left here in New Orleans. I didn't think it was as bad as it really is. Being that we live in the US, it is very hard to believe that not enough has been done here. It is really deviating.

I feel bad as well tearing down someone's home, knowing what they went through, but the fact that by us doing this we are giving hope to families to come back and rebuild. It is a rewarding feeling.

When I get home, I will definitely promote Relief Spark and hope others will come down.

Ingrid Franco
Rutgers University