The New Orleans Musicians Village

One of the more hopeful rehabilitiations in New Orleans has occured in the lower 9th ward, where a Musician's Village has been built. New Orleans is world-renowned for it's musical heritage, and after Katrina, many full-time, working, musicians were out of the job and without homes.

Here's a brief explanation of the the New Orleans Habitat Musician's Village is doing to fill that void:

Musicians’ Village, a cornerstone of the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH) post-Katrina rebuilding effort, is designed to both construct a community and preserve a culture. Conceived by New Orleans natives Harry Connick, Jr. and Branford Marsalis, Musicians’ Village will provide a home for both the artists who have defined the city’s culture and the sounds that have shaped the musical vernacular of the world.

The core idea behind Musicians’ Village is the establishment of a community for the city’s several generations of musicians and other families, many of whom had lived in inadequate housing prior to the catastrophe and remain displaced in its aftermath. A central part of this vision is the establishment of a focal point for teaching, sharing and preserving the rich musical tradition of a city that has been done so much to shape the art of the past century. The concept was quickly embraced by NOAHH, the organization that has developed a model for building single-family homes that low-income families may purchase with zero-interest financing. In keeping with its commitment to build not just homes but communities, NOAHH has given its support to an effort that redefines neighborhood revitalization.

The New Katrina Flood: Hospital Liability

Danielle has submitted this article from the New York Times regarding the long term health effects that have Katrina survivors. This has been especially true for the elderly who were subject to flooding hospitals and little care in the wake of the hurricane.

Katrina Cough...and the Health of Survivors

Joey has submitted this article about the long-term health effects of being exposed to the Katrina, especially among the elderly. Much of what designates the Katrina Cough is caused by overexposure to mold, a nearly universal problem for New Orleans' citizens once the flood waters left.

How Will NOLA Respond to the Oil Slick?

If you have been keeping up with the news, then you are well aware of the unprecendented environmental disaster that is currently threatening the Gulf Coast and an already battered New Orleans. The BP oil slick, is as of today, the size of Puerto Rico, and could continue to leak, and expand, for months. How will this affect the seafood industry, the tourism industry? What will the long-term environmental effects be? Here's an article about about how New Orleans' new mayor is planning to deal with the situation. And here's an audio interview with the CEO of British Pretroleum on how they plan to take full economic responsibility to clean up their mess.