Where we Worked

The house we repaired was a "double shotgun", a duplex about 26 feet wide by 70 feet long. The rooms are connected together without hallways, with the living room followed by the parlor, a bedroom, bath, bedroom, and finally a kitchen. It didn't make any sense to me why such a layout was used, since there is no privacy. Then we had a day of 80 degree weather, with a light breeze. With the front an back door open, every room was pleasant. There are few closets in this house. We were told that closets used to be taxed as rooms, so people didn't build them.



Matt and his wife Jewel own both sides of this house. Before Katrina, these two lived on one side, and his nearly grown children live in the other. The family cooked and ate on his side. Sounds like a great arrangement, and they look forward to returning to it. He made sure to rebuild both sides the same, so when his children move out, he can rent one side. He hopes to leave each child half the house, if they want it, when he and his wife are gone.



This family has put up with many trials after Katrina. They are dispersed with extended family throughout the region. Matt's job was displaced to Baton Rouge, and he hopes to transfer back to New Orleans. Their house and storage locker have been broken into several times, their belongings taken, even the copper water pipe they had installed under the house was stolen. I am amazed at the perseverance of Matt and Jewel. They are only two of the many strong, enduring, and tenacious people that make up New Orleans; people that are what I came to love most about this city.



Photo: Lunch break on the porch of Matt's house.