The Green Peugeot: Listen up, you.

coffee break 2, originally uploaded by dorywithserifs.

I went to New Orleans in January, leading a Hillel group through Jewish Funds for Justice to work with Rebuilding Together.

What that means is that me, my rad co-leader Getzel, and 24 CUNY undergrads went to New Orleans and rebuilt some houses. We heard from speakers, took tours, wandered the city, held reflection sessions, and learned to use power saws and what “fireblocking” is.

I’m going back this week. New group of participants, new building project, same city. Same issues.

I’m reading Hell or High Water this week to get ready. It’s unpacking what we mean when we say that Hurricane Katrina was a racial disaster. The chapter I’m on now is about the history of disaster management and why FEMA was so unable to really respond. It will feel good to have more answers, and more things to discuss on this upcoming trip.