Students raise funds for Ninth Ward in New Orleans

When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans many residents were forced out of their homes.  Almost three years later, families from the lower ninth ward in New Orleans are still displaced.  SUNY Cobleskill students took notice when Brad Pitt began the “Make It Right” movement to rebuild in the ninth ward.  Resident assistants in both Dix and Draper Residence Halls teamed up to raise money for the cause with an event that showcased benêts, jazz music and king cake - things for which New Orleans is known.

Syd Bloom and Ellen Walker, resident hall directors for Dix and Draper, respectively, helped the students garner interest in Make It Right, by hosting an educational slideshow about the lower ninth ward, explaining its rich history with the "The Sophomore Experience Service Project" Making it Right 9.

“We wanted to do this because most of New Orleans is being rebuilt except for the ninth ward,” said Bloom. “We felt it is important to get involved in the process and help rebuild the area. The ninth ward has a rich history and is an important part of the New Orleans culture.”

The RAs teamed up and canvassed the campus going to each residence hall, asking students to donate money toward the cause. In all the students raised $440. Bloom and Walker contributed raffle prizes including t-shirts for Make It Right, where all of the money raised from the merchandise will go toward the project.

“We wanted to do an educational program that would enlighten the campus community,” said Bloom. “We thought this would be a great community service project.”

Make It Right began when Pitt visited the lower ninth ward in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and saw the entire neighborhood turned upside down.  Since then Pitt has worked with the residents to gain confidence their neighborhood would soon be rebuilt. He is working to rebuild the area not only so New Orleans will remain whole, but also to create affordable sustainable housing for residents.